Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari Roma
Compare the Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari Roma. The Aston Martin DB12 is £10,000 cheaper. The Ferrari Roma is 0.2s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari Roma 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 Roma is priced from £195,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 612 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 199 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 Roma offers a 272-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Aston Martin DB12 is £10,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,500 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari Roma is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Aston Martin DB12 has 78 L fuel tank, the Ferrari Roma has 80 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari Roma
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 Roma is designed for the modern gentleman, offering a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 that favours refined, broad-shouldered power over the erratic spikes of a track weapon. Its chassis is balanced and fluid, encouraging long, spirited drives across country roads rather than focused track sessions. The steering is direct, yet it avoids the twitchiness found in more aggressive models, providing a relaxing pace that feels perfectly weighted. While it can certainly deliver when provoked, the Roma’s true nature is discovered in its ability to maintain high speeds with a sense of poise and composure that is rarely found in grand tourers.
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 Roma — V8 twin-turbo delivers refined, broad power band rather than raw aggression. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Nine-speed wet-clutch gearbox; quickest shifts in Aston Martin history. For the Ferrari Roma: Fluid, elegant handling character; built for driver enjoyment over outright lap times. In outright terms it is 671 hp against 612 — a 59 hp gap — and the Ferrari Roma reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari Roma
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 Roma is arguably the most elegant interior Ferrari has produced in recent memory. It creates a cocoon-like atmosphere with a 2+ layout that is refined, focusing on high-quality tactile materials rather than just performance metrics. Tech is present, though the infotainment is less cutting-edge than the ultra-modern SF90, which feels appropriate for a car intended for long-distance comfort. The rear seats are suitable for short journeys or extra storage, providing a level of practicality that is often missing from its siblings. It feels like a space designed for the journey, not just for the destination.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Completely redesigned interior; most contemporary Aston cabin to date; the Ferrari Roma — Most elegant Ferrari interior; genuine grand tourer ambiance. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Curved 10.25-inch touchscreen; significantly improved tech versus DB11. For the Ferrari Roma: 2+ seating layout with folding rear seats for occasional use.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari Roma
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 those seeking an everyday Ferrari, the Roma is the standout choice. The 272-litre boot is impressively sized for a front-engine coupe, easily handling luggage for a weekend away. Its longer wheelbase and softer suspension settings make it remarkably comfortable for long hauls, smoothing out road imperfections that would typically unsettle a mid-engine model. In town, it is manageable, although its width still requires care in tight parking structures. Overall, it succeeds as a practical daily driver, balancing enough performance to thrill with the civility required for everyday chores and commutes, making it the most usable model currently available.
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 Roma — 272L boot is excellent for a Ferrari; most practical of the range. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Comfortable GT modes well calibrated for real-world road quality. For the Ferrari Roma: Longer wheelbase and softer modes make longer journeys genuinely comfortable. that means 262 litres of boot space against 272, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari Roma at the pumps.
Ownership: Aston Martin DB12 vs Ferrari Roma
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 Roma is well-supported by Ferrari’s seven-year warranty, providing exceptional peace of mind for those looking to use the car frequently. It is positioned to attract a broader demographic of buyers, including those who may not want a dedicated mid-engine sports car. While residual values are slightly softer than the more extreme models in the lineup due to its status as a grand tourer, the lower cost of maintenance makes it an attractive proposition for long-term ownership. It is an honest, well-engineered vehicle that serves as a solid foundation for those looking to enter the Ferrari ownership experience.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Latest generation Aston; best reliability expectation of any DB model; the Ferrari Roma — Ferrari 7-year warranty provides comprehensive long-term coverage. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Aston Martin Works and wider network both support DB12 comprehensively. For the Ferrari Roma: Roma targets broader ownership profile; more usable as a sole vehicle. On the wallet the two diverge at £185,000 versus £195,000 — a £10,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £0, and warranty cover of 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) versus 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate).