599 GTO v F12 tdf v 812 Competizione: The greatest front-engined Ferraris head-to-head

The Intercooler co-founders Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel compare Ferrari's three hardcore V12s - the 599 GTO, F12 tdf and 812 Competizione.
How has the model line evolved over the years? Does ever more sophisticated technology and more power make for a more rewarding driving experience? Dan and Andrew answer those questions and more in The Intercooler's world-exclusive triple test.
The full written version of this test is available to read now at the link below. The Intercooler is a new kind of digital car magazine with only the best writers and no adverts. Start your free 30-day trial right away.
www.the-intercooler.com/libra...
#ferrari #supercars #v12
0:00 Introduction
0:33 599 GTO
5:01 F12 tdf
9:59 812 Competizione
14:20 Conclusion
With thanks to JBR Capital (@jbrcapital or jbrcapital.com). This video is a paid sponsorship from JBR Capital.
JBR Capital is a lender, not a broker. Rates from 11.9% and Representative APR 12.9%.
Finance is subject to status. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 682493).
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[@AyaxRo]

the GTO is just so timeless. What a beauty.

[@MatteoFitness]

hard to say. it's not that old yet.

[@ilmelangolo]

Yes, the 250 and the 288...

[@1973Terminator]

Agree! These 3 Ferrari are amazing, but the GTO has that charm the others don't have, and that makes it more special. Nevertheless, I would be delighted with any of them

[@lucchenzo]

Yes, for me is the most beautiful of three.

[@surgeon9039]

But its so problematic. So many problems with this car compared to F12 and later versions, looks great, drives nice, maintance - nightmare

[@pereldh5741]

He should never’ve left Coldplay

[@stfu6397]

😂😂

[@nicholaslopez7918]

If only the Ferrari's were all yellow

[@markblake4425]

😂

[@paulkester267]

Ana, ana, analogue

[@roydeclerck9100]

Glad he did, he’s much better at driving cars than singing …

[@SimonGr8]

I adore these front-mid engined Ferrari’s. The f12 TDF is my dream car

[@clkgtr12]

Mine too why are they so expensive😢

[@spqr6973]

Same for me!

[@jfkayne]

Agree but I can’t justify 4x an F12 😢

[@WillSatchwell]

Great video! Would probably still choose the 599 GTO out of those 3 Idea for next video: Porsche 996.2 GT3 RS vs 997.2 GT3 RS vs 991.2 GT3 RS vs 992.2 GT3 RS

[@paulintile]

Excellent idea!

[@19poundpound94]

I’d take the 997.2 GT3 RS any day, regardless of the 4.0 liter engine.

[@s25117]

@@19poundpound94why?

[@19poundpound94]

@@s25117 1. Steering feel superior to the 991 generation 2. Engine reliability superior to the 996 generation 3. Car size is ideal for a 911 4. Last manual GT3RS 5. A good balance of analog and digital 6. Timeless design

[@brandonchism6960]

@@19poundpound94the 997 is my favorite 911 chassis. And the reasons you’ve listed are exactly what I’ve told people as to why I’d jump at the opportunity to own the 997.2 GT3. But I’d happily take the GTS as well.

[@steerj07]

599 GTO will always be king.

[@jovantrendmaker4722]

Nope it will allways be in 3rd place out of three

[@amarjit_singh_]

@@jovantrendmaker4722Not necessarily to someone preferring an analogue experience!

[@CovKid2K10]

Tdf has the best sound

[@jean-michelmarle5689]

YES 599 GTO clearly the best, by far (and drawn to be a pure beauty, not drawn by soufflerie, like the others)

[@jean-michelmarle5689]

Absolutely sure

[@maggotpudding]

Must say, it'd be tdf for me. In my eye it's just best looking out of these three. And since they all have flappy padels ,might as well choose one with dual-clutches over the one in 599.

[@matmul4850]

Agree. TDF for me too

[@jortepap]

TDF rear just doesn't look right imo. Maybe its those painted parts around the exhaust😖

[@tacom0nsta658]

TDF and 599GTO are fantastic... the last one is kinda eh

[@hksp]

599 is the best choice, with gated 6mt swap, it will feel like on-off clutch if use the stock clutch master, mod it with smaller master pump will make it way easier to modulate the clutch pedal & u can drift it alll day long, the only thing goes dead is the oem clutch but easily fixable with custom clutch. all 3 can be loud and screams to high heaven but the 599 enzo got that dirty sound that make it stands out

[@Durrah1]

I own an F12, dream car is A TDF.

[@latbeast]

They are bonkers, just can’t put many miles on them 😂😂

[@jackschannel5111]

Nice, I have the 599GTO...It is such a great car to drive

[@latbeast]

@@jackschannel5111if you have a dodgy ticker I suggest leaving the tdf alone! Leaves your heart thumping!! That’s not exaggerating either 😅

[@someguy1907]

I own an 812 myself. I personally prefer the looks of the F12 over the 812 but I went with the 812 because of the performance and rear wheel steering

[@latbeast]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHOqnGpnqMx8lZI Novitec one, full inconel pipe

[@harryokona]

Videos like this are absolutely fantastic. Often reviewing cars in isolation, or just with contemporary rivals doesn't quite give the reader/viewer proper context. Back to back and direct comparisons across generations complete the picture for us. Comparisons like this are timeless, it will still be a great resource in 10/20/30 years when people are wanting to go back and understand this era of and genre of car. Please please please do more of these videos!! Cheers

[@Themayseffect]

The tdf is the weird middle child. The younger brother is better and more gifted in every way, and the older brother is so much more charming and mature.

[@jkbdk6723]

I saw a 599 GTO in Saint Tropez a long time ago when i was on vacation with the family. I'll never forget the sound, you could feel it shaking your balls 😅

[@alexioflexio8818]

the insight is when you drive an F12 TDF vs. a LaF.. and realize that the front engine car, with the intake sound and engine noise coming AT you, is more fun than the Laf with the exhaust far away from you in the back. also, rear wheel steering is transformative and allows for completely different corner entry, almost negating the front engine v12 weight disadvantage the tdf should have over the laf.

[@michaelgakanga]

I’m still shocked ever since I learnt that the TDF is a better Ferrari than the LaFerrari. Now I have rose tinted vision whenever I see a TDF

[@alexioflexio8818]

@@michaelgakanga this is all subjective, but the driving experience of the TDF is singular.. the driving experience of the LaF is just, impressive.. but not unique. i have a great night session at road atlanta in LaF.. it was impressive at big speeds.. the TDF is probably slower, but iv'e driven TDF a lot on road and it's crazy fun, crazy sounds from intake.. really special special car.

[@latbeast]

@@alexioflexio8818it’s not quite as fast as a laf but still absolutely stupidly ridiculously fast on Uk roads, the power delivery is just insane. I put a full stage 3 inconel novitec on my tdf and it sounds absolutely glorious. I doubt you’ll ever hear or feel anything better from Ferrari again

[@alexioflexio8818]

@@latbeast . how does the inconel exhaust change the exhaust note.. is it more of a metallic sound? what i enjoyed most about the TDF experience was the intake noise.. and the rear wheel steering which made it much friendlier than the F12, and able to be driven harder kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHrEnXeGobuWqKssi=uaPan5mx-BhKcE98

[@horsepower523]

All three of these beautiful Prancing Horses are great and have their own unique character and feel. I just love every single one of them. Front engine GT Ferraris are always so amazing and special.

[@markh6384]

Epic cars and for me 3 really great specs. Blue GTO is stunning!

[@thestoicwhinger]

There's something about the GTO's engine note that stirs the soul

[@KINGPerformance]

Great Video Guys, keep up the good work !!!

[@5abivt]

Had the pleasure of driving an 812 superfast a few weeks ago. No words. 🤪

[@sleepeatdrive7619]

I drive a 812 as well. It was super easy to drive in the city but soooo much fun to drive in the open roads outside of the city!

[@ilko44]

Great video guys, well done!

[@myou6675]

TDF is a masterpiece

[@jazzafly257]

An an "official" 'Old Schooler' myself, I feel that the 599 GTO would be the one for me out of these three, although my dream car is still the F12 standard [non TDF]; the GTO probably costs a chunk more than a std F12, so I'd have to be up for that extra outlay, but with these three for choice, I'll go more 'Old School' any day! 599 GTO FTW!

[@OMW2FYB1010]

"A chunk more" yes. You get 4 f12s for 1 gto

[@toohoney8674]

I love the new 812 aperta. Everything one could love about a Ferrari

[@p00pie]

lovely review of these modern classics. i subscribed.

[@matthewdaniels7462]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@Forshbr04]

Always great to see Mr. Prosser on video. Love the way he is able to break down each car and really convey that feeling to the viewer.

[@RizM820]

I was wondering where Dan went. Then randomly this video shows up in my recommendations. Glad to have found Dan and of course this magnificent video. Subscribed!

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

Brilliant review and choice of words!

[@alecordovaa]

Awesome video!

[@andrelima5124]

Love all of them, 599 looks timeless, F12 is the rage machine and the 812 has a " bully " vibe to it mostly because of it's looks.

[@wouternagengast8452]

Fantastic review!! And what a cars!

[@So_Much_Juice_12]

I was heading to bed, then I saw this. Love that GTO! Amazing video. Bravo.

[@IHMA83]

Incredible video 👌🏽

[@christianb.4385]

Well what a gathering. Don't know which one i'd take home I guess I need to experience a V12 first. Purely based on looks it would be the 599 GTO. Idea for a future video: Porsches ! GT4 Spyder vs Boxster GTS vs Base Boxster.

[@ilmelangolo]

Best cover of any YT video!

[@paulknowles7091]

This channel isn’t getting the views it deserves. Great video! Keep up the good work.

[@andreiionescu205]

Clowns like Watson have millions of subscribers,what a joke

[@MTUUTB]

best review! thanks

[@quickreviewchannel6931]

Subbed and liked all videos, very underrated Chanel!

[@chriswestcott4548]

Incredible trio of Ferrari's. I'd be happy with the standard versions of any one of them. Another great video too!

[@italianx69]

great vid, though would love to hear the engines more, from the outside..

[@PaddleBob]

Glad I found intercooler, Dan is a superb auto reviewer 👍

[@TheTerrier]

That 599 with the tall section rear tires, ageing like a fine wine

[@eyezblazing3798]

Its just insane that I have to admit the 599 looks the best of the 3!

[@pedrorocha1425]

Yep. Less is more

[@jonathandemacedo158]

How have you made this video with just 10k subs-unbelievable. More please. 😍

[@lukewaring2832]

No other word for it epic. Thanks for sharing .

[@danielbrown4579]

Very good! 👏🏽

[@boostedt0y]

In the f1 super fast2 trans found in the gto and scud, upshifts need to be done without lifting the throttle. The shifts are fast (60ms) and add to the drama due to the swift kick in your back feel during upshifts.

[@OmarWafaa]

3 ferrari V12 cars ........... but a man talking most of the video 😂😂😂

[@AntoniusTyas]

Got to be the GTO for me. That F1 robotised manual is just insane. I'll have mine in Rosso F1 2007 please. Next to Azzurro La Plata F12tdf (which I know exists) and 812 Competizione in Cavalcade Verde Volterra (which I also know exists).

[@DonLee1980]

That's the worst gearbox. And it'll be its achilles heel.

[@AntoniusTyas]

@@DonLee1980 not what everyone who's driven one thought of anyway. It's visceral, and if you treat it like manual during downshift or below 5000rpm it's lightning quick. Beyond 5000, do flatshift and the upshift is pretty barmy. And brutal, too, which in a hardcore lightweight Ferrari is kind of right.

[@DonLee1980]

@@AntoniusTyas most ferrari owners avoid the F1 gearbox. The manuals before are the most sought after, the DCT's are the next best, the automated manuals are the least desired. They break all the time, they are horrible to use for parking, or driving at all. Only ok on the race track going full beans.

[@19loek94]

I also really do see the attractiveness of the best version of the F1 gearbox. It’s just amazing to see the gear shifts unsettle the whole car, its adds to the experience. But in the end I would choose a F12 (tdf) over the 599 (gto) or 812 (competitzione)

[@jean-michelmarle5689]

Funny to read that Formula One has delivered the worst ;) Be serious@@DonLee1980

[@hadrienlf8144]

Always love Dan video's and what will it be with out the signature catch phrase "it explodes at the top end !"

[@amarjit_singh_]

The gearbox in the 599 GTO is still the best single clutch robotized gearbox!

[@jean-michelmarle5689]

Totally agree (from a GTB owner), the single clutch gives this second to none Analog charm to the car.

[@karimcy]

Incredible content.

[@robertocalvo934]

Best car reviewer on the planet is back. We need more of this

[@davidmillion9811]

Great vid

[@timmason5230]

Thanks dan!

[@chrisgregson3626]

GTO for me. Best looking by miles and, whilst I'll never drive any of them, it's the one I'd most like to have a go in. Don't know what Ferrari were thinking when they did the 812, but the front looks like a Viper (and not because of the blue paint and white stripe). I like the Viper as much as the next guy, but for a limited run Ferrari that is just not good enough. 599 for the win, one of the best modern Ferrari designs in my book.

[@billshoe22191]

I’m not an expert on Ferrari vehicles so I am very curious on the actual curb weight of each of these. Also curious if the F12 TDF has EPS?

[@manoharjishnu2009]

Yes TdF has EPS.

[@Ferrari1617]

@@manoharjishnu2009tdf has hydraulic steering, same as the f12.

[@slats1987]

Unbelievable lineup

[@IstvanSandorKovacs]

thank you

[@RedFordLaser]

Well done

[@Evo1122]

599 looks the best and timeless

[@Patrick-bu5vy]

The 599 is the most beautiful, but the 812 is the most desirable. What. A. Car.

[@manisbho]

I know we all had some issue or another with the 599 GTB but as time has gone on its eventually come in to its own given the right colour. The GTO looked incredible from day one and the single clutch box seems sharp enough!

[@glennpearson4699]

Going to pick up my GTC4 V12 in Pisa on Saturday and drive it home. So mountain passes, tunnels and fantastic roads for that god like V12 coming up 👌

[@Gaaaaaaaaaaad]

I'd buy the 599, great video

[@ricomichel]

I think the Venturi 400GT is a lesser-known car that may be about to get very collectable. I'd love to seen you guys review it

[@aaa84gt]

Oh wow, just what the doctor ordered! Pissed about the fall rain and darkness, just got home from work. Just bought new TV with new speakers. Pizza in the oven. Wonderful. Thank you so much.

[@chorn74]

my favorite videos are click bait where before the conclusion they refer you to a pay site. bravo!

[@alexnicholas6065]

of the three, the TDF is my fav just on looks alone. That thing is just savagely beautiful!

[@jackjeter7527]

Glad to see this guy again

[@andrewdavis6226]

Fantastic video chaps. TDF in TDF Blue with tan leather for me please

[@rapbenny]

The dream video to make very very cool!

[@bezputink]

спасибо за перевод, очень трогательное отношение у вас к людям

[@euanbegbie]

Needs to be 4K!

[@muhammadfadil2515]

599 GTO ❤

[@JamieCole-wl9lo]

Over Harting hill then towards emsworth, what a Piece off tarmac. It Gets me going in a fiesta edition, god only knows what it’s like flinging a tdf down it 😂

[@aviationnixon3082]

Ive always kind of thought Ferrari calling the 599 GTO the "fastest Ferrari ever" at the time was kind of odd, i mean doesnt an Enzo weigh considerably less and only has 10HP less? Does anybody know how the 599 is quicker or if it even is? Ive always wondered that since the Enzo never really gets tested against any other road cars. Would love to hear an answer.

[@patrickanderson4360]

So I’ve subscribe to the app - does that not give me access to the website?

[@MrTimeless101]

These cars together would make a great garage. I would add the 575M with the hgtc package just to round out the front engine gt cars.

[@tommyknightly1659]

LOVE GTO SOUND AND ANALOG

[@edimbukvarevic90]

Great cars and video, but how did the term 'chassis' get redefined? Chassis is the car's structural frame, it doesn't mean suspension.

[@jamespopovic9750]

What a trio!

[@stanmarks3950]

I loved the podcast, this is great as well. Greatly appreciate the descriptive of character of each of these three. What strings did this team pulled to bring these cars together ?

[@justin_dunn46]

Damn it's between the GTO and TDF for me.. I'd never be able to choose

[@SumerMukhey]

wow this video was insane

[@Person-cv9dj]

My question is why arent these cars mid engined? I mean each of these were ferraris flag ship at the time and when the f12 and the 812 were released they were each at the time of their release the most powerfully ferraris ever built. So why hinder them design and performance wise by making them front engined? THankfully they did finally stick the 812s engine in the la ferrari and called it the daytona sp3 but then again only for a super limited run

[@memememine1]

Technically your right as they are mid engined cus the end of the engine block is behind the front axle. They also have the transmissions at the rear. This does give a slightly distinct driving experience from something truly front engined like a bmw or a mustang. However it is still pretty different from a traditional mid-engine experience like a Ferrari V8 berlinetta or Porsche cayman. The front engine isn't as big of a compromise as you would think with their trans axle layout. All 3 of these cars carry more weight on their rear axle than their front.

[@ahmedabdi5980]

What shade of blue 💙 is that 812 in? It's beautiful 😍

[@Suprahampton]

Since the GTO has the robotised manual, would it be better if it were converted to full manual?

[@K03sport]

well, "GTU" and "GTO" used to mean something in racing. "U" for under 2.5L of displacement and "O" for over 2.5L. But that was 30 yrs ago in IMSA and long forgotten by most. I loved the GTU FC RX-7. I think I need yellow and black badges for my red Subaru....

[@dragosflorescu6769]

I really like the technological innovations of the 812 Competizione. The vortex system, the massive diffuser, that air-blade on the hood and the new independent wheel system. But I would never give up the F12 TDF! The TDF has that very special something: despite the aggressive aerodynamics it remains a beautiful car. It is based on the F12 Berlinetta, one of the most beautiful cars produced by Ferrari. And has that ferocity in attitude: it's hysterical, wild and boisterous. If you cut her defensive electronics and try to push her to the limits, you have to know what you're doing or this car is going to rip your head off. It's a monster, a beast similar to the Porsche Carrera GT. F12 TDF is a beautiful Lilith and that's why I prefers her over the others.

[@Dwaynefreeman]

As much as i love the GTO, I think the 812 GTS is peak front-engined Ferrari

[@jovantrendmaker4722]

I would take TDF anytime TDF should deserve name GTO lets be real... TDF, Competizione, GTO... Prices dont lie prices show you what people want most

[@draskocis]

The GTO is the rarest of the three and still cheapest. But let's see what the future holds for them

[@CovKid2K10]

The tdf is legendary and seems the most pure v12 Ferrari. Values will be strong

[@ThexMJT]

599 GTO. I'd kill for one. Stunning thing.

[@loydbeenks]

I need all of them 😢😢😢❤❤❤

[@twinturbo3470]

The 288 GTO was designed for racing with Group B……it’s not its fault that it didn’t get the chance since Group B was cancelled. It deserves the GTO nameplate

[@zakelwe]

Good point. The 599 GTO was just a marketing exercise to make money which is happening more and more with Ferrari as the (sharer)owners get further away from the ideals of Enzo. Note, and not mentioned in this video, when the GTO was released it was critisized by the journalists, including Chris Harris who was at Autocar I think, of not handling as well as the standard GTB. because they had made the front wheels / tyres a lot wider. It went from 245 to 285 I believe, a huge jump. That with the robot manual gearbox means that it is definitely flawed. Then the F12 came out with more power and dual clutch. Probably a lot better to drive, but doesn't have "the badge" of GTO.

[@Stacky18]

For me the 599 gto lacked the looks of the 2 previous gto's. A bit like how the F type jag in terms of looks was a disappointment after the e types looks. I hope the next gto can look the part@@zakelwe

[@DB-fn3fz]

Good point. Let's not forget what GTO actually represents: "Omologato" (homologated). If the 599 GTO never had intentions to race, it should've been called the 599 GT-M "modificato", especially since the 599XX that it takes parts from was never a racing car itself and merely served as a test bed for the successive gran touring road cars.

[@DB-fn3fz]

​@@zakelweGreat points you bring up. From my experience, compared to the 599, the F12 is very fidgety and challenging to drive given its smaller footprint. I believe Ferrari over-corrected when they received complaints about the unwieldy size of the 599, and later found the perfect dimensions with the 812. Still, even with its flaws, the 599 GTO does have a charm about it that seals its own place in time, much like the 360 CS.

[@F430Modena82]

The sound of the 599 GTO kills the other two :)

[@michaelgakanga]

The fact that everyone across the world agrees that the TDF is otherworldly special makes me put it at the top of my Ferrari list of cars to buy if funds allow

[@protestagain]

About a drama on a public road, it wasn't a Ferrari, but a V6 Capri. On a narrow and winding road I met a truck. There was no room for both of us on the road, but luckily it went well even though two of the wheels were in the ditch. What if I had a Ferrari 599 that day and even higher speed, but I still dream of a Ferrari.

[@briantheodoreb2764]

With electrification around the corner for hot hatches. It would be wonderful to see if the current Honda Civic Type R is truly one of the greats by having it go up against the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S and the Renault Megane R26.R. Two giant slayers that collected a handful of scalps before cementing themselves as hot hatch royalty. If you could rope in Catchpole for the test, I think you would be onto a winner. Plus, if you need another pair of capable hands, I would love to be involved.

[@latbeast]

We’re talking Ferrari here not boy racer cars

[@supraJZA80s]

​@@latbeastwhich Ferrari do you own?

[@hodsock1]

I had my GTO from new, done 20k miles with no problems and fantastic enjoyment. It is my favourite car by any measure and I have had and got many cars. Loved your piece, but still prefer th GTO over my 812 Comp

[@AVV_Beats]

Interesting that the 599 supposedly feels analogue, when at the time of its release Clarkson said precisely the opposite. Have we become desensitized?

[@tabishhassan8951]

My absolute dream The F12 tdf ❤. There is nothing like this in the modern era. It will be the highest value out of these 3 in the future

[@tomwebb7091]

No chance. Its the poor mans 812 superfast. The GTO is rarer, more special, has the badge of honour and remains a final hurrah of Ferrari in analogue form.

[@tabishhassan8951]

@@tomwebb7091 poor man's 812??? You are completely out of touch in terms of car prices

[@beeleuazevedo8142]

​@@tabishhassan8951fr😂

[@KriFreKil]

@@tomwebb7091 The F12 TDF is 3x the 812 Superfast in price...

[@tomwebb7091]

@@tabishhassan8951 at the moment

[@villaggiodellafoglia5366]

F12 TDF ❤