Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 918 Spyder
Compare the Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 918 Spyder. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is £385,000 cheaper. The Porsche 918 Spyder is 0.4s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 918 Spyder 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 Porsche 918 Spyder is priced from £1,400,000, powered by a 4.6L V8 Hybrid, producing 887 hp, with 1280 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.5s, a top speed of 214 mph, sent to the road via all-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 Porsche 918 Spyder offers a 115-litre boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 94 mpg, is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is £385,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Porsche 918 Spyder is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £100 for the Ferrari 12Cilindri and £80 for the Porsche 918 Spyder.
Driving Character: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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 918 Spyder is a technological tour de force, pairing a high-revving 4.6L V8 with two electric motors for seamless, instant torque. Its AWD system and torque vectoring allow for incredible corner exit speeds, while top-exit exhausts facilitate unique aerodynamic efficiency. However, the complex hybrid system adds significant kerb weight, and the car's personality shifts dramatically between its various driving modes, requiring constant recalibration from the driver.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 918 Spyder takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 94. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Naturally-aspirated V12 drama in a more refined, usable GT package. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: Trailblazing hybrid hypercar with genuinely accessible, confidence-inspiring performance. In outright terms it is 830 hp against 887 — a 57 hp gap — and the Porsche 918 Spyder reaches 60 mph 0.4s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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.
Inside, the cockpit is defined by a minimalist, floating dashboard layout that prioritises focus over opulence. The Weissach package enhances the experience by integrating carbon fibre elements and lightweight magnesium wheels. Despite the high-tech interior, the cabin remains tight, featuring fixed-back bucket seats that offer minimal adjustment, making it less comfortable for long-duration drives than traditional grand tourers.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 85 against 68. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Straightforward, user-friendly cabin with genuine usability. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: Well-finished, motorsport-flavoured cockpit with genuine road usability.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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.
Thanks to its dedicated EV-only mode, the 918 Spyder allows for surprisingly civilised, silent urban transit. It is arguably more practical than its direct hypercar rivals, boasting a useful front trunk for small items. Nevertheless, the exceptionally low ride height and substantial width make navigating speed bumps and multi-storey car parks a cautious endeavour, requiring significant driver awareness in everyday environments.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 75 against 40. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Genuinely usable as a continent-crossing daily GT. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: More usable than most hypercars thanks to genuine EV-only running. that means 270 litres of boot space against 115, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 918 Spyder at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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.
As a collector-grade investment, the 918 Spyder has seen values appreciate significantly since its departure from production. Porsche provides comprehensive factory support for its hybrid technology, including a robust battery service guarantee. However, ownership costs remain substantial; the technical complexity of the hybrid system mandates specialist intervention, and eventual battery replacement represents a major financial consideration for long-term custodians.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 918 Spyder takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 68 against 82. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: One of the last naturally-aspirated V12 Ferraris, strong collector interest. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: One of the most technically significant, sought-after modern hypercars. On the wallet the two diverge at £395,000 versus £1,400,000 — a £1,005,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £4,000, and warranty cover of 7yr / unlimited mi versus 2yr / unlimited mi.