Classy, sexy, and rowdy, if you’ve ever seen a front-engined Ferrari, it’s hard to not take a second look. Very many Ferraris have graced the tarmac, but it's the F12tdf that genuinely sits in a league of its own.
In case you forgot, The F12tdf is a limited-run souped-up version of the already bonkers F12 Berlinetta. Although everything Ferrari has done across the board is incremental, the overall package is far from normal. Long story short, the maestros at Maranello have brought out the best of what the F12 can be.
On the other hand, the 812 Competizione is a similar exercise, albeit performed on the 812 Superfast, Ferrari’s current flagship V12. You cannot fault an 812. They’re simply awesome; bet it performance, exteriors, or sense of occasion. So how can you pick sides between two of the best limited-run specials ever to leave Maranello? Apparently in situations like these, nitpicking is the best tool to have.
Ferrari F12tdf: Not For the Faint-hearted
The Ferrari F12tdf is a spiritual successor to the 250 GT that raced in the legendary Tour de France—an endurance testing trial, in which, the 250 GT used to rack up a win every time it contested. Ferrari retired the name in the ‘70s when the race met its end. Ferrari, however, resurrected the moniker with the F12tdf in 2015. Backed by a rich history coupled with its rarity, it’s really no surprise why the F12tdf is fetching seven-figure sums.
The F12tdf uses a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 previously seen in the F12 Berlinetta. Power is 770 horsepower, while available torque stands at 520 lb-ft. Ferrari uses the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission from the F12, albeit with 30% faster upshifts and 60% faster downshifts. The F12tdf manages sub-3-second sprints to 60 mph and a 211 mph top speed.
Not many people can push the F12tdf to its limits, but those who can are in for the most engaging experience they could think of. Ferrari has slapped 275-section tires up front and given rear-wheel steering to counter the understeer induced, not that you’ll ever come across understeer in a tdf, shall we say. Together, the setup brings quick directional changes that make tackling tight chicanes a breeze. If you're to exploit the full potential of the tdf, you seriously know your way around cars.
Ferrari 812 Competizione: The Last Hurrah
Ferrari prefers keeping things classy yet improving them with a touch of exuberance. The 812 Competizione is, quite frankly, the best front-engined Ferrari you can buy today. Designed in-house, the 812 Comp’s exterior elements are sculpted with a purpose. The hood features an aerobridge that channels air through the exits near the front fenders to create a boundary layer of smooth air, improving airflow and cooling. The rear features a sweet kink; a ducktail of sorts. Overall, the 812 Competizione is an absolute stunner.
Powering the 812 Competizione is a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 producing 830 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The engine is larger, more powerful, and more efficient than the unit found inside its predecessor, the F12tdf. With increased power and better aerodynamics, the Ferrari 812 Comp can reach 60 mph in 2.85 seconds, which is might impressive for a rear-wheel-drive supercar. As for the transmission, the 812 Competizione makes use of a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (same as the 812) but with faster shift times.
Thanks to its Ferrari's aerodynamic wizardry and independent rear-wheel steering, the 812 Competizione can slip through the air while simultaneously being a precision tool. However, you need to possess serious skills to push such a massively powerful supercar to its limits. One wrong move, and you’d find yourself wrapped around a tree. But, if you do manage to extract its full potential, there’s nothing more rewarding. Unlike the F12tdf, the 812 Competizione is better refined and has all the modern gadgets and gizmos. But it’s lacking a certain flair.
F12tdf Vs 812 Competizione: The Better Front Engined Ferrari
Out of all modern Ferraris—including the limited-run specials—there are not many that we’d consider future classics. If we were to pick one, it’d be the F12tdf. Don’t get us wrong, the 812 Competizione is fantastic, but it isn’t as edgy as its predecessor, dare we say. However, the 812 Comp will be the last naturally aspirated front-engined Ferrari, making it a collector’s dream.
Interestingly, the F12tdf costs well over a million dollars in today’s market. It’s safe to say that many speculators have taken a keen interest in this limited-run Ferrari, helping it skyrocket in value. Most F12 tdfs end up in high-priced garages where owners rarely take them out. And we don’t expect things to change for the 812 Competizione either. To sum up, you’re looking at two well-crafted machines that are exciting to drive and will appreciate as time goes by.
Sources: Ferrari