New Ferrari Owner dilemma

Hello everyone, new to the forum, to Ferrari but not to sports cars. I typically buy Porsche's and love them to death but I have a family member that is mad about Ferrari's and really pitched it well. So, I bought a 575m (a nice representation) and it broke down after driving 10 miles. That's right. Ten. Apparently something about the starter not retracting and tearing up the flywheel and clutch...I don't know. I got it fixed and it is sitting in the shop waiting to have the premium parts program parts installed on it and it will then go to get the classic designation. So, I've had this classic Ferrari for almost a year now and only driven it 10 miles....

About a month ago, I decided to buy a Portofino. It was a Ferrari NA press car and has a multitude of options on it and I was able to get it for a good price. I receive the vehicle in a couple of days. I originally purchased it instead of a different vehicle so I could drive the snot out of it every day but I just saw that my local dealership has a nicely optioned F12 for sale. I technically already have another daily driver in my 992 GT3 touring. I don't know if I should simply enjoy the Portofino for what it is or attempt to get another vehicle that is out of warranty but potentially (what many consider) a better car.

Part of me wants to get the F12 simply because it's going to be one of the last v12 ICE cars. I know that I would drive the Portofino more though. Also, I'll cut this one off at the pass and say that I can't have both. I won't sell my GT3 touring. I've owned every gt3 model since the 997.2 and this is the best one they've ever made.

Anyway...thoughts? comments?

-D

 

That's a fair and valid point. You're absolutely right. The answer is no one except it doesn't feel good when your peers ridicule you haha (*points to next quote*)

I expected this answer. I've wondered if its the good looks, the performance or the fact that it's a convertible that drives people to this statement.

I totally understand this sentiment. I guess the only reason against getting a wilder car is it would give me more of an excuse to drive my touring every day.
My 575m is by no means special for the model. It has a clean paint job and really well taken care of leather in it (I also got the leather re-stretched in the places that needed it). No sticky buttons either if you can believe that. The only reason I'm doing it is because the car is already in the shop and its been gone so long that whats a little extra time. I think the premium parts was around...25k or so to get done. I don't really remember if they put a price on getting the car validated. I guess to put it simply: I'm doing it because I can and I thought it would be fun to tell people when I show it to them.

 

You sir, could not be more correct. I've owned and driven a lot Porsche's not to mention all of the other cars I've had and it is by far the best one I've owned. Even out of the RS models I've driven I'd still rather have this one. I wish they would make a boat ton of these so that more people could own one. If someone could only could have one sports car in their garage, this should be it. Fortunately, most of us don't have to have just one.

I'm only speculating but I think I'd drive it more because it would not be as firm of a ride and more bump tolerant. Yep, the gt3 touring is wicked good fun. I got mine in boring gt silver with boring exclusive manufacture black on black leather, full leather for everything else and matte carbon. They killed a couple of steers for this one. It looks darn good.

 

Yeah, it wasn't inexpensive considering the overall value of what these cars are trading for. To make it worse, I paid a premium for this one because it had an extensive history and service record. In addition, when they pulled everything out to replace the flywheel and clutch I had them replace all of the sensors and magnets. From a mechanical perspective, there won't be much that is from the original car. The idea was to make it look and feel as new as it felt in 2002. I'd imagine that by the time they are done I'll have the msrp cost of the vehicle in it. The cost in 2002...not today's dollars. Honestly, I think it is one of the most beautiful cars. The shape just speaks to me.

 

I haven't made my decision yet. I was just simply trying to understand what makes it a 'chicks car'. I just think it's interesting how a vehicle gets labeled and why. The horsepower and torque numbers are respectable. Not crazy but well above what you need on the street. The suspension was set up to be compliant for the street. It's good looking and you can enjoy nice weather in it. Does being easy to drive in relation to other Ferrari's make it a chicks car?

 

I think a lot of people option racing buckets because they like the idea of them but then realize they aren't for them. I really like sapphire blue. It's a great color. I write that my touring is in a boring color but it really does look sharp with the ceramic tint, black calipers and black interior. I really enjoy driving and staring at it. It seems like I always do a double take when I leave the car.

You make a great point on the F12. I don't know how many they made so I don't know how much choice I'd have if I waited for a different one. I think once I get this Portofino in this weekend I'll drive it around, jump in a family members 812 and drive it then decide if I want to drive the F12. I know that once I drive the F12 I probably won't be able to get out of the seat without getting my wallet out.

 

I had reservations about it as well and expressed those sentiments to the dealer. He assured me that they don’t give them to just any one and that Ferrari is particular about how they are used. As a new owner I can only take his word for it. The nice thing is that it still has 3 years left of warranty and it is a certified vehicle.

Have you had experiences that go against what he’s told me?

 

A wise man once told me: Sports cars are like girlfriends. Why would you save them for the next guy?

 

So if I understand this correctly: men enjoy the F12 and women enjoy the Portofino. Which would you rather have flock to your vehicle at the grocery store?

 

I see. Well, it sounds like if I enjoy the car when it arrives and decide to keep it then I should flip it for another Ferrari in two years so that someone else will have a year left on the warranty.