After a few months of owning an FF

I have owned many Ferraris and currently have a 296, 246 and an FF. They all give me great pleasure in different ways. The two non-vintage Ferraris are interesting to compare. The 296 is nothing short of a miracle but there are actually things I prefer about the FF. First, the sound. I thought the 296 sounded great in the 1 1/2 years I owned it, until I drove the FF. I have owned many V12 Ferraris (Daytona, 330GTC and 365GTC). After driving the FF, all I hear are the turbos wining on the 296. It does not sound bad, but I don't think it is "the little V12" as some factory workers have coined it. Advantage FF. The steering the 296 is very precise but does not have the feel of the FF. The 296 has the shortest stopping distances ever tested by Road and Track but the pedal feel is much higher and more firm on the FF (almost Porsche Turbo like). The Maranello magicians have made the power delivery (between the battery, engine and turbos) fairly linear, until you drive the FF. The torque is consistent at all driving RPMs. The 296 has little if any underrating and you hear every piece of gravel. The FF rides over them without noise or disruption. The ride in general is very firm on the 296 and supple while remaining firm on the FF. I drive the FF everywhere but only take the 296 on "special occasions". while I take the FF to the store, the doctors office etc. I take both cars rallies and drive them like I stole them. They are both very, very competent and fun. My wife finds the FF much more engaging. She says you really have to pay attention and drive this car. In about a month I will put snow tires on the FF and drive it all winter in Tahoe. I can't wait to hit some twisties with my friends in their Dakars, Integrales etc. It has opened a six month period of fun driving that you cannot do with many really fun cars. One last thought. I LOVE my 296 and have a Speciale allocation which I am very excited about but will likely put 10X more miles on the FF over the next decade. Just had to get that all off my chest.

 

One additional thought is that the FF is a gas hog (probably under 10mpg with spirited driving). The 296 is like a Honda (gets 47mpg on the highway).