Is the Ferrari F12 good for new drivers? Here’s our verdict.

New drivers generally need a first car that’s reasonably affordable, easy to drive, has as many safety features as possible, and is resistant to the occasional parking lot mishap. How well do these characteristics mesh with an exotic Italian performance coupé? In short, the answer is “not at all”. Even discounting the cost of entry (used Ferrari F12berlinettas start at R 3.8-million), there are several reasons why an inexperienced driver probably shouldn’t get behind the wheel of one of these monsters.

Outward visibility and unusual proportions

Being able to see where you’re going is a key feature for any driver, let alone a young or inexperienced one. But, while the Ferrari F12’s front-engined design at least leaves some sightlines open towards the rear, its windows are still small and that curvaceous body styling makes it difficult to judge the car’s extremities. 

This will make it more vulnerable to bumper- and door scrapes in tight manoeuvring, while the very low-slung seating position will likely make a new driver feel rather vulnerable in traffic. Add the unusual seating position (where the driver sits far behind the front axle) to the mix, and it becomes clear that the simple act of placing a Ferrari F12 in its surroundings will be pretty intimidating for an experienced driver.

Monstrous power

Tucked away under that long bonnet is a naturally-aspirated V12 engine – one of Ferrari’s most powerful engines to date. Outputs are rated at 544 kW and 690 Nm, sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Don’t let that automatic transmission fool you, though – this car needs a lot of concentration to drive, simply because of the stunning performance on offer.

But does a new driver really need a car that can rocket to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds? And would a new driver really know how to handle that car as it fishtails its way through second- and third gears? Highly unlikely – even experienced drivers need to have their wits about them while trying to tame this rocketship, because that big V12 constantly threatens to overpower the rear rubber. The Ferrari F12 is a prime example of a road car with way too much power for the inexperienced, so newbies really shouldn’t apply.

Related: Ferrari F12berlinetta too subdued for your taste? The F12tdf will be right up your alley, then.

Expensive repairs

To make matters worse, the Ferrari F12 (or any Ferrari, really) will not be inexpensive to repair if something goes wrong. And we’re not just talking about its sophisticated mechanical bits, either, because accident repairs will be sure to cost a bomb as well. 

Even leaving the cosmetic bits (door skins and bumpers and so on) out of the equation, the fact that the F12 is built around an all-aluminium monocoque means that structural damage will be ruinously expensive to repair. Ah well... if someone can afford to buy a Ferrari F12, they should be able to afford repairing it as well, right?

Size and space

The Ferrari F12 casts a large shadow, but it’s not very practical. Don’t think that its overall length (more than 4.6-metres, or almost as long as a BMW X3) brings a spacious cabin to the party, because there are only two seats. Practicality is likewise compromised by a narrow luggage compartment aperture, although the cargo space underneath that fastback tail is surprisingly generous. This is long-distance tourer or a track monster, not a commuter- or serious passenger car, and as such, practicality takes a (non-existent) back seat to style and performance.

​Related: We looked at a variety 600+ horsepower cars - prepare to have your hair blown back!

Safety

The Ferrari F12’s cabin may be lined with airbags, and it has a (critically important, with this much power) very capable stability control system, so it will probably keep its occupants reasonably safe in a collision if it can’t avoid one. But the risk of a collision is also much greater when the driver can’t gauge the car’s extremities and has so much power on hand. Probably not ideal for a driver who’s still trying to get confident behind the wheel, then.

 

Fuel Economy

At the time of its launch, Ferrari boasted of the F12berlinetta’s environmental credentials: its claimed average consumption of 15.7 ℓ/100 km is supposed to be 30% better than that of its predecessor, so we suppose that’s a highlight. But, in the greater scheme of things, the F12 still has a fierce drinking habit – not that this would matter very much to the well-moneyed types who can afford to buy one, mind you.

 

Verdict

Almost anything else, with the exception of mid-engined supercars and 6-wheeled off-roaders, will be more suitable for new drivers than a Ferrari F12. Putting it bluntly, the F12 is often too much car for even experienced drivers to handle, let alone someone who’s taking their first motoring steps. If you just can’t resist the urge to spoil a youngster with an Italian exotic, may we rather suggest a Maserati Levante Trofeo instead? It’s just as quick and is also powered by a Ferrari-derived engine, but will be much more manageable for a new driver.

Related: We review the Maserati Levante Trofeo – the SUV with the heart of a Ferrari.

 

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