Comparison and Observations on GTS vs. 812 SF and Lusso

In 2018 I got an 812 to replace my tdf, which in turn had replaced my F12.

I absolutely love the 812. Without a doubt the very best high performance car I have ever had.

I drive all my cars quite a lot, winter and summer, so place a lot of weight on how livable and useable my cars are. (I got rid of the tdf because I found the combination of the bright color (Rosso Fuoco), and manic drivability was just too much for frequent cruising round).

I also love convertibles, so whenever possible I buy the convertible version of cars.

So when my all-time favorite car, the 812, became available in a convertible, I had to have it.

I ordered it exactly the same color as my 812 – Grigio Titanio – which is both elegant, and somewhat stealthy. I can drive the car frequently with minimal attention.

My plan was to keep both cars for an evaluation period, then decide which of the 812 and GTS I would keep.

Since I loved the 812 SF so much, I expected the comparison to be difficult – and it was. I had to drive the cars back-to-back many times, over a few weeks, before I could definitively decide which one to keep.

Sound:

You will by now have read other drivers’ summary of the sound.

As has been said, the sound of the GTS is different than the SF, but not necessarily worse.

I must say, that I still do prefer the wail of the SF to the more throaty, bassy tone of the GTS, but above 6000 rpm, both are very impressive, and lovable.

One thing that did surprise me, was that even taking into account the open roof or back window, I believe that GTS is actually louder than the SF. I find this to be a bit annoying, (since I do drive may car a lot and want to avoid upsetting my neighbors where I live, or beside me on the road. It actually makes me drive more conservatively than I would prefer, to avoid generating what I perceive as excessive noise).

Comfort/Structural Integrity/Handling:

A big/pleasant surprise.

I find that with the roof closed, the GTS is at least as quiet and comfortable as the SF. Even with the roof open, the structural rigidity is excellent. I have not perceived any cowl shake. Far better than my 458 Spider. Comparable to my AMG SL63.

I sense no negative impact on the car’s handling from being a convertible.

Performance:

I had been concerned that with the added weight I might have to give up a bit of the acceleration, but figured that since the SF was so extraordinarily fast, I could live with a but less performance.

The jury is still out on that front.

I believe that above 6500 rpm, the acceleration is very comparable, and comparably crazy-feeling and sounding. Between 4000 and 6500, I sense that the GTS is a bit slower. Less responsive. That has improved a bit as I have been driving it, and using 94 octane fuel, but not yet fully settled.

As I said, I had been prepared to live with a bit less, but realized that since I had become accustomed to the manic acceleration of the SF, I was not happy to make do with less.

Bottom line, the SF is more manic/crazy than the GTS, but it is close.

Interior room:

Although I believe that the specs suggested the interior room was comparable, but by my measurements, and my feeling inside the car, I believe that the seat travel is almost 2 inches less than the SF, making it a bit snug for anyone over 6 feet. (I am 5 feet 10, and find it snug).

Which one to keep?

Turned out to be a tough decision, but my love for topless driving swayed me over to the GTS.

Hope to keep this car for a long time (or at least till the 812 GTO arrives ).

Comments on the Lusso:

Had a hard time convincing myself that I should get one, since I already had the 812.

I eventually decided to get it as well.

Very happy with that decision.

It is still very much a Ferrari, but more relaxed, more comfortable, and you can truly take it anywhere at any time.

I am loving the car, and doing more miles with it than any other previous Ferrari I have had. My wife loves riding in it with me, while she is reluctant to accompany me in the other Ferraris, as I tend to drive them with a bit more enthusiasm, and hence less fun for the passenger.

I highly recommend it as fun/sporty/luxury car, for anyone making the luxury/sportiness tradeoff.

I love the sound of the Lusso – nice compromise between V12 wail, and not so excessively noisy as to upset the neighbors.

 

It is very good.
I actually like it the best.
It is less manic than the SF and more melodious than the GTS. Really good overall sound.

 

The Ferrari published weighs are always unreliable.
By their spec the GTS is about 200 lbs heavier than the SF.
Entirely consistent with its complex roof mechanism and extra stiffening bracing.

 

Some additional input.
Today I drove it about 100 kms on highways and traffic.
I used auto mode (hardly ever do that) and used the adaptive cruise control.
The car was spectacularly comfortable. Very easy to drive. Except for it being very snug fitting, you could drive this car a very long distance.
Definitely quieter and more composed than the coupe.
I realized the reason for the noticeably quieter cruising, with the windows closed, is because the rear firewall and window seal off the rear section off more than the coupe. With that sealed off you get much less road and rear end noise.

 

I had posted photos in this section.
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/the-official-ferrari-812-gts-pictures-thread.613465/page-33

 

6 MONTH UPDATE
I was finally able to take the GTS out for a really nice, long spring drive, top down, in ideal weather.
While I have been quite happy with the GTS, I have to confess that I have been having some regrets about substituting the GTS for the SF, based solely on the SF's more traditional V12 wail at mid-high rpm.
I really do miss that pure high pitched V12 sound (still).
The GTS sound, (as many others have written, does in fact seem to improve a bit as the miles add up), but it still is not quite as sweet and pure as the SF was.
(My enjoyment of a car is heavily influenced by the sound of the engine. For example, while the F8 is objectively faster, handles better, is more stable, and more comfortable than the 458, I ultimately decided to keep my 8 year old 458 instead of my new F8.)
BUT today, in beautiful weather, top down, I decided that I made the right choice keeping the GTS and trading in the SF. That book is finally closed in my mind
It is a hell of a car.
And by the way, as much as I like the mid engine V8's, there is nothing like a Ferrari V12 singing above 7000 rpm.