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The best scope is the one you use the most, which is generally the easiest to set up, carry around etc: unless you are viewing from a fixed site.
There is no doubt a 12" is a lot heavier etc than an 8", so you need to factor that in to your thinking.
However, a 12" will gather 2 1/2 times more light into your eyes, so objects will be obviously brighter at the same magnification, and you will pick up fainter objects as people have already pointed out. On a good night a 12" will also offer better resolution- but it will take a bit longer to reach ambient temperature (a built in fan is a good idea).
One way to pump up an 8" is to use a deep sky filter on emission nebulae: this will really improve the view and make it seem like you have a much larger scope, especially if there is a bit of light pollution around. (I prefer one of these to an OIII for general viewing: the deep-sky doesn't wash out the stars so much and gives a more "natural view".)
However, I agree with the comment that a 12" hits a pretty good "sweet spot" in general viewing: and my personal home-made 12" packs up to smaller than my 4" refractor, with a 3-5 minute set-up time (depending on how clumsy I am feeling)- so it is a great option.
If you are thinking 12", then a collapsible one (like the Skywatcher) is worth looking at in terms of portability and ease of set-up.
I would suggest you go to a star party or a club night and have a look through both options before you commit; but both options will give you many years of great views.
- Dean
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