Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Aston Martin Vantage
Compare the Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Aston Martin Vantage. The Aston Martin Vantage is £274,100 cheaper. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is 0.6s quicker to 60mph. The Aston Martin Vantage is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
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 Vantage is priced from £120,900, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 503 hp, with 685 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 195 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Aston Martin Vantage offers a 350-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Aston Martin Vantage is £274,100 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Aston Martin Vantage is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £100 for the Ferrari 12Cilindri and £110 for the Aston Martin Vantage.
Driving Character: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Aston Martin Vantage
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.
The Vantage utilizes a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 to deliver a punchy 503 hp that defines its boisterous character. Its short wheelbase and wide track create a nimble, almost twitchy handling profile that demands constant input from the driver. The steering is direct, and the rear-wheel-drive architecture allows for significant adjustability through corners, though the traction control often intervenes aggressively in wet conditions to manage the 685 Nm of torque. It is a sports car that rewards experienced hands, trading absolute refinement for an engaging, visceral experience that feels decidedly more muscular than many of its rivals.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 84. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Naturally-aspirated V12 drama in a more refined, usable GT package. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Sharp, engaging chassis with a thunderous AMG-sourced V8. In outright terms it is 830 hp against 503 — a 327 hp gap — and the Ferrari 12Cilindri reaches 60 mph 0.6s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Aston Martin Vantage
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.
The interior is a focused, driver-centric environment, though the reliance on older-generation Mercedes-Benz switchgear is increasingly apparent against modern standards. The cabin is trimmed in high-quality Alcantara and leather, conveying a sense of purpose rather than pure opulence. The rotary infotainment controller is functional but lacks the slickness of current touchscreen interfaces. While the driving position is low and perfectly suited for spirited work, some materials in the lower dashboard areas lack the premium feel one might expect given the brand’s positioning. Practicality is limited, yet the space feels appropriate for a focused sports machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 85 against 80. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Straightforward, user-friendly cabin with genuine usability. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Significantly improved cabin quality and tech over the outgoing car.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Aston Martin Vantage
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.
Daily usability is a mixed bag, with the Vantage excelling on open roads while requiring caution in urban settings. The front trunk provides a modest 325L of storage, which is surprisingly practical for short trips, provided one watches the low front splitter on kerbs and speed bumps. The ride is notably firm, especially in Sport mode, which can be fatiguing over longer distances on poor road surfaces. However, for a high-performance sports car, its compact dimensions make it relatively easy to place in traffic, provided the driver is mindful of the wide bodywork during parking.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 75 against 62. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Genuinely usable as a continent-crossing daily GT. For the Aston Martin Vantage: More usable day-to-day than previous Vantage generations. that means 270 litres of boot space against 350, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin Vantage at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Aston Martin Vantage
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.
The ownership proposition of the Vantage has improved significantly, with an expanding dealer network that makes servicing more accessible than in previous years. Maintenance costs are relatively modest at £900 annually, though turbo-related upkeep can add up as the car ages. The Vantage badge retains considerable brand cachet, which keeps residual values strong in the competitive sports car market. It remains a popular choice for those who want a blend of heritage, performance, and day-to-day usability without the extreme costs associated with the ultra-luxury, low-volume models in the Aston Martin stable.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 68 against 58. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: One of the last naturally-aspirated V12 Ferraris, strong collector interest. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Entry-level Aston with a strong enthusiast following. On the wallet the two diverge at £395,000 versus £120,900 — a £274,100 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £900, and warranty cover of 7yr / unlimited mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.