Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Ferrari Roma
Compare the Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Ferrari Roma. The Ferrari Roma is £200,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is 0.5s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari Roma is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri is priced from £395,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 819 hp (830 PS), with 678 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 2.9 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 Ferrari 12Cilindri offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) 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 £200,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari Roma is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 12Cilindri has 92 L fuel tank, the Ferrari Roma has 80 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Ferrari Roma
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 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 Ferrari 12Cilindri — 6.5L V12 engine; delivers legendary naturally aspirated power and high-frequency revving capabilities; the Ferrari Roma — V8 twin-turbo delivers refined, broad power band rather than raw aggression. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Rear-wheel drive chassis; refined suspension tuning provides exceptional poise on fast road sections. For the Ferrari Roma: Fluid, elegant handling character; built for driver enjoyment over outright lap times. In outright terms it is 819 hp against 612 — a 207 hp gap — and the Ferrari 12Cilindri reaches 60 mph 0.5s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Ferrari Roma
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 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 12Cilindri — Modernised cockpit layout; integrates digital gauge clusters with classic leather-wrapped luxury surfaces; the Ferrari Roma — Most elegant Ferrari interior; genuine grand tourer ambiance. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Driver-focused ergonomics; controls are positioned to minimise distraction during rapid driving. For the Ferrari Roma: 2+ seating layout with folding rear seats for occasional use.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Ferrari Roma
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.
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 12Cilindri — Refined grand touring character; sufficient comfort for extended drives between city centres; the Ferrari Roma — 272L boot is excellent for a Ferrari; most practical of the range. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: 270L boot space; provides practical room for two people on international road trips. 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: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Ferrari Roma
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 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 12Cilindri — Prestige brand legacy; Ferrari status ensures sustained long-term desirability and valuation stability; the Ferrari Roma — Ferrari 7-year warranty provides comprehensive long-term coverage. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: High-performance maintenance; routine servicing requires authorised dealer access for complex systems. For the Ferrari Roma: Roma targets broader ownership profile; more usable as a sole vehicle. On the wallet the two diverge at £395,000 versus £195,000 — a £200,000 difference.