I have an older Ferrari and an older Viper and I love both. In this case I like the the front third of the new Viper and the rear 2/3 of the F12 better.
For what it's worth, I'm cautiously optimistic about the F12, but the new Viper still looks like a Viper. That said, it SHOULD look like a Viper. That's why I dream of Ferrari's but wouldn't throw a Viper out of the garage.
For those that get the Official Ferrari Magazine, there is a nice article about the design story of the F12. There are interesting pictures showing different design ideas being done in full scale clay models. One thing which occurred to me while looking at the Magazine was a realization of how much thought and planning goes into every style change. The design language of the current Ferrari models is pretty coherent. For example, the front face of Ferrari is a central egg crate grill with smaller trapezoidal inlets on either side. The DNA of that face can be seen in the FF, F12, and Cali. The 458 doesn't have the eggcrate, though. Instead of large vents, prominent crease lines, both single and double, are the major design feature along the front 1/4 panel, doors, and 3/4 panel. Rocker panels are equally more understated with much smaller openings compared to the 360/430. Single round taill ights replace the double round look. On the interior, a flying bridge, first introduced with the Cali, then appearing in the FF and now F12, accents the central tunnel space. In the 458, the smaller center console/ tunnel, although not flying has a rounded arch shape which ties it to the current designs. The ventilation ports have been updated and carried over across the current model line. Interior seating is larger and more sculptured Whether you like the current design or not, I respect the work of the designers. For those who dont care for the current models- at least you can be sure that a whole set of new designs are in the works for the next generation of Ferrari models.
to me there are no doubts...i can´t even compare both cars. The F12 it´s an amazing car, one of tyhe best looking ferraris i have ever seen, to me it´s even better than the 458. I loved the 550, than the 599 but the f12 it´s to me even better. As for the viper, i really can´t say anything good about it.....it´s an amalgam of lines and designs, the older version was far more coherent than this one....sorry but i just don´t like it.
In my opinion, they are both attractive cars. I believe you have to see the cars in person to get a good sense of proportion, "weight" of different features and overall size. The 599, to me, is a great looking car. Other friends dislike the looks. But, to me it is "big" in the flesh. It is about ten years since I have driven a Viper (at a Skip Barber event). Lots of go. But also "big" and had a "cheap" interior with a massive speaker system which I found off putting. The new one, as some others have remarked looks, to me, like a major step forward. Jim posed, I think, an interesting question about visual appeal. To me, the question is more about the ownership experience. Both in the garage, which would you tend to drive more often? Which puts a bigger smile on your face? Which feels like more of an event when you sit in it and you smell the leather, sense the tactile feel of the surfaces and so on. Whether that is worth a $200-300k up charge the market will answer. Facing that decision, test driving both would be a tough day at the office, no? Philip P.S., In the photograps, i think the 8c looks better than either too
F12 for me. I miss the viper-ish looking front of the first Viper. The new one looks too soft, bet it's a hell of a beast and a joy to ride, but I would prefer any Fcar over it.
This question is not fair on this site. Having owned both Ferrari and Viper they are two totally different cars. I like the Viper body change. The old front looked out of balance and reminded me of a billboard. The F12 is not a design improvement. Why a Nike side. I prefer my 550. Exterior and interior
After voting for Viper. I have looked again at both pictures, and I find both cars to be very ugly. The question was: Which looks better to you? I must say the Ferrari.
This is somewhat comparing apples and oranges. The F12 is very contemporary, fresh, and edgy to me. Both are muscular. The Viper is what it is, another Viper, and as others have said, somewhat of a hodge-podge, and still wanting to be similar to the original Viper. It's good looking ... for a Viper. (Caddyshack: Pool, pond ... The pond would be good for you.) I do think cost should be left out of this discussion. Jim wanted to know which looked better. Another way of asking, is what if you did not know the manufacturer or heritage of either? If you had never seen a Viper, and had never seen a Ferrari, and knew nothing about either company. Which looks better? That would be an interesting question. With perhaps no clear winner. But make mine an F12 ...
I was really worried about the new SRT Viper release...after taking an '03 SRT-10 'vert out for the day I was in love with the brutal-ness of the car (and looks) and worried it'd all be ruined with the new release. Glad to say I think they did a fantastic job on the new Viper, and thus I choose it. I still feel like my favourite Ferrari's looks-wise were the 328, 355, F40 etc era, so I can't say i'm a huge fan of the F12 - although I feel they're "getting there". Plus, with no manual transmission....sorry.... Then again that's me and i'm a funny guy! My fave pic attached... Image Unavailable, Please Login
I been looking at this new viper on the web which seems to be getting better (at least for me), finding out that the seats were made and being used by the same vendor as Ferrari. The leather interior with the stitching and not to mention the launch control on the steering wheel with the LCD screen identifiying presures and so forth (sorta like the GTR but not over the top), and the selection of stability control. I believe this car may be a game changer for Viper. I wonder if there is any passion in that V-10 like that of the Ferrari engines? It is hard to beat the high reving Ferrari engine. The purchase price is a factor when comparing the F12 to the new viper. All i know is that I had a blast with my 2008 Viper (it is very rude car that has no manors). I think this 2013 Viper my be worthy of a test drive.
The design of the Viper looks like every styling feature was an after thought. They found out it needed cooling ducts so they pasted them on. In fact I would choose the Alfa over the Viper due to its cleaner flowing un-interupted lines.
But they just dont compare in styling-something is always missing -hard to say exactly what that something is,I have a celicaGT 2003 with a wing-wouldnt trade it for either though technically it really doesnt compare. Its ok to smirk.
The F12 is black magic. It amazes me that others are not brought to their knees as I am by this gorgeous automobile.
F12-----No comparison whatsoever. When I saw the title of this thread I thought it was a joke.......... Forza, Cavallini
I personally think Gen 2 was their best effort. I liked Gen 1 a lot when I first saw it but Gen 2 seemed more like a real car and not a gimmick like the Prowler. Poor Prowler -- really interesting concept but with no balls under the hood for the Hot Rodder to love.
Drama is a really good way of putting it. The F12 just has some kind of visual message that's "get the hell outta my way" with that Great White Shark grill.
I love the Viper, but to be honest, I would buy a 2008-2010 convertible. This new car looks nice and pretty, but that's not what a Viper is about. The previous car looks like the sledge hammer it is. The interior is rubbish but I actually think that's part of the charm. They sound like crap stock but Hennesey has a great sounding exhaust and can easily get the power up (as if you need it). It's tough to find a car with more character for 70k. That being said, I personally think the F12 is spectacular. And the best part - as it should be - is the motor. Epic. But its a silly comparo: I can easily afford a Viper, I couldn't pay the sales tax on the F12.
