Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Compare the Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is £87,000 cheaper. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is 0.0s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is priced from £145,000, powered by a 4.5L V8, producing 562 hp, with 540 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in <3.4 s, a top speed of 202 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is priced from £115,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 493 hp, with 450 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 196 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Ferrari 458 Italia offers a 230-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20.6 mpg (NEDC combined), is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS offers a 125-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 21.4 mpg (WLTP combined), is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is £87,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £1,300), the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 458 Italia has 86 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
The 458 Italia remains the benchmark for naturally aspirated V8 performance, featuring a 4.5L engine that screams to a 9,000rpm redline. The throttle response is telepathic, offering a level of connection that modern turbocharged equivalents often struggle to replicate. Its chassis balance is exceptional, communicating road surface textures with crystal clarity through the steering rack. While the power delivery is linear and requires the driver to chase the high end of the rev range, the rewards are immense. It is a pure, analogue-feeling driving experience that remains as engaging today as it was at launch.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS represents the apex of the 718 platform, transplanting a 493hp naturally aspirated flat-six from the GT3 into a mid-engine chassis. The result is a machine with staggering agility and a turn-in response that makes even the standard GT4 feel soft. The chassis balance is dominated by rear-end grip and sharp, responsive steering that provides constant feedback. It is an extreme instrument, demanding a high level of expertise to truly extract its full potential. The power delivery is frenetic, culminating in a high-revving wail that defines the car's racing-inspired character.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 458 Italia — High-revving naturally aspirated V8; spine-tingling 9,000rpm ceiling; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — High-revving 4.0L flat-six; mid-engine platform provides superior agility compared to rear-engined counterparts. Characteristic of the Ferrari 458 Italia: One of the most communicative Ferrari chassis; near-perfect balance. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Induction noise proximity; intake plenums directly behind occupants intensify the driving experience. In outright terms it is 562 hp against 493 — a 69 hp gap — and the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS reaches 60 mph 0.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Inside, the cockpit focuses on a clean, functional design that places the driver at the heart of the experience. The steering wheel, featuring integrated controls, was a revolutionary touch that has since become a Ferrari signature. While the interior materials are of a high quality, the cabin clearly shows its age compared to the digital-heavy layouts of contemporary models. Visibility is a notable highlight for the segment, with a generous glasshouse that aids spatial awareness. It is a straightforward, no-nonsense interior that prioritises road-holding focus over the latest in screen-based distractions.
The interior is a study in weight reduction, featuring CFRP door panels, lightweight door pulls, and carbon bucket seats that lock the driver in place. The presence of the standard roll bar behind the seats signals its intent, creating a sparse, motorsport-focused atmosphere. Sound deadening is intentionally minimal, allowing the mechanical symphony—and the roar of the intake located just behind the driver's head—to flood the cabin. It is not designed for luxury or comfort, but rather as an extension of the driving experience, prioritising tactical feedback and material efficiency above all else.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 458 Italia — Steering wheel-integrated controls ahead of their time; clean layout; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — Lightweight door pull designs; carbon fibre trim reinforces the purpose-built racing architecture. Characteristic of the Ferrari 458 Italia: Excellent visibility for the segment; wide glasshouse aids awareness. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Fixed-back bucket seats; cabin layout restricts movement to ensure ideal driving posture.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
With its relatively compact footprint, the 458 Italia is far more manageable on public roads than one might expect for a mid-engine supercar. The 230L boot space is surprisingly useful, providing enough room for light luggage for two. In city environments, it feels more agile than its successors, and the excellent outward visibility makes parking and tight manoeuvres less of a chore. However, because of the complex nature of the engine and its advanced systems, the owner must strictly adhere to the scheduled maintenance programme to ensure that the car remains reliable.
Daily utility is significantly compromised by the track-oriented nature of the GT4 RS. The suspension is exceptionally firm, making it punishing on all but the smoothest road surfaces, and the lack of sound insulation makes it unsuitable for long, tedious commutes. Despite this, the front and rear trunks remain available for storage, and the inclusion of a front-axle lift system helps navigate urban obstacles. While it is technically possible to drive to the track, the RS experience is best reserved for spirited road use or dedicated circuit days rather than routine errands.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 458 Italia — Relatively compact dimensions for the performance on offer; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — Balanced mid-engine weight distribution; 125L boot space accommodates smaller luggage bags. Characteristic of the Ferrari 458 Italia: 230L boot genuinely useful; front visibility better than many rivals. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: 110 mm ground clearance aids accessibility; compact 4379 mm length eases urban maneuvering. that means 230 litres of boot space against 125, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Owning a 458 Italia now sits firmly in the realm of collector-grade vehicle management. As one of the last naturally aspirated mid-engine Ferraris, its value has steadily strengthened as enthusiasts seek out a more visceral, analogue experience. While the official warranty is limited by the car's age, the robust demand for the model has led to a thriving network of independent specialists capable of handling servicing. Owners should prepare for significant annual maintenance costs, but the trade-off is the possession of an iconic machine that continues to define the Ferrari V8 lineage.
Owning a 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a high-stakes proposition, with high purchase prices and significant service costs reflecting its status as a low-volume, specialised performance vehicle. Values have appreciated rapidly, as the model occupies a unique space in the modern Porsche lineup. Owners benefit from the comprehensive Porsche Motorsport support network, which is essential for managing RS-specific components that are more expensive and harder to source than standard parts. It is a collector's dream, provided the owner acknowledges the substantial overheads and the demanding nature of maintaining a high-performance track machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 458 Italia — Collector status growing; values have strengthened in recent years; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — Strong brand reputation; dealer service intervals are predictable for the mid-engine platform. Characteristic of the Ferrari 458 Italia: Widely regarded as one of the last truly analogue Ferraris. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: High resale demand; specialized Porsche engineering creates long-term value for automotive enthusiasts. On the wallet the two diverge at £145,000 versus £115,000 — a £30,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £1,300, and warranty cover of 2yr / unlimited mi versus 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover).