Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari 488 GTB
Compare the Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari 488 GTB. The Aston Martin DB12 is £25,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 488 GTB is 0.6s quicker to 60mph. The Aston Martin DB12 is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Aston Martin DB12 is priced from £185,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 671 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.6 s, a top speed of 202 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari 488 GTB is priced from £165,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 661 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3 s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Aston Martin DB12 offers a 262-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23.2 mpg (combined), is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty. The Ferrari 488 GTB offers a 230-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Aston Martin DB12 is £25,000 cheaper than its rival, the Ferrari 488 GTB costs less in annual maintenance (£3,500 versus £3,000), the Aston Martin DB12 is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Aston Martin DB12 has 78 L fuel tank, the Ferrari 488 GTB has 78 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari 488 GTB
The DB12 marks a decisive shift in Aston Martin’s philosophy, moving away from the wallowing nature of its predecessor to embrace true sporting agility. The 671hp AMG-sourced V8 provides muscular, linear power that feels perfectly harnessed by the new nine-speed wet-clutch transmission. While the chassis balance is significantly sharpened, the car retains a sophisticated grand tourer core that isolates occupants from road imperfections. It behaves with composure on winding B-roads, offering steering that feels more connected and precise than previous models, ensuring that while it is an aggressive performer, it remains deeply comfortable over long distances.
The Ferrari 488 GTB signals the move toward turbocharging, utilizing a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 to produce 661hp and a massive 760Nm of torque. The engine character is defined by its immense, flat torque curve, which makes it feel vastly more accessible and urgent in daily driving than its naturally aspirated predecessor. The side-slip control system is highly effective, enabling the driver to push the car into controlled oversteer with ease. While some enthusiasts lament the loss of the high-revving naturally aspirated top end, the gain in mid-range punch makes it a devastatingly fast grand tourer.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — 671hp AMG V8; more powerful and responsive than the DB11 it replaces; the Ferrari 488 GTB — Twin-turbo V8 with flat torque curve; powerful and accessible at any speed. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Nine-speed wet-clutch gearbox; quickest shifts in Aston Martin history. For the Ferrari 488 GTB: Side-slip control system enables controlled oversteer for experienced drivers. In outright terms it is 671 hp against 661 — a 10 hp gap — and the Ferrari 488 GTB reaches 60 mph 0.6s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari 488 GTB
Stepping inside the DB12 reveals a transformative leap for the marque, shedding the dated systems of old for a fully contemporary cockpit. The centrepiece is the curved 10.25-inch touchscreen, which offers responsive software and logical navigation, finally bringing the tech suite up to current luxury standards. Materials remain premium, with supple hides and high-quality finishes throughout. However, some traditionalists may lament that the cabin feels less like a bespoke, hand-crafted space and more like a modern, technology-focused office. Despite this evolution, the overall fit and finish are of an exceptionally high order for this segment.
The cabin of the 488 GTB offers a more refined, luxurious feel compared to the 458, featuring high-quality materials and improved build standards throughout. Ergonomics are excellent, with all primary controls within easy reach of the driver. Visibility remains a strong point for a mid-engine car, with clear front sightlines that make it feel smaller than it actually is. However, the infotainment system is noticeably dated compared to current models, lacking the seamless connectivity and high-resolution displays expected of modern luxury cars. It is a functional and comfortable space that balances performance and refinement well.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Completely redesigned interior; most contemporary Aston cabin to date; the Ferrari 488 GTB — Refined cockpit with clear ergonomics and quality finish throughout. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Curved 10.25-inch touchscreen; significantly improved tech versus DB11. For the Ferrari 488 GTB: Good visibility for a mid-engine car; reasonable front sightlines.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari 488 GTB
Practicality in the DB12 is framed by its 2+2 layout and a functional 300-litre boot, which makes it a surprisingly viable option for weekend excursions. While the interior is more ergonomic than earlier Astons, the car’s significant 76.7-inch width demands vigilance in tighter urban environments or narrow parking bays. The ride quality is expertly calibrated, allowing it to glide over broken road surfaces in GT mode without bruising its occupants. It is clearly built for the open road, where its combination of power and usable space makes it a highly capable companion for cross-continental travel.
For daily driving, the 488 GTB is remarkably civilised, particularly when the manettino is set to the softer settings. The steering is light and responsive, making city navigation straightforward, and the 230L boot provides decent storage for two. On poorer, uneven road surfaces, the suspension can feel rather firm, potentially causing fatigue over longer journeys in Sport mode. However, when treated as a grand tourer, it performs its duties admirably, managing the stresses of modern roads with a composure that makes it a highly usable mid-engine supercar for both errands and longer trips.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — 300L boot and 2+2 seating balance sports car focus with GT practicality; the Ferrari 488 GTB — Manageable dimensions and lighter steering in Wet mode for urban use. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Comfortable GT modes well calibrated for real-world road quality. For the Ferrari 488 GTB: 230L boot capacity functional for short trips. that means 262 litres of boot space against 230, plus a usable front boot in the Ferrari 488 GTB, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin DB12 at the pumps.
Ownership: Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari 488 GTB
Ownership of the DB12 represents the most polished experience in the history of the DB lineage, with expected reliability levels that finally match its rivals. While the annual maintenance costs remain firmly in the premium category, the backing from the Aston Martin Works network provides extensive support that mitigates the risks of high-performance motoring. As the current benchmark for the brand, it holds a strong position in the market, though prospective owners should factor in high insurance premiums and the inevitable expenses associated with maintaining such a sophisticated, high-output drivetrain over time.
The 488 GTB represents a strong choice for those entering the world of modern Ferrari ownership. Used market values remain stable, reflecting the car’s excellent build quality and performance legacy. The Ferrari dealer network provides comprehensive support, though the added complexity of the twin-turbo system does mean that maintenance intervals and costs are higher compared to earlier naturally aspirated models. Insurance and running costs are in line with expectations for a mid-engine exotic, but the overall ownership experience is rewarding, bolstered by the brand’s enduring reputation and widespread specialist support in the market.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Latest generation Aston; best reliability expectation of any DB model; the Ferrari 488 GTB — Strong used market values; 488 era widely regarded as excellent Ferrari. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Aston Martin Works and wider network both support DB12 comprehensively. For the Ferrari 488 GTB: Ferrari servicing network covers all major markets. On the wallet the two diverge at £185,000 versus £165,000 — a £20,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £3,000, and warranty cover of 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) versus 3yr / unlimited mi.