Aston Martin Valour vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
Compare the Aston Martin Valour vs Ferrari 12Cilindri. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is £305,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is 0.6s quicker to 60mph. The Aston Martin Valour is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Aston Martin Valour is priced from £1,500,000, powered by a 5.2L Twin-Turbo V12, producing 705 hp, with 753 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 202 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is priced from £395,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 830 hp, with 678 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.9s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Aston Martin Valour offers a 200-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Ferrari 12Cilindri offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is £305,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,500 per year in maintenance, the Aston Martin Valour is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £95 for the Aston Martin Valour and £100 for the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Driving Character: Aston Martin Valour vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
The Valour represents an unapologetic return to analogue roots, pairing a 705 hp twin-turbo 5.2L V12 with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox. It eschews modern dual-clutch complexity, placing the onus of performance entirely on the driver’s mastery of the mechanical linkage. While the chassis lacks the overt driver aids of its mid-engined peers, the balance is rewarding for those who seek to exploit its longitudinal weight distribution. Steering is communicative, albeit heavy, reinforcing the sense of piloting a vehicle designed for raw engagement rather than clinical lap-time perfection across a circuit.
The 12Cilindri defines a new peak for front-mounted V12 performance, combining an 830hp naturally aspirated powerplant with a remarkably agile rear-wheel-drive chassis. The four-wheel steering system effectively masks the long wheelbase, granting this grand tourer a nimbleness that defies its size. While the 6.5L engine demands high-rev engagement for maximum effect, the chassis balance remains composed even when pushing near the limits of adhesion. It represents a sophisticated evolution of the 812 lineage, ensuring that the raw, mechanical intensity of the V12 remains the primary focus of the driving experience.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 90 against 92. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Valour: Naturally-tuned V12 paired with a rare manual gearbox for maximum engagement. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Naturally-aspirated V12 drama in a more refined, usable GT package. In outright terms it is 705 hp against 830 — a 125 hp gap — and the Ferrari 12Cilindri reaches 60 mph 0.6s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin Valour vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
Inside, the Valour is a masterclass in bespoke craftsmanship, defined by a minimalist approach that rejects digital clutter. The machined aluminium gear shifter and quilted leather upholstery create an ambience of bespoke luxury that feels miles removed from mass-produced hypercars. Build quality is exemplary, reflecting the exclusive nature of this limited-run model. However, space is at a premium; the cabin is strictly for two, and storage options are virtually non-existent, requiring occupants to travel light. The focus remains entirely on the sensory experience of the switchgear and the low-slung, intimate driving position.
Inside, the dual-cockpit dashboard draws clear inspiration from the 365 GTB/4, blending classic design motifs with a modern digital architecture. The interior feel is focused squarely on driver immersion, with the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system seamlessly integrated into the minimalist aesthetic. Materials are finished to an exceptional standard, reflecting the car's grand touring intent. While the cabin is clearly a masterclass in modern Ferrari ergonomics, the rear seats remain purely vestigial, serving as additional storage rather than a functional space for passengers.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 78 against 85. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Valour: Retro-styled cabin blending analogue switchgear with modern craftsmanship. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Straightforward, user-friendly cabin with genuine usability.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin Valour vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
Despite its imposing performance credentials, this car struggles with the mundane realities of urban life. The lack of a front-end lift system as standard makes navigating speed humps and steep driveways a nerve-wracking affair, given the aggressive front splitter design. Furthermore, the combination of a high-power V12 and a heavy-clutch manual transmission ensures that commuting is anything but effortless. It is a vehicle built for open roads and dedicated weekend drives, where the physical effort of operation is part of the charm, rather than a hinderance to routine errand-running.
Despite its performance pedigree, the 12Cilindri offers a practical, if physically imposing, approach to daily grand touring. The 270L boot provides genuine capacity for luggage, making it a viable companion for extended journeys. In urban environments, the four-wheel steering is indispensable, allowing the driver to navigate tight streets with a precision that belies the car's significant length and width. However, the long bonnet and expansive bodywork require a cautious approach in city centres and parking facilities, where the car’s sheer footprint can make tight manoeuvres feel somewhat daunting.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 48 against 75. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Valour: Usable but firmly a weekend/collector's car. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Genuinely usable as a continent-crossing daily GT. that means 200 litres of boot space against 270, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin Valour at the pumps.
Ownership: Aston Martin Valour vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
Ownership of the Valour is defined by its extreme rarity, with only 110 units produced to mark Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary. This scarcity, combined with the specialised maintenance requirements of its V12 powertrain and manual transmission, keeps operating costs high. Owners benefit from the dedicated Q by Aston Martin concierge service, which provides tailored support for such a bespoke machine. While purchase prices are stratospheric, the model’s historical significance and limited production numbers suggest that it will likely remain a prized asset within any serious automotive collection for decades.
Ownership of the 12Cilindri is defined by its status as a bastion of the naturally aspirated V12 in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape. The standard 7-year warranty and maintenance programme provide a high level of security for what is fundamentally a complex, high-performance machine. While fuel consumption remains notably high and insurance costs will inevitably reflect the vehicle's extreme performance potential and price point, the long-term collector appeal of such a pure-engine model remains incredibly strong, ensuring robust residual values for those who manage the ongoing running costs.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Valour takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 68. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Valour: Instant collector status as a manual, limited-run V12 Aston. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: One of the last naturally-aspirated V12 Ferraris, strong collector interest. On the wallet the two diverge at £1,500,000 versus £395,000 — a £1,105,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £0, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.