title:Ferrari 812 Competizione Spider Review: Power & GT Comfort
content:Is the 812 Competizione Spider as Sharp as the Coupe?
Imagine cruising a winding Portuguese road in a Ferrari 812 Competizione Spider. The sun glints off the body, the V12 roars, and you wonder: Does this convertible sacrifice the coupe’s precision? After analyzing this test drive video, I’ll break down its specs, driving feel, and whether it’s worth the £366k price tag.
content:Key Specs & Structural Insights
The Spider shares most of the coupe’s mechanical makeup: a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 delivering 819 horsepower at 9,250 RPM, paired with an 8-speed twin-clutch gearbox and rear-wheel drive. It hits 0-60 mph in 3 seconds flat and tops 211 mph—impressive for a car 60 kg heavier (1,620 kg dry) than the coupe.
Ferrari won’t say how much less rigid it is than the coupe, but it’s 15% stiffer than the previous 812 GTS (a soft-top model). The folding hardtop adds 40 kg over a soft-top but boosts aerodynamics and high-speed stability—critical for a car this fast.
content:Real-World Driving Experience
Driving the Spider feels almost like the coupe. Ferrari tweaked dampers, springs, and software to keep its character intact. The steering is quick (under two turns lock-to-lock) but not nervous, and the ride is smooth. Switching to “bumpy road” mode softens dampers, making it ideal for uneven roads.
The roof opens/closes in 14 seconds at up to 28 mph, and the rear window lowers to enhance engine noise. The throttle map in 3rd and 4th gears is linear—perfect for mid-range acceleration on winding roads, without the jarring intensity of lower gears.
content:Market Position & Competitors
The Spider occupies a rare niche. It’s less extreme than Ferrari’s SF90 (the brand’s performance benchmark), leaning into grand touring. Competitors are few: Lamborghini’s V12 models are less GT-focused, Aston Martin’s Vanquish convertible is a close rival, and Rolls-Royce offers luxury but not the same performance.
Ferrari sells half coupes and half spiders globally, with regional preferences (Middle East favors coupes, parts of America prefer spiders). Deliveries start late this year, with a £366k starting price in the UK.
content:Interior & Practicality
The cockpit mirrors the coupe: high-quality materials, a digital instrument panel (though some might prefer an analog rev counter), and a touchscreen for seat adjustments. The steering wheel has top-tier paddles but takes time to master—indicators don’t stay in position, a minor hassle.
content:Actionable Checklist & Resources
Immediate Tasks to Try
- Test drive in sport mode to feel stiffer dampers and responsive throttle.
- Operate the roof at low speed to check its 14-second cycle.
- Focus on 3rd/4th gears to experience linear mid-range acceleration.
- Compare with the coupe if possible to decide your preference.
Recommended Resources
- Ferrari’s official configurator: Customize your Spider and explore options.
- PistonHeads Forum: Read owner reviews for real-world insights.
content:Final Verdict & Engagement
The 812 Competizione Spider is a masterpiece—blending extreme power with GT comfort. The extra weight and slight rigidity loss are a small trade-off for open-air driving.
Would you choose the Spider over the coupe? Or is the cost and weight a deal-breaker? Share your thoughts in the comments below!