For those who know, how do you compare the F12 and the 599 GTO?
I have not driven both, just the F12. I suspect the difference is that the GTO is the final evolution of the 599 where every element has been maxed within its limits and thus provide a hardcore experience, whereas the F12 is at the start of its life cycle and offers more performance but in a more civilised and less hardcore manner, more of a hyper GT, but still with much development potential. Not dissimilar to a Scud and a 458? At some stage during its evolution I am sure the F12 will be developed into more of a GTO like experience.
My F12 comes in May and will be able to give you a better analysis then, but I think Traveller has probably summed it up well. Both are very different cars with different intentions and so in a sense it's comapring apples with oranges. Frankly in terms of pure raw driving experience and pleasure I do not expect the F12 to be anywhere near that of the GTO. The only common link that I can see is that they are both front engined V12's, and that is where the similarity ends.