Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche Carrera GT
Compare the Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche Carrera GT. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is £55,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is 1.0s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari 12Cilindri 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 Carrera GT is priced from £1,500,000, powered by a 5.7L naturally aspirated V10, producing 603 hp, with 590 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.9 s, a top speed of 205 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 Carrera GT offers a 76-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 15.8 mpg (EU combined), is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is £55,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 12Cilindri has 92 L fuel tank, the Porsche Carrera GT has 92 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche Carrera GT
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 Carrera GT remains a raw, analogue masterpiece defined by its 5.7L V10 engine. Derived from an abandoned F1 programme, the engine offers ferocious, linear delivery that demands immense respect. Built around a carbon fibre monocoque, it lacks power steering and electronic stability aids, leaving the driver entirely exposed. The six-speed manual gearbox requires a deft touch, making the car a challenging yet deeply rewarding machine that reveals its true nature only in the hands of an expert.
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 Carrera GT — Naturally aspirated 5.7L V10 engine; delivers exceptional throttle linearity and motorsport-derived mechanical engagement. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Rear-wheel drive chassis; refined suspension tuning provides exceptional poise on fast road sections. For the Porsche Carrera GT: Rear-wheel drive chassis; provides unfiltered feedback through the hydraulic steering and manual gearbox. In outright terms it is 819 hp against 603 — a 216 hp gap — and the Ferrari 12Cilindri reaches 60 mph 1.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche Carrera GT
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 is a lesson in minimalism, prioritising structural integrity and weight reduction through extensive use of magnesium and carbon fibre. It feels decidedly race-derived, with a high-mounted gear lever topped by a wooden knob that provides a tactile link to Porsche's heritage. The interior is spartan by modern standards, eschewing the digital distractions of today for a pure, driver-focused environment that intentionally limits creature comforts to save mass.
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 Carrera GT — Minimalist carbon fibre monocoque architecture; focuses entirely on the driving task without distraction. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Driver-focused ergonomics; controls are positioned to minimise distraction during rapid driving. For the Porsche Carrera GT: Polished beechwood gear lever; classic material choice contrasts with advanced lightweight structural elements.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche Carrera GT
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.
While the Carrera GT is more usable than many of its contemporaries, it is not a car for mundane chores. The front trunk provides modest space for a weekend bag, but the main hurdle for daily driving is the notoriously difficult, heavy clutch. Engaging first gear smoothly requires significant practice, and once in motion, the lack of modern parking aids and the extreme width make it an intimidating prospect for city streets.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri — Refined grand touring character; sufficient comfort for extended drives between city centres; the Porsche Carrera GT — Compact 4630mm length; enables easier manoeuvring than contemporary supercars of similar V10 performance. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: 270L boot space; provides practical room for two people on international road trips. For the Porsche Carrera GT: Minimal 100L luggage space; restricts weekend travel capacity to very slim soft bags. that means 270 litres of boot space against 76, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche Carrera GT, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari 12Cilindri at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs Porsche Carrera GT
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 Carrera GT has cemented its position as a genuine collector investment, with values having more than tripled since its initial launch. Porsche Classic provides exemplary support, ensuring that parts and technical expertise remain available. However, ownership is a serious commitment; the V10 engine requires highly specialised maintenance, and the delicate nature of the clutch assembly means replacement costs can be exorbitant for the unwary owner.
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 Carrera GT — Iconic status as analogue supercar; ensures strong collector interest and sustained long-term appreciation. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: High-performance maintenance; routine servicing requires authorised dealer access for complex systems. For the Porsche Carrera GT: Complex V10 engineering; demands specialised maintenance from Porsche-trained heritage technicians. On the wallet the two diverge at £395,000 versus £1,500,000 — a £1,105,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £3,500, and warranty cover of 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) versus 2yr / unlimited mi.