Ferrari's front-engined V12 grand tourers have evolved considerably over the years, but greater horsepower and newer technology do not always guarantee better real-world performance. Matt Watson brings together four generations of Ferrari engineering for an entertaining comparison featuring the 599, F12, 812, and latest 12Cilindri. With naturally aspirated V12 engines, rear-wheel drive, and increasingly sophisticated transmissions, the cars represent different stages of Ferrari's pursuit of speed. What initially appears to be a straightforward demonstration of technological progress becomes a surprisingly unpredictable contest involving troublesome launch systems, impressive older machinery, and remarkably close finishes.
The presentation begins with a useful overview of the mechanical differences between the competitors. The 599 features a 6.0-liter V12 and six-speed automated manual transmission, while the F12 introduces a 6.3-liter engine and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The 812 increases displacement to 6.5 liters, and the 12Cilindri retains that capacity while adopting an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power, torque, weight, and original pricing are also included in the comparison, establishing important context for the races. Although the technical introduction is relatively brief, it provides enough information to appreciate the progression between generations without overwhelming viewers with specifications.
The standing-start drag races quickly become more complicated than expected. The F12 repeatedly refuses to engage its launch system properly, leading to several unsuccessful attempts and discussions about brake pressure, engine temperature, and electronic settings. Meanwhile, the 599 struggles with wheelspin, prompting adjustments to its launch technique and traction-control settings. Watson handles these complications with his characteristic humor, keeping the atmosphere entertaining even as the participants become increasingly frustrated. However, the repeated restarts and inconsistent launches interrupt the momentum and make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from the early attempts.
The rolling races provide a more revealing comparison by exploring how the cars perform under different transmission and driving settings. Starting at 50 mph in sport mode with their gearboxes operating automatically, the newer Ferraris demonstrate their performance advantages, although the F12's response is notably disappointing. Switching to third gear in manual mode reduces the influence of automatic gear selection and creates a more competitive contest, with the 812 proving particularly strong. A further rolling race beginning in first gear introduces additional challenges involving reactions, gear changes, and hitting the rev limiter. These variations add valuable depth to the comparison by demonstrating how transmission behavior and driver execution can significantly influence acceleration.
One of the most enjoyable surprises comes from the older 599, which performs considerably better than its age and lower power output might suggest. Despite competing against more advanced Ferraris, it remains competitive in certain rolling races and even wins the braking test, stopping approximately half a car length ahead of the 12Cilindri. Owner Guy's enthusiasm and playful exchanges with Watson make these moments particularly entertaining. The exhaust sound comparison also adds personality, allowing viewers to appreciate the distinct character of the V12 engines, although the aftermarket exhaust systems fitted to three of the cars prevent it from being a completely standardized comparison.
The F12's disappointing performance becomes the competition's biggest unresolved question. Despite its substantial power and more modern dual-clutch transmission, it repeatedly struggles to launch effectively and ultimately finishes behind the older 599. The participants speculate about its electronic systems and mechanical condition, but no meaningful diagnostic investigation establishes whether the problem results from launch-control restrictions, vehicle condition, or other factors. This uncertainty matters because the F12's results are clearly not representative of an ideal test. Similarly, the occasional inconsistent starts and driver mistakes limit the scientific precision of the comparison, even though those complications provide much of the entertainment.
The final standing quarter-mile delivers the clearest result, with the 12Cilindri narrowly defeating the 812 despite both recording identical rounded times of 10.6 seconds. The 599 follows with an impressive 11.4-second run, while the troubled F12 finishes last at 11.6 seconds. The close battle between the two newest Ferraris offers a satisfying conclusion, suggesting that the latest generation delivers only a marginal advantage in this particular test. Watson's lively commentary, the owners' good-natured rivalry, and the unmistakable soundtrack of four Ferrari V12 engines make the competition enjoyable throughout. Nevertheless, the lack of detailed performance measurements, standardized launch conditions, and follow-up investigation into the F12's problems prevents the results from providing a definitive assessment of each generation's capabilities.
Pros
- Bringing together four generations of Ferrari's front-engined V12 grand tourers creates a fascinating comparison of automotive performance and technological development.
- Clear explanations of engine displacement, transmission differences, power, torque, weight, and original pricing establish useful context for the competition.
- Multiple racing formats, including standing starts and rolling races with different gearbox settings, reveal how transmission behavior and driving technique influence acceleration.
- The 599's unexpectedly competitive performance and braking-test victory provide genuine surprises that challenge assumptions about older supercars.
- Matt Watson's energetic presentation, entertaining exchanges with the owners, and spontaneous reactions to mechanical complications maintain an enjoyable atmosphere.
- The exhaust sound comparison and dramatic V12 acceleration sequences add considerable excitement and showcase the distinctive character of these Ferraris.
- The exceptionally close final result between the 12Cilindri and 812 delivers a satisfying conclusion supported by recorded quarter-mile times.
Cons
- Repeated launch-control difficulties, particularly with the F12, disrupt the racing and prevent consistently fair comparisons between the vehicles.
- The F12's unexpectedly poor performance remains unresolved, with no detailed mechanical or electronic diagnosis to explain its difficulties.
- Inconsistent launches, driver reactions, wheelspin, and missed gear changes complicate the interpretation of several racing results.
- The exhaust comparison is not fully standardized because three vehicles feature aftermarket systems while the 12Cilindri retains its factory exhaust.
- Limited quantitative data beyond the final quarter-mile times reduces the technical value of the rolling races and braking comparison.
- Repeated attempts to achieve satisfactory starts occasionally slow the pacing and make some portions of the competition feel unnecessarily prolonged.
Matt Watson delivers an entertaining celebration of Ferrari's V12 heritage, combining spectacular acceleration, engaging personalities, and several genuinely surprising results. The close competition between the 12Cilindri and 812 demonstrates how impressive Ferrari's previous generation remains, while the 599's performance adds an unexpected highlight. Although inconsistent testing conditions and the unresolved F12 difficulties limit the comparison's technical authority, the combination of automotive excitement, humor, and generational rivalry makes this a thoroughly enjoyable drag-racing showcase.
