So what are the actual differences? When I mentioned to a very knowledgeable friend that I was thinking of an FF, he said no, I really want a GTC4 Lusso. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to continue the conversation... so why would I want that? Keep in mind, I'm looking for a higher mile example that I can put lots of miles on, drive in snow, take skiing, and generally beat up.
When I bought my FF in 2019, I test drove a GTC4 Lusso. I think structually and mechanically the cars are almost identical. From an aesthetics standpoint I much prefer the exterior of the FF. I didn't care for the shark fins on the quarter panels nor the indentation on the hood, and the rear was not quite as clean. I did prefer the interior of the Lusso. However, at the time the Lusso was a full $100K more than the FF. Just wasn't worth the extra money to me.
The price gap seems to be pretty large. I imagine they will converge pretty soon, and all be priced more or less the same, but that is probably a few years out. I'm interested in a lower-end FF (ideally around $100k) unless there is a really compelling reason to pay extra for a GTC4 Lusso.
First off, V8 or V12 for the Lusso? The V8 is RWD only, V12 4WD. I've only driven the V12 and it has gobs of power but it's rather quiet. The Lusso will be much more modern/refined as its the evolution of the FF. I know the Lusso makes for a good daily, my old boss daily drove his rain, snow, even took it down some dirt roads That being said considering the large price gap I can see why you'd lean towards the FF; you wont be displeased with either. Drive them both, 90% of the deal is the feel of the wheel.
I'm not certain of this but I believe the FF has hydraulic steering and the Lusso has Electric steering also the Lusso has a fairly early adaptation of rear wheel steering that some people don't care for I also believe the Lusso has more sound dampening or something with the exhaust makes it quieter, but to me the FF is already quiet unless you get an aftermarket exhaust system and replace the cats with something less restrictive
FF has a better interior with more leather bits (more substantial sun visors and full leather door sills), nicer finished aluminum (though the Lusso aluminum is nice too but it looks more plasticky). Lusso has much faster and better infotainment, smoother transmission, much quieter A/C (FF is VERY loud when you turn the fan up) and rear wheel steering. Lusso exhaust is a bit quieter than FF especially on cold start but there is no more sound insulation because there’s still plenty of tire noise. TLDR the FF is more crude all around, for better and worse.
Massive difference when hustling the car in turns, either tight or sweeper. FF is a very heavy handful. Lusso V12 is more agile, especially for its weight, though both still suffer from understeer at the limit due to the narrower front tires and packaging restrictions. Lusso EPAS vs FF hydraulic steering is not a massive difference. Neither are particularly feel-some. Both are over assisted like all modern Ferrari’s. The best handling shooting brake is the Lusso V8 because of the lack of 4WD and the reduced weight on the nose, but you obviously trade an NA V12 for a TT V8.
My 2015 FF felt very much the rough cousin of the V12 Lusso i had delivered in 2017. Much more refined and better finished but as said before muck quieter and I also preferred the bonnet bulge of the FF but preferred the rear end of the Lusso. The Lusso spooled up more willingly and felt more up together but unfortunately it was written off i a head on crash (not my fault). The production run had finished so couldn't replace it with another V12 and the used market had nothing that suited my specification demands so looked at a V8. Not expecting to really prefer it I was amazed at how agile it felt plus noticeably more responsive due to the extra low down torque. Handling is crisp and now it has 23,000 miles on the clock the engine is as sweet as any i have enjoyed. The sound isn't as good but still enjoyable and the fuel consumption on my runs to Italy are around the 24mpg cruising at 90+ with the odd squirt up to 6 months in jail speed. The hidden bonus is that the engine is just under 4ltr which will, so I've been reliably informed, be our governments upper size limit for the green agenda before punitive road tax kicks in to be in line with many other countries. Would i order a V8 over a V12 new if I Could now............Probably not. Would I change my V8 for a used V12 now...................Probably not Hope that helps.
I chose the Lusso for better exterior looks and significantly more modern and refined interior both visually and functionally. The v12 was noisy and a treat. Handling was mixed bag with some unnatural feel. Car is heavy in canyons and very under braked; I recall not a lot of confidence in 9/10’s spirited driving. Reminder the ptu concerns. And of course all the normal little Ferrari gremlins which loved to pop up. Car is low, will snow plow via the front lip depending on where you live. At least with the snow I get. Wouldn’t stop me from wanting another! side note - two days ago saw broken down white one on 205 bridge over water next to PDX. Flatbed pulling up.
Interesting! I wonder if that is Arun's old one, minus the wrap, which was just on BaT? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2014-ferrari-ff-20/ I'm surprised to hear that the car is under braked-- I feel that the 612 has massive brakes, and I've personally run lap after lap at PIR with insane speeds and braking, and absolutely no fade or anything. Is the FF that much heavier, or are the brakes smaller? Also, was there ever a front axle lift option for the FF or GTC4?
IDK those answers. I had my Lusso12 thru the Malibu and SB Mountains as covid lockdown started, nobody on the back canyon roads. I wrote at the time of my experiences, and the brakes were the overriding concern when pushing very hard in full attack mode. If you are anything less than full-on, the brakes are not an issue. Turn in was a bit unnatural as others have noted. But otherwise, fun car. I like the wrapped FF that is listed in these FCHAT ads. Be a fun SoCal cruiser when visiting there again, and good dealer support network nearby for the gremlins.
I definitely have not found the FF under-braked, although I will say that two things greatly impact initial bite (which instills confidence in twisties): 1) if you do a lot of stop and go driving in the city (the FF is good at this, so it is excusable) you will likely get glazing on the pads -- you need to perform a deglaze procedure (read: a few high speed braking applications with enough of a cool down after to keep the ceramics healthy); 2) make sure your car receives a brake fluid change every other year -- it greatly improves feel. Don't forget to change your blinker fluid while you're in there!
No, the brakes are more than adequate on the FF. The front rotors are larger than the 612 rotors. My 2015 has the front lift option. I don't know its availability on any other years.
FF and get an exhaust and pioneer/sony infotainment. Lusso is too soft and doesnt look as sharp as the FF. 42k miles since new and FF brakes are amazing.
It’s a ~4200lb 2+2. It’s not going to handle like a sports car. That said, a can’t name very many other 4000lbs+ cars that handle as well as a Lusso.
Seems like people love the FF sports car the most. Enjoy, there are many out there to sample. FWIW the M5 is close in weight, and the new one even more. Crazy.
compared to my AMG wagon, the Lusso is under braked. I would assume it's that big v12 with all its weight in the front...
my 2013 thats for sale has the lift... always an option I believe... fun fact, it actually lifts both front and rear axles not just the front
Well that's something I didn't know. I've never had to use the lift function to navigate a sharp angle. I've tried it to see the front lift, but I never noticed that the rear also moved up. I'll have to pay attention next time.
Thats interesting, I wouldn’t have necessarily thought it. Saw new M3 today is nearly same weight also, depending on config.
