Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
Compare the Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 12Cilindri. The Ferrari 488 GTB is £185,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari 488 GTB is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 488 GTB is priced from £165,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 661 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. 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 Ferrari 488 GTB offers a 230-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Ferrari 12Cilindri offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 488 GTB is £185,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,000 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 488 GTB is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £85 for the Ferrari 488 GTB and £100 for the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Driving Character: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
The Ferrari 488 GTB signals the move toward turbocharging, utilizing a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 to produce 661hp and a massive 760Nm of torque. The engine character is defined by its immense, flat torque curve, which makes it feel vastly more accessible and urgent in daily driving than its naturally aspirated predecessor. The side-slip control system is highly effective, enabling the driver to push the car into controlled oversteer with ease. While some enthusiasts lament the loss of the high-revving naturally aspirated top end, the gain in mid-range punch makes it a devastatingly fast grand tourer.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 92. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Blisteringly quick turbocharged V8 with sharp, communicative handling. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Naturally-aspirated V12 drama in a more refined, usable GT package. In outright terms it is 661 hp against 830 — a 169 hp gap — and the Ferrari 12Cilindri reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
The cabin of the 488 GTB offers a more refined, luxurious feel compared to the 458, featuring high-quality materials and improved build standards throughout. Ergonomics are excellent, with all primary controls within easy reach of the driver. Visibility remains a strong point for a mid-engine car, with clear front sightlines that make it feel smaller than it actually is. However, the infotainment system is noticeably dated compared to current models, lacking the seamless connectivity and high-resolution displays expected of modern luxury cars. It is a functional and comfortable space that balances performance and refinement well.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 76 against 85. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Driver-focused cabin with strong build quality. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Straightforward, user-friendly cabin with genuine usability.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
For daily driving, the 488 GTB is remarkably civilised, particularly when the manettino is set to the softer settings. The steering is light and responsive, making city navigation straightforward, and the 230L boot provides decent storage for two. On poorer, uneven road surfaces, the suspension can feel rather firm, potentially causing fatigue over longer journeys in Sport mode. However, when treated as a grand tourer, it performs its duties admirably, managing the stresses of modern roads with a composure that makes it a highly usable mid-engine supercar for both errands and longer trips.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 58 against 75. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Genuinely usable as a continent-crossing daily GT. that means 230 litres of boot space against 270, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari 488 GTB at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
The 488 GTB represents a strong choice for those entering the world of modern Ferrari ownership. Used market values remain stable, reflecting the car’s excellent build quality and performance legacy. The Ferrari dealer network provides comprehensive support, though the added complexity of the twin-turbo system does mean that maintenance intervals and costs are higher compared to earlier naturally aspirated models. Insurance and running costs are in line with expectations for a mid-engine exotic, but the overall ownership experience is rewarding, bolstered by the brand’s enduring reputation and widespread specialist support in the market.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 76 against 68. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: One of the last naturally-aspirated V12 Ferraris, strong collector interest. On the wallet the two diverge at £165,000 versus £395,000 — a £230,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £0, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.