Ferrari
456
Ferrari
612 Scaglietti
Ferrari 456 vs Ferrari 612 Scaglietti: 2004 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti comes out ahead of the Ferrari 456 on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
456
Overall
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep affection for the car's understated design, grand touring character, and surprisingly robust mechanical nature. It is consistently described as a subtle, refined, and epic 2+2 grand tourer that offers a different, more usable experience compared to more extreme contemporary Ferraris. The front-engine V12 layout is praised for its reliability when properly maintained, and the car is noted for being a practical Ferrari suitable for long-distance touring, with owners reporting using it for family trips with children in the back and luggage in the trunk.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive best version (GT vs GTA, pre-facelift vs 456M). A single owner noted the pre-facelift 456 has a three-mode adaptive suspension (soft, normal, hard) compared to the two-mode (normal, sport) system on the 456 M and 550, but the performance implications of this are not discussed.
Known issues
- ⚠Bronze valve guide wear: some engines were fitted with suboptimal bronze guides leading to potential failure; requires compression and leak-down test during PPI. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Suspension accumulator and seal failure: the early adaptive suspension system's hydraulic accumulators and seals are a known wear item and will eventually need service or replacement; parts are becoming harder to source new.
- ⚠Cooling system vulnerabilities: can be an issue; updated fans, harnesses, radiators, and hoses are available as solutions. Frequency: recurrent.
612 Scaglietti
Overall
Positive sentiment among owners, with a strong consensus that it is a highly capable and underappreciated grand tourer. It is frequently described as a "goldilocks car" that is "big enough for 4 adults," "fast enough (but not too fast) to enjoy on public roads at full throttle," and a favorite among owners who have had multiple Ferraris. The vehicle is praised for its genuine four-seat capacity, with rear seats noted as usable for adults due to deep scallops in the front seatbacks.
Best version to buy
The later "One to One" (OTO) model (2008+). This iteration is consistently recommended for its revised dual-plate F1 transmission with faster shifting, glass roof, and revised engine and suspension ECUs, which owners describe as making a "very dramatic" improvement over early cars.
Known issues
- ⚠TFT display failure/flicker: A common failure point leading to other electrical issues. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Sticky switches and dash leather pulling: Common interior wear issues. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠F1 pump failure: A known wear item for the automated manual transmission system. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Ferrari 456, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Ferrari 456 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ferrari 456 or the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Ferrari 456 and the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Ferrari 456 or the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ferrari 456 or the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti?
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is more fuel-efficient on paper: 20.7 L/100km combined versus 21.6 L/100km for the Ferrari 456, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ferrari 456 or the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti than the Ferrari 456. See the known issues comparison above.