Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Ferrari Roma
Compare the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Ferrari Roma. The Ferrari Roma is £30,000 cheaper. The Ferrari Roma is 0.0s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari Roma is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is priced from £175,000, powered by a 5.2L Twin-Turbo V12, producing 715 hp, with 900 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 211 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 DBS Superleggera offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, 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 Ferrari Roma is £30,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £4,200 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari Roma is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari Roma has 80 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Ferrari Roma
The DBS Superleggera is defined by the sheer ferocity of its 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, a powerplant that delivers 715hp with an unrelenting, surging intensity. Unlike its more surgical rivals, the car prioritises theatre and immense torque, relying on its rear-wheel-drive architecture to provide a raw, visceral driving experience. The chassis is tuned for stability at triple-digit speeds, though it occasionally struggles to mask its weight through tight, technical corners. It feels like a heavyweight prize fighter—monumentally powerful and capable of incredible feats, yet demanding a firm hand to keep its formidable energy under precise control at all times.
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 DBS Superleggera — 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12; provides massive low-end torque for effortless high-speed progress; the Ferrari Roma — V8 twin-turbo delivers refined, broad power band rather than raw aggression. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Rear-wheel drive dynamics; chassis maintains composure despite immense engine output. For the Ferrari Roma: Fluid, elegant handling character; built for driver enjoyment over outright lap times. In outright terms it is 715 hp against 612 — a 103 hp gap — and the Ferrari Roma reaches 60 mph 0.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Ferrari Roma
Inside, the cabin is an exercise in excess and traditional elegance, heavily draped in high-quality leather and aluminium accents. The layout follows a classic grand touring aesthetic, prioritising comfort over the minimalist tech focus seen in the latest generation of supercars. While the materials are undeniably opulent, the infotainment system feels dated, reflecting the development cycle of its era. The seating position is low and supportive, perfectly suited for long-distance cruising, even if the user interface occasionally requires more effort than the streamlined systems found in current, competition-focused rivals within the same price bracket.
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 DBS Superleggera — Luxury-focused cabin; premium leather materials deliver a refined grand touring environment; the Ferrari Roma — Most elegant Ferrari interior; genuine grand tourer ambiance. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Driver-focused layout; integrates modern technology with traditional artisan interior finishes. For the Ferrari Roma: 2+ seating layout with folding rear seats for occasional use.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Ferrari Roma
For all its performance, the DBS Superleggera remains a usable grand tourer, provided one understands the limitations of its 244-litre boot. Ingress and egress are straightforward for a car of this profile, and the ride, while firm, is well-damped for motorway work, making it an excellent candidate for long-haul journeys. Urban environments present the greatest challenge; its width and aggressive stance can make tight parking situations stressful. It is an assertive presence on the road, offering a level of comfort that suits high-speed cruising perfectly, provided one keeps the long, muscular bonnet clear of low-speed obstacles.
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 DBS Superleggera — 244L boot capacity; accommodates enough luggage for extended grand touring trips; the Ferrari Roma — 272L boot is excellent for a Ferrari; most practical of the range. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: 120mm ground clearance; sufficient for standard speed bumps and driveway transitions. For the Ferrari Roma: Longer wheelbase and softer modes make longer journeys genuinely comfortable. that means 270 litres of boot space against 272, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari Roma at the pumps.
Ownership: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Ferrari Roma
Running a V12-powered DBS Superleggera requires commitment, as the high-output engine and premium components result in significant annual maintenance costs. The model benefits from a well-established dealer network, but owners should be prepared for the realities of high-performance parts and servicing. As an out-of-production model, it has reached a point of relative stability in the second-hand market, though it is not a car that will ever be considered inexpensive to keep. It remains a coveted choice for enthusiasts seeking the definitive V12 Aston Martin experience before the forced transition to smaller displacement, forced-induction powertrains.
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 DBS Superleggera — Extensive brand dealer support; provides consistent maintenance for performance-oriented owners; the Ferrari Roma — Ferrari 7-year warranty provides comprehensive long-term coverage. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: High prestige; luxury brand status ensures stable demand in the enthusiast market. For the Ferrari Roma: Roma targets broader ownership profile; more usable as a sole vehicle. On the wallet the two diverge at £175,000 versus £195,000 — a £20,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £4,200 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).