Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 911 GT3
Compare the Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 911 GT3. The Porsche 911 GT3 is £252,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is 0.5s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 911 GT3 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 Porsche 911 GT3 is priced from £143,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 502 hp, with 470 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 198 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 Porsche 911 GT3 offers a 132-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 911 GT3 is £252,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Porsche 911 GT3 is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 12Cilindri has 92 L fuel tank, the Porsche 911 GT3 has 64 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 911 GT3
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 Porsche 911 GT3 remains the benchmark for naturally aspirated sports cars. Its 4.0L flat-six is a masterpiece of linear power delivery, revving to a crescendo that defines the driving experience. The chassis balance is near perfect, thanks to its sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension, which provides telepathic steering feedback. On the road, it is a demanding partner that requires focus, yet it rewards the driver with an analogue feel that is largely absent from its turbocharged peers. Every gearshift, whether manual or PDK, is crisp and intentional, cementing its position as a true driver-focused machine for the real world.
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 Porsche 911 GT3 — Naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six; linear, rev-hungry throttle response. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Rear-wheel drive chassis; refined suspension tuning provides exceptional poise on fast road sections. For the Porsche 911 GT3: Communicative steering with genuine road feel; analogue at the limit. In outright terms it is 819 hp against 502 — a 317 hp gap — and the Ferrari 12Cilindri reaches 60 mph 0.5s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 911 GT3
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 Porsche 911 GT3 is a focused environment, blending high-end technology with a driver-centric design. Alcantara and carbon fibre trim are standard, providing a tactile, high-quality feel that mirrors the car’s track-ready intention. The instrumentation is clear and uncluttered, ensuring that vital information is at the driver's fingertips. While the rear seats are removed to save weight, the front interior remains comfortable enough for a spirited drive across continents. The ergonomics are peerless, placing every control in the perfect position for intuitive use during high-speed operation, reflecting the deep thought Porsche invests in its driver interface.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri — Modernised cockpit layout; integrates digital gauge clusters with classic leather-wrapped luxury surfaces; the Porsche 911 GT3 — Driver-focused ergonomics; clear, purposeful instrumentation. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Driver-focused ergonomics; controls are positioned to minimise distraction during rapid driving. For the Porsche 911 GT3: Alcantara and carbon trim; stripped-back but quality materials.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 911 GT3
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.
Despite its hardcore reputation, the Porsche 911 GT3 is surprisingly usable for an enthusiast. The dimensions are well-suited to narrow UK lanes, and the front lift system helps preserve the front bumper over speed humps. While the suspension is undeniably firm, it is well-damped, avoiding the harshness found in more extreme models. Luggage capacity is sufficient for a weekend of touring, with both the front and rear shelf area providing storage. It functions well for urban errands, though the engine’s performance is clearly happiest when given the space to stretch its legs on a challenging back road.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri — Refined grand touring character; sufficient comfort for extended drives between city centres; the Porsche 911 GT3 — Manageable dimensions suit urban environments better than rivals. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: 270L boot space; provides practical room for two people on international road trips. For the Porsche 911 GT3: Front trunk and rear boot usable for weekend luggage. that means 270 litres of boot space against 132, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 911 GT3, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 911 GT3 at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 911 GT3
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.
Ownership of the Porsche 911 GT3 is a relatively straightforward affair within the performance car market. The extensive Porsche dealer network provides excellent service coverage, making it easier to maintain than hypercar-level alternatives. Residual values remain exceptionally strong, with demand consistently outstripping supply. Annual maintenance costs are reflective of the performance specification, but parts availability is good. Insurance is manageable for a car of this capability, and the reliability of the naturally aspirated powertrain adds a layer of confidence to the ownership experience. It is a car that makes financial and emotional sense to the dedicated enthusiast.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri — Prestige brand legacy; Ferrari status ensures sustained long-term desirability and valuation stability; the Porsche 911 GT3 — Porsche dealer network extensive; service expertise widely available. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: High-performance maintenance; routine servicing requires authorised dealer access for complex systems. For the Porsche 911 GT3: Exceptional residuals; high enthusiast demand sustains value. On the wallet the two diverge at £395,000 versus £143,000 — a £252,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £1,500, and warranty cover of 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) versus 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover).