812 - Safe for a first Ferrari? and a young daughter

--i dont drive my 812 in the wet or snow, but im sure its fine; it has a wet handling mode. i do know at least two people who put winter tires on their 812s and drive them in the snow with no issue.
--handling is good, but not as good as 720 or older 911s (i haven't driven the 992 yet); the 812 is a heavy car. the rear wheel steering helps though. i'd say its in-between a grand tourer and sports car, but this could be debated.
--never had a moment, but i keep the traction control on (usually "race" mode). race mode allows a little bit of wheel spin but keeps you safe. there are youtubes of people pushing it on public roads with TC off resulting in totaling the car. in fact, the TC system on modern ferrari's is quite impressively done. unless you are a racing driver i can't see why someone would not use it all the time
--you'll be fine in the 812; just respect it, and work your way up.
--i haven't taken my son in it yet as he is younger than your daughter, but i have plans too. just take her for ice cream in it and don't drive it too fast and she will love it instantly!

 

812 is very manageable as long as driver is sensible. I’ve driven mine in torrential downpours, in Wet mode and common sense all is well.
To be honest I would never take any car to speed with my 4 year old child in car, but that’s just me. (Keep in mind by “speed” with these exotics is anything over 125mph, below that they feel like they are just cruising.)

 

FYI here is what happens when you do EVERYTHING wrong (TC off, tires cold, are a dumbass):



This has never happened to me

 

(almost) Welcome to the family!

My reactions and thoughts:

Its so nice that you are thinking about your wife and daughter. I would have said much of the same years ago. I've learned that- in the end, unless they are also real car enthusiasts- this is about you. What will make you most happy. They want you to be happy. So if you are happy, they will be happy.

It strikes me you have experience with the various drive layout cars- the 812 will be most like the M3- except its just so MEGA. The good news is the NA V12 builds power very progressively, so as long as you are judicious with metering it out, you should not experience a car that is quite the nutcase about which you are concerned. I think you can drive the 812 with confidence. The videos you see are when someone turns off the traction systems and then stops on the throttle with cold tires. Guess what- that would happen in an M3 too- but there is a TON more power here. So, first thing: use the modes and take your time to learn the car. Start out with no more than sport mode when its dry and the conditions permit. Get to know the car. Then try out race mode with a straight and well sighted road. Id leave CT off for the track. The Ferrari traction systems are really excellent and a world apart from just about anyone else. Definitely use Wet mode when it rains out. I would make sure to fit new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires- the standard Pirelli are actually pretty good, but I think the Michelin are even better. If you will drive it in cold temps then you'll want a set of winter performance tires.

With that said- starting out your Ferrari experience with the 812 is definitely starting pretty near the top (exceptions for the supercars). Ferraris are all about their engine and associated drivetrain and the 812 is really just amazing and if you are someone who responds to the feeling and sound and experience of a wonderful engine, then you will love it. The 812 is a FERRARI- its not really a front engine car, its a front/mid car, and its persona: how the shifts happen, how the car responds, its very close to super/hyper car. It really wants you to have fun. If you understand the dynamics of the M3, you will understand this, but, its just much much more.

The Lusso is much more of a GT so I would say its more "Ferrari" than "FERRARI". By that, I mean its clearly a GT car. But boy is it wonderful. The back seat is a lot more spacious than you might realize. In comfort mode the car doesn't feel like it just wants you to GO GO GO GO GO all the time- which is what the 812 will be like all the time. The ride is better, the stereo is even better. But, you do not get that last 5-10% of OMG THIS IS INCREDIBLE you get in the 812. So Lusso is a GT and the 812 is a hypercar. If you have really bad roads or potholes in your area then beware the rubber band front tires on the Lusso wheels. I have a Lusso which I semi-daily drive and it might be my favorite GT ever. I just love how it can be so comfortable one moment, and then if you want to dive with gusto and verve, you are very much driving a V12 Ferrari. I love it. But the 812 will give you even more of the V12 madness.

I dont think you can go wrong as long as you are choosing with the right criteria. Its also worth considering that we say "these cars won't be around forever" just about every time there's a new NA V12, but- it seems like that statement is more true today than ever before. Just know if you start off with an 812 SF, you will literally need to get an F12tdf, 812 C, or LaFerrari to better the experience. As a good friend tells me all the time: life's short: eat desert first.

 

well said!

 

I have had several 12’s and 8’s. I currently have an 812 and 458S. It’s incredible how close to the 458 the 812 is. Fearsome speed, spectacular sound, incredible luxury, true sports car handling.

With a modicum of skill and experience, the 812 will be all you ever need. And get one NOW, the prices are only going to go up.

 

My advice to you is to get a nice GTC4 Lusso with the Pano roof. I have an 812SF after owning a few other V8 ones and can tell you 100% that the 812 is not a Ferrari for people who have never owned others beforehand. Its a ballistic missile which requires your utmost concentration at all times due to the hyperactive steering and scalpel sharp throttle unleashing 800HP.
The GTC4 Lusso is a truly wonderful Ferrari but much more useable with roomy rear seats where you can take both your wife and daughter out.

 

The passenger seat of the 812 is too low for your daughter right now, she won't be able to see out for a few years.
and what everyone else said, it's fine if you're not an idiot. In the rain, run it in "wet" mode, you'll be fine. GL with your decision. I see you narrowed it right down!

 

Respectfully disagree, 812SF is my first Ferrari, and super car. I think it makes for a great first, just don't be an idiot and you'll be fine. The car has enough safety nets in it.

Like you, I went from M3 to Ferrari 812sf myself. I also live in a relatively wet climate in Seattle. I think the 812SF makes for a great first supercar, and I have experience with others on your list. The 720s is a beautiful car, but reliability, sound, and overall comfort do not compare. The 812 V12 sound is very difficult to beat, it is intoxicating. Race mode is my preferred mode for the car, but if it's wet outside, I'll switch it to wet mode and I can drive fear free. Handling wise the 812 is a lot more nimble than you'd think with it's rear steering. I can keep up just fine with mid engine cars on twisty roads, and I have bullied many mid engine cars. It's a surgical weapon sure, but it has character. 720s will out handle it, probably a 911 as well, but with most people's skill levels you aren't going to get close to finding the difference.

In terms of family members, no kids for me, but my wife loves the car and so do all my friends. The 812 provides an amazing thrill rides to people and yourself. I wouldn't hesitate to buy an 812 again as my first super car. Skip the lusso, go straight for the event, the 812.

 

I agree with Stew; only reason I can see to go Lusso over 812 is if you want 3 - 4 people in it at once.

 

Agreed! Especially the pre-GPF 812's!

 

The 812 defines everything that makes a supercar in both, looks, noise, drive and attention it commands.
However you do have to respect it is a heavy front engined rearwheel drive supercar.
If you floor it with cold tires, wet conditions or too much steering angle you can get into serious trouble fast.

It also contains a Ferrari NA V12 engine; which is and will remain the holy grail of motoring. If you have the option, go for it (and keep it).
There are loads of 'better' cars, but few will remain in your memory (and daughter's) for a life time.
And get a seat lifter for her!

The Lusso is a very, very capable and great car. However it's not a sportscar perse. You should compare it with a Mercedes S/CL Class or Bentley.
Different category. Less thrills, more usability.

 

Both great cars and if you first drive an 812SF then a Lusso will feel slow and heavy afterwards. As a Ferrari to take BOTH your wife and four year old daughter out for drives then only the Lusso fits the brief. Just make sure you don't drive an 812 first as all cars will feel boring in comparison and even more so than a Lusso.

 

You'll be fine with an 812 as your first Ferrari. I got an F12 a few months back and that car is notoriously more raw and scary than an 812 (no rear wheel steering) and its fine if you aren't being an idiot. Wet when its precipitating outside, Sport to learn the car, Race once tires are up to temp. You'll be fine.

The Lusso is a great car but you'll always wonder what if if you dont get an 812.

 

812 is epic! Can’t wait to get my 812 GTS.

 

completely agree. My wife had a FF, sold it for a cayenne coupe hybrid. We are sorely missing it. Will buy lusso back. Your kids will love it in the back. It is a true adult seat. Get the panoroof though. huge difference in the back. Plus 800 horses RWD is wet road is something else Lusso is 4WD.

 

Have all three (812 SF, 812 GTS, and V12 Lusso), if I had to keep one it would be the 812 GTS. 812 SF is incredible. Agree with Stew on handling. V12 Lusso is a great daily inspired by slightly different aspirations but still the best car in its class when compared to other manufacturers. The V12 sound is addictive and you get more of it with the 812 variants.