Ferrari 612: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Ferrari 612 was offered in two closely matched versions during its single generation: 5.8 MT and 5.8 AT. Both are Coupe models produced from 2004 to 2011, and both combine a 5,748 cc naturally aspirated Gasoline engine with 540 hp, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed gearbox.
The Ferrari 612 was offered in two closely matched versions during its single generation: 5.8 MT and 5.8 AT. Both are Coupe models produced from 2004 to 2011, and both combine a 5,748 cc naturally aspirated Gasoline engine with 540 hp, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed gearbox. The choice therefore centers on transmission preference and the completeness of the available specifications: the 5.8 MT has a Manual gearbox, while the 5.8 AT has an Automatic gearbox. The 5.8 MT is also the version with measured top speed, fuel-consumption and weight figures.
Ferrari 612 generations and version choice
The only Ferrari 612 generation covered here ran from 2004 to 2011. It used a Coupe body and included two versions, 5.8 MT and 5.8 AT. There is no second generation to compare, and the supplied data records no separate restyling. Buyers are therefore choosing between two transmissions within the same generation rather than between different body styles, production eras or engine outputs.
Ferrari 612 engine and specs comparison
Both versions use a 5,748 cc Gasoline engine with 12 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, four valves per cylinder, distributed injection (multi-point) and no boost. Each produces 540 hp (397 kW) at 7,250 rpm. This equals approximately 93.9 hp per litre for either version.
The torque difference is minimal. The 5.8 MT develops 588 Nm at 5,250 rpm, while the 5.8 AT develops 589 Nm at 5,250 rpm. The Automatic version therefore has 1 Nm more torque, an advantage of roughly 0.2%. Both have an 11.2 compression ratio, an 89 × 77 bore-and-stroke measurement, use 98 fuel and send power to the rear wheels.
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8 MT | 540 hp (397 kW) at 7,250 rpm | 588 Nm at 5,250 rpm | 5,748 cc | Gasoline | 12 | V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5.8 AT | 540 hp (397 kW) at 7,250 rpm | 589 Nm at 5,250 rpm | 5,748 cc | Gasoline | 12 | V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
The engine position for the 5.8 MT is Front, longitudinal. For the 5.8 AT, engine position is not measured. This missing entry should not be treated as evidence of a different arrangement.
Ferrari 612 performance and fuel economy
Both Ferrari 612 versions accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. On the measured acceleration figure, the Automatic gearbox brings no advantage over the Manual gearbox.
The 5.8 MT has a measured top speed of 320 km/h. Top speed for the 5.8 AT is not measured, so the two versions cannot be compared reliably on maximum speed.
Fuel consumption is available only for the 5.8 MT:
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8 MT | 4.2 seconds | 320 km/h | 32.1 L/100 km | 14 L/100 km | 20.5 L/100 km |
| 5.8 AT | 4.2 seconds | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The 5.8 MT uses 18.1 L/100 km more in city driving than on the highway. Its combined figure is 6.5 L/100 km above its highway result and 11.6 L/100 km below its city result. The supplied data contains no consumption figures for the 5.8 AT, so it is not possible to claim that either transmission is more economical.
CO₂ output and environmental class are not measured for either version.
Ferrari 612 dimensions, weight and wheels
Both versions have 130 mm of ground clearance and a 108-litre fuel tank. Front and rear suspension are Independent, spring, while both axles use Ventilated disc brakes.
The 5.8 MT has a kerb weight of 1,840 kg and a gross weight of 2,250 kg. The difference between these figures is 410 kg. Its power-to-weight calculations work out to approximately 3.41 kg per hp and 293.5 hp per tonne based on kerb weight.
Kerb and gross weight for the 5.8 AT are not measured. Consequently, its weight per horsepower and horsepower per tonne cannot be calculated from the supplied data.
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8 MT | 1,840 kg | 2,250 kg | 130 mm | 108 L | 245/45 R19; 285/40 R19 |
| 5.8 AT | not measured | not measured | 130 mm | 108 L | 245/45 R18; 285/40 R19 |
The rear wheel size is the same on both versions at 285/40 R19. At the front, the 5.8 MT is listed with 245/45 R19, while the 5.8 AT is listed with 245/45 R18—a difference of one inch in stated rim diameter.
Ferrari 612 problems and reliability data
Problems and reliability are not measured for either the 5.8 MT or the 5.8 AT. The supplied specifications contain no repair history, failure rates or maintenance records, so the transmission choice cannot be justified with a reliability claim. A prospective buyer should treat any such claim as outside this comparison unless it is supported by separate vehicle-history and inspection evidence.
Which Ferrari 612 version should you buy?
Choose the 5.8 MT if you want the 6-speed Manual gearbox or the version supported by the most complete set of measured specifications. Its recorded figures include 320 km/h top speed, 32.1 L/100 km city consumption, 14 L/100 km highway consumption, 20.5 L/100 km combined consumption, 1,840 kg kerb weight and 2,250 kg gross weight. It also provides approximately 3.41 kg per hp based on the measured kerb weight.
Choose the 5.8 AT if a 6-speed Automatic gearbox is the priority. It matches the 5.8 MT at 540 hp, 397 kW and 4.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, while providing 589 Nm rather than 588 Nm. That additional 1 Nm is too small to create a meaningful numerical advantage on its own, and top speed, consumption and weight are not measured for this version.
Price data is not provided, so it is impossible to calculate what any extra money buys. On specifications alone, the 5.8 MT is the clearer choice for buyers who value a Manual gearbox and fully documented performance, economy and weight figures. The 5.8 AT is the direct alternative for buyers who specifically want an Automatic gearbox without giving up any measured power or 0–100 km/h performance.