Hmmmm, do I want an F12?
Discussion
Hi folks. Just rejoined Pistonheads. Was very active here some years ago when I had TVR after TVR after TVR. Anyway, that world has moved on and I am now looking for my next car. I started some months ago considering an F12 versus a Lamborghini Huracan Performante versus a McLaren 720s. All rather different cars but for whatever reason that was my shortlist!
I quickly ruled out the McLaren (very, very VERY fast car but not much else grabbed me - and the dealer service was appalling). At the time I couldn't get a drive in an F12 (I live in Scotland and there were zero cars for sale then), so I largely forgot about the F12 and concentrated on the Performante.
My local Lambo dealer was really brilliant and gave me a demonstrator for a couple of days and I absolutely loved it. They then invited me to Millbrook and I got to thrash the car around all the different circuits there. So I told myself I am buying a Performante. The time wan't quite right then and 6 or so months have now passed and I am ready to buy. Performante prices have come down too so I'm happy about that. BUT, now that I am getting ready to pull the trigger the F12 has firmly come back to mind.
Of course I know they are completely different cars but I'm sure I would be happy with either. There's an F12 for sale near me so I will likely check it out next week but thought I would post this to see if anyone on here has (or has had) both and can share their ownership thoughts.
Cheers.
I quickly ruled out the McLaren (very, very VERY fast car but not much else grabbed me - and the dealer service was appalling). At the time I couldn't get a drive in an F12 (I live in Scotland and there were zero cars for sale then), so I largely forgot about the F12 and concentrated on the Performante.
My local Lambo dealer was really brilliant and gave me a demonstrator for a couple of days and I absolutely loved it. They then invited me to Millbrook and I got to thrash the car around all the different circuits there. So I told myself I am buying a Performante. The time wan't quite right then and 6 or so months have now passed and I am ready to buy. Performante prices have come down too so I'm happy about that. BUT, now that I am getting ready to pull the trigger the F12 has firmly come back to mind.
Of course I know they are completely different cars but I'm sure I would be happy with either. There's an F12 for sale near me so I will likely check it out next week but thought I would post this to see if anyone on here has (or has had) both and can share their ownership thoughts.
Cheers.
I’ve never driven a Lambo. I have driven both my 458 Spider and F12 all over Europe so maybe my views on the differences between the two might help your decision (mid engined sportscar vs front engined GT). I’m assuming the Lambo will have similar characteristics to the 458 for the purposes of my post.
They’re completely different cars...
Which feels the most special?
The f12. Just getting in it makes me grin. It feels special, it feels like a top end car should feel. The phrase ‘what a thing’ constantly rattles round my head when I’m in it. I’m sat in a cafe typing this and it’s making me smile to think about it. Hahaha, epic.
Driving
The 458. The turn in makes me giggle like a 5 year old fat kid that just found a stash of cream cakes. Attacking a mountain pass is a joy. Steering on the throttle is so intuitive in race mode or above you don’t even think about it. It’s the most connected, seamless drive I’ve known. It feels like you’re driving just the cockpit and nothing exists in front of the windscreen or behind you.
By contrast the F12 feels bigger and you’re very aware of the huge bonnet.
I’m quicker point to point in the 458 (based on trips across the alps and dolomites).
Ownership
Not much difference really. I’m unaware of warranty etc on the Lambo? Only 4 years paint warranty on the Ferraris and I believe it’s longer on the Lambo? I’ve had aluminium corrosion, although minor and now sorted, on both the 458 and f12. Both my cars have done 20000 miles ish and I’ve had no other problems of note.
Public reaction
If you’re interested in this kind of thing then I’ll just say the public like open cars. I think this is also affected by the fact that a lot of people have no idea what an f12 is (someone said ‘nice California’ to me once. I buried them in the woods.
Purpose
If you want a Supercar to play out in and maybe visit the mountains in with friends, get the Lambo. If my assumptions are correct and it drives like a mid engined car should, do the Brenner and Jaufen passes from Innsbruck to Italy, epic.
If you want a rapid, upmarket, spectacular GT to take your partner out in and maybe tour Europe stopping in nice hotels etc, get the f12. Waft down the west coast of Italy, Portofino, Amalfi, and up through Florence.
Hope that helps. Not a direct comparison of cars but of car types. I think the purpose you want it for is key myself.
They’re completely different cars...
Which feels the most special?
The f12. Just getting in it makes me grin. It feels special, it feels like a top end car should feel. The phrase ‘what a thing’ constantly rattles round my head when I’m in it. I’m sat in a cafe typing this and it’s making me smile to think about it. Hahaha, epic.
Driving
The 458. The turn in makes me giggle like a 5 year old fat kid that just found a stash of cream cakes. Attacking a mountain pass is a joy. Steering on the throttle is so intuitive in race mode or above you don’t even think about it. It’s the most connected, seamless drive I’ve known. It feels like you’re driving just the cockpit and nothing exists in front of the windscreen or behind you.
By contrast the F12 feels bigger and you’re very aware of the huge bonnet.
I’m quicker point to point in the 458 (based on trips across the alps and dolomites).
Ownership
Not much difference really. I’m unaware of warranty etc on the Lambo? Only 4 years paint warranty on the Ferraris and I believe it’s longer on the Lambo? I’ve had aluminium corrosion, although minor and now sorted, on both the 458 and f12. Both my cars have done 20000 miles ish and I’ve had no other problems of note.
Public reaction
If you’re interested in this kind of thing then I’ll just say the public like open cars. I think this is also affected by the fact that a lot of people have no idea what an f12 is (someone said ‘nice California’ to me once. I buried them in the woods.
Purpose
If you want a Supercar to play out in and maybe visit the mountains in with friends, get the Lambo. If my assumptions are correct and it drives like a mid engined car should, do the Brenner and Jaufen passes from Innsbruck to Italy, epic.
If you want a rapid, upmarket, spectacular GT to take your partner out in and maybe tour Europe stopping in nice hotels etc, get the f12. Waft down the west coast of Italy, Portofino, Amalfi, and up through Florence.
Hope that helps. Not a direct comparison of cars but of car types. I think the purpose you want it for is key myself.
F12
A black f12 passed me on the motorway it looked gorgeous and sounded immense
The hurucan performante looks just like a hurucan apart from the wing I can’t tell them apart if I’m honest!
If it was my money it would be on the f12! Financially a better place to put your money than the McLaren (if 12c are at 70-80k 650s can be had for 110-115k then you can bet the 720 will gradually get there over the next few yrs)
F12 all day long
A black f12 passed me on the motorway it looked gorgeous and sounded immense
The hurucan performante looks just like a hurucan apart from the wing I can’t tell them apart if I’m honest!
If it was my money it would be on the f12! Financially a better place to put your money than the McLaren (if 12c are at 70-80k 650s can be had for 110-115k then you can bet the 720 will gradually get there over the next few yrs)
F12 all day long
Gassing Station | Ferrari V12 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff