Going from FF to F12 | FerrariChat

Going from FF to F12

Discussion in 'F12/812' started by mjeagent, May 1, 2015.

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  1. mjeagent

    mjeagent Karting

    Aug 17, 2012
    119
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Debating going from my 2012 FF to a 2014 F12. Wondering if it's worth the jump. I only ask because I went through a disappointing situation with an S65. Loved my S63 and thought for sure going to an S65 would be twice as good. Boy was I wrong. Granted I will be moving up two years in MY. But, curious if this will be a similar case where I think going from my FF to an F12 will be a night and day difference when in all reality it might not be. Anyone with experience/insight on going from FF to F12.
     
  2. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

    Nov 7, 2011
    6,114
    Three Places
    More power, a bit more nimble ... but less practical, no-all-weather capability. Both these cars are about the V12. A variation on a theme not night-and-day difference.
     
  3. bobhitch

    bobhitch Formula Junior

    Jun 28, 2014
    324
    UK
    Full Name:
    Bob
    Agreed
     
  4. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,488
    I don't see how you can make a comparison.

    S63->S65 is a step in the same model.

    In the Ferrari product matrix, the FF represents the V12 GT model and the F12 represents the V12 sports car model. They have different missions.

    I think you would be best served figuring out what you like best about the FF and also what causes you to consider a change. Then decide if the F12 will be the right choice for you.
     
  5. dry4re

    dry4re Formula Junior

    Mar 29, 2005
    487
    AZ
    No real difference in design between an s63 or 65, but that definitely is not true of the FF vs. F12.
     
  6. simsko

    simsko F1 Rookie

    Feb 5, 2012
    3,635
    +1
     
  7. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,598
    virginia usa
    WHile I don't down an FF I have driven one and it is a great car but I do own the F12 and I think they are totally different cars and built for different purposes .. You will have to decide what you llke about the FF and what doesn't matter.. IF you want a true high performance GT that will go like H*** then the F12 may be your car. on the other hand if you need the all shell drive and back seat the choice is obvious...
    best of luck
     
  8. MARMIST

    MARMIST Formula 3

    Jul 1, 2014
    1,338
    mjeagent, first of all, I am VERY interested in which problems you had with the S65, PLEASE.

    Second, the FF is a magnificent car u can use ALL YEAR AROUND. If you live in countries where winter shows off, forget about using the F12 with safey on snow or very rainy periods. The FF guarantees awesome performance with 10 times more safety.

    If you dont see snow and are not concernced about rain, the F12 is more powerful.

    I'd stay FF. More usability.
     
  9. Entropy

    Entropy Formula 3
    Owner

    Jul 10, 2008
    2,149
    We've owned and driven our 2013 FF and only put 7K miles before we recently traded it, waiting on our 2015 FF within a few weeks. Also have owned an F12, and now a Speciale (so I can sort of compare). I've also driven all of these types on track.

    A few thoughts, aside from each of the cars is phenomenal and the F12 is downright over the top with power...

    People keep touting the "all-weather" capability of the FF. It's true, but I think Ferrari mis-marketed this car when they launched it in the snow on a mountain. What honestly convinced us to buy the FF was driving it on a race track. Of course, it IS better in questionable grip conditions (I contend the 4RM is the best "AWD" technology in any car). However, it's an astonishing performance car that is also usable and practical. "Low grip" doesn't just occur in snow and rain, there are situations on dry roads where the FF can perform and/or otherwise save your bacon. Most people don't really "get on" their cars, but you should try and autocross in an FF....people might giggle before the 4RM and torque make the car fly.

    My wife drives it the most, we have 2 young girls, and tend to do a number of mini-road trips each year. It is the ultimate GT. Obviously, the rear seats are a/the most relevant point if you need to seat more than 2 people.

    The F12 is a GT car with a monster of an engine. The chassis itself isn't that "edgier". I would describe it as a RWD-only, FF coupe (if that makes sense), albeit with a pretty sexy body design. The difference is the engine, both in ultimate output as well as behavior. It's also lighter than the FF, and tuned a bit edgier. A key lesson for the F12 is you need to be careful about how much you tap into that power. In that regard, similar to a Corvette...if you know what you're doing, or drive sensibly, it's fine.

    In the end, your choice can be based on logic, emotion, or some combination. We love the FF and obviously are getting another one. It's THAT usable. There is no right, or wrong, choice.
     
  10. rmitchell248

    rmitchell248 Formula 3

    May 26, 2013
    1,071
    Nürburg
    Full Name:
    Robert
    Man they really are two completely different cars. The F12 is a great two person GT but with a family, you need the FF.

    I want a car that I could take the kids to school in and the FF is the only way to do that in a Ferrari year round rain, sun or snow. I shopped a long time and drove everything out there. The FF came back as the least economical yet the only one to fit the bill. The F12 is a great car, I love it but could never be a replacement for the FF..... At least for 15 or so years.
     
  11. patekswiss

    patekswiss Formula 3

    Mar 31, 2014
    1,174
    New York City
    Full Name:
    Lorenzo
    The FF will give you nine-tenths of an F12, probably more than that in most situations. If you want an F12, don't expect double the performance, because that's not going to happen. It's taking it up a noticeable notch from an already extremely high level, but that's it. If practicality is an issue, the amount of it you lose by substituting the F12 for the FF may well be the decisive factor -- four seats and 4WD make a big difference. In that case, stick with the FF -- or go F12 and buy something like an Audi to be the family truckster.
     
  12. ferr9000

    ferr9000 Formula Junior

    Feb 13, 2013
    835
    Full Name:
    SFF
    This info may be usefull for your decision:
    FF facelift is under development right now and thats the reason why the track focused F12 development is a bit delayed.(FF facelift is the priority for ferrari).Probably wait for the new FF to make a better decision
    Good luck
     
  13. mjeagent

    mjeagent Karting

    Aug 17, 2012
    119
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Thanks everyone for your input. I think I'll stick with the FF mainly because we are a family of 5 with 3 small boys so the backseat is quite mandatory. Also, the market for 2012's is extremely soft right now with dealers offering in the $170s for my 2012 with 4,000 miles.
     
  14. galt

    galt Formula 3
    Owner

    Jun 19, 2005
    1,141
    Would like to hear your thoughts comparing the Speciale driving experience to the f12 experience?
     
  15. cortwagner

    cortwagner Karting

    Aug 25, 2006
    55
    Los Angeles
    email me when you can, I meed to do the reverse switch as I now have a family. [email protected]

    I have not driven the FF but I can unequivocally say, the F12 is the fastest, most comfortable, talk on the cell phone, out run an an Aventador, supple riding, crazy motored car I have ever had, and like all of us on this forum, I have had a bunch.

    Cheers.
     

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