Sorry but there is no design correlation between these two cars. Rear overhang, rear deck slope, slats, rear quarter light, key lines, front overhang, waist line, roof line, windscreen angle, A-pillar to front axle proportions, overall balance…all completely different. The only thing resembling is the basic proportions (long bonnet, cab rear) that all Ferrari front V12 2 seater cars share. The only detail they share is a comparatively high bonnet line ahead of the A-pillar, lending a heavy look to that area. A weak feature on both cars. Not present on the 275’s predecessor or the F12’s successor. It’s one reason I preferred 812 at launch and still do today. And 250 is just simply nicer than a 275 IMO.
Have your seeing eye dog review this. He'll spy the design correlation and advise you accordingly. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Really? An inch, or two, here and there make a difference? BTW, that's all down to different bumper and wheel arches dimensions, not basic architectural differences. They have the exact same wheelbase and tracks, which are the metrics of a car's architecture, and the exact same dry weight.
The 812 rear is horrendous. The door panels look like they were already in an accident. The flaps and gills around the sides and body are tasteless. The rear appears like the quarter panels are from another car trying to consume it. The superb slope of the engine under the hood is gone and we have an unnecessary and gauche V12 logo added. It is typical example of Manzoni destroying a timeless PF design. All my opinion but there it is.
That’s a different car. TDF has a few clear influences from 275 but look at the basic shape, stance. Still different. They simply added a few features to be found on 275 (250 GTO also) to the very un-similar F12 platform. They used the no/small rear quarter light approach and added vertical slats plus a kicked-up Kamm tail-type rear. Mostly they did the slats to relieve rear wheel arch pressure whereas the 275 rear slats are for a different purpose. The Kamm-style rear is clearly for added downforce and the quarter light change is to make the vented rear arches work aesthetically. All nicely logical, producing by far the best looking F12 version and an absolute classic. I don’t claim any design expertise and a different eye sees a different thing, but I just don’t see a link between F12 Berlinetta and 275. There is so much made of F12 = pininfarina = beautiful and 812 = not pininfarina = not F12 = ugly. It’s simply rubbish in my view. 812 is a gorgeous car, as is F12. I personally prefer 812, which is why we went on and bought three of them but no F12. I clearly know others think differently and that’s fine. It would be quite easy to buy an F12, there are plenty of really nice ones around at reasonable cost but the TDF is such a beauty and the 812 drives so much better, there’s no point for me. I would love to own a TDF to put alongside the comp but there’s just too many cars. It’s probably just one I’ll never get around to. Absolutely fantastic car though, right from the moment Kimi shot smoke through those rear arches 20ft into the air I was convinced!
275 over 250, F12 over 812 all day long. F12 TDF peak Ferrari for me and will be my last Ferrari Purchase and only Ferrari in the Garage.
The design inspiration for the F12 is the 250 swb, not the 275 as written. On the other hand, the inspiration for the 275 is the 550 Maranello ! It's factual because on the original sketches
Very different cars the 250 and 275. You can tell 50’s v 60’s styling. The 275 looks heavier and like a boat. Has a flat stance whereas 250 has a prone stance like many more aggressive modern cars. 275 is svelte but too heavy amidships I have always felt. I followed one on the MM tribute for half a day so got to know the shape and the way the car moves quite well. They’re all special but the 275 is definitely my least favourite of the old classics. You can definitely see 550 in 275. Not so sure about 250 and F12 but the stance is certainly more similar. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Such threads always turn into pointless assertions of personal opinion. I can not agree with the most of the opinions here, but I know very well my perspective may be the exact opposite of someone else's, so really there can be no discussion when it comes to what is beauty and what are good proportions, except if the difference is night and day, which clearly isn't the case with the 812 and f12. For me the F12 is by far the more beautiful car and by absolutely no means it looks dated, however, I truly believe to some of the guys, who say they are seeing it exactly the other way around. This is how different people are from each other, so it's really a pointless conversation...
The OP asked about the cars though, not their aesthetics. Anyone who has eyes can judge looks on their own. It always amazes me when a discussion about cars (which are supposed to be driving machines) degenerates into personal opinions about "beauty".
When maneuvering a car through tight urban settings a couple inches added to each dimension of a car can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel getting around. To put it in perspective a couple inches in each direction is the same difference between a modern 911 and an F12. It’s also one of the things that potential buyers don’t always get to experience or get a feel for before buying, which is why I think it’s an important metric. Depending on where you live there can be places that make the exact size of a car feel very apparent.
Except that car discussions encapsulates ALL the variables and attributes, looks being very high on the list for most people. In the 2023 APPEAL study, USA based, Jag and Range Rover topped all luxury brands, despite being poor driving machines, poor reliability, resale value, etc. Looks? Image? played a role.
Must be a slow news period with this thread resurrection! For what it’s worth, I don’t see much, if any point in comparing the mechanicals of an F12 and an 812. They are GT cars, not track cars. And in this role, on the public highway, both are more than capable of providing awesome experiences. So ultimately; the deciding factors come down to two simple things looks and money. F12 is cheaper and will likely depreciate less than an 812 in the near term. Both look great - but clearly appeal to different crowds. Neither are investment grade cars. Buy and enjoy - there are no wrong answers when being in the fortunate position to have either!
