BMW M4 CSL vs Ferrari Roma
Compare the BMW M4 CSL vs Ferrari Roma. The BMW M4 CSL is £120,315 cheaper. The Ferrari Roma is 0.2s quicker to 60mph. The BMW M4 CSL is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The BMW M4 CSL is priced from £74,685, powered by a 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6, producing 543 hp, with 650 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.6s, a top speed of 191 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 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 199 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The BMW M4 CSL offers a 440-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Ferrari Roma offers a 272-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the BMW M4 CSL is £120,315 cheaper than its rival, both require around £1,300 per year in maintenance, the BMW M4 CSL is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £75 for the BMW M4 CSL and £85 for the Ferrari Roma.
Driving Character: BMW M4 CSL vs Ferrari Roma
The M4 CSL represents the pinnacle of track-focused engineering for the current generation. Stripped of weight and tuned for maximum response, the chassis feels sharper and more visceral than any standard Competition model. With 543 horsepower routed solely to the rear wheels, traction management is critical, requiring a precise, disciplined approach from the driver. The steering is arguably the most communicative in the M-lineup, providing immediate feedback from the front tyres. It is a car built for circuit performance, with stiff springs and aggressive dampers that prioritise lap times and sustained performance over road-going compliance.
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 BMW M4 CSL takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 78. Characteristic of the BMW M4 CSL: Track-focused, lightweight M4 with the sharpest chassis in the range. For the Ferrari Roma: Elegant, GT-focused dynamics rather than outright sports car sharpness. In outright terms it is 543 hp against 612 — a 69 hp gap — and the Ferrari Roma reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: BMW M4 CSL vs Ferrari Roma
The interior is a stark, focused environment designed to minimise distractions and shed weight. Carbon bucket seats are standard, offering uncompromising support, though they can be difficult to climb in and out of. Much of the typical luxury trim has been removed in favour of lightweight materials and exposed components. The dashboard still features the high-resolution curved display, ensuring the driver has access to telemetry and performance data at a glance. Legroom in the rear is minimal, effectively treating the rear bench as a shelf for track gear rather than a place for passengers.
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 Ferrari Roma takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 58 against 85. Characteristic of the BMW M4 CSL: Motorsport bucket seats and minimal trim, focused on weight-saving. For the Ferrari Roma: Beautifully designed, minimalist 2+2 cabin.
Daily Usability: BMW M4 CSL vs Ferrari Roma
Daily utility is not the primary objective of the M4 CSL, and it shows. The low ride height and stiff suspension make navigating urban speed bumps or steep driveways a chore. While the 440-litre boot is identical to other M4 models, the lack of rear-seat utility limits its effectiveness as a family car. It is, however, perfectly capable of handling occasional motorway trips, though cabin noise from the lack of sound deadening is noticeable. For those who want a track-weapon that can legally drive to the circuit, it offers unmatched engagement, provided the compromises are accepted.
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 Ferrari Roma takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 45 against 75. Characteristic of the BMW M4 CSL: Usable but clearly built for track days over commuting. For the Ferrari Roma: Ferrari's most usable, comfortable everyday GT. that means 440 litres of boot space against 272, and everyday running costs that favour the BMW M4 CSL at the pumps.
Ownership: BMW M4 CSL vs Ferrari Roma
Maintenance for the CSL is a premium affair, with high-performance components specifically designed for track wear. Residual values are bolstered by its limited-edition status, making it a sound long-term investment for collectors. Standard BMW servicing applies, but parts unique to the CSL, such as specific brake and chassis components, are significantly more expensive than standard M4 parts. Insurance is also likely to be higher, reflecting the performance potential and the scarcity of body panels. It is a car for the committed enthusiast who values exclusivity and track capability above all else.
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 Ferrari Roma takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 72 against 74. Characteristic of the BMW M4 CSL: Limited-run status keeps strong collector demand. For the Ferrari Roma: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. On the wallet the two diverge at £74,685 versus £195,000 — a £120,315 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,300 against £0, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.