Lusso V8 vs V12

[kbf1981]

Aside from the £30k difference in price, is there any reason to go for the V8 over the V12? Seems to be 20-30k between them second hand which is not massive... The V8 is billed as more fun to drive, has anyone driven both and is able to describe the difference? Thanks if so!

[LiveOnce]

I’m sure for some there is reason to opt for the V8, but to my mind and purely IMO it’s a big beast of a car that deserves (and suits) every one of those 12 cylinders. Try both and buy the one that puts the biggest smile on your face.

[mhh]

kbf1981 said:

Aside from the £30k difference in price, is there any reason to go for the V8 over the V12? Seems to be 20-30k between them second hand which is not massive... The V8 is billed as more fun to drive, has anyone driven both and is able to describe the difference? Thanks if so!

I've had a V12 for 3 years and drove both engines before choosing. The V8 felt lighter and more spritely and seemed sportier. Later I drove the V12 again and fell for the engine (and probably bragging rights). The dealer had just the right colour and spec for me in the V12 so that helped too. You certainly won't be disappointed in the V8 from a driving point of view but the charms of a naturally aspirated V12 can't be ignored either. As to the car itself, I love it. I've had and enjoyed mid-engined V8 Ferraris but the Lusso appeals in a different way. It's sportier than a Conti GT, but still luxurious for touring duties. I'm sorry they have stopped making them.

[MDL111]

I haven’t driven the V8, but does it really make much of a difference in terms of weight/feel? I think I would then go 2 seater V12 for the lower overall weight if that was a consideration. a Ferrari V12 is something exceptional in my opinion and every time I don’t drive mine for a while I think about selling it to reduce car expenses, then I drive it again and am thinking I must be insane - as long as I can somehow afford it, it has to stay. Pretty sure I’d sell the Scuderia first, the V8s after the 360 are just not as special anymore imo.

[ANOpax]

There are plenty of comparisons on FChat and a few on PH from people who have driven both.

At the end of the day, the V8 is less than a tank of petrol lighter than the V12 and has a less balanced weight distribution than the V12 so there really isn’t much in it on paper. However, they feel different with many drivers saying that the V8 feels lighter and nimbler despite what the numbers say. So the only real answer is to drive them yourself.

[footsoldier]

The V8 steering will no doubt feel lighter as it’s RWD not 4WD.
One’s a V12, the other is a V8 turbo, and it’s a continent crusher, not a midengined sportscar. V12 all the way for me