Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
Compare the Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari Roma. The Ferrari Roma is £15,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 488 GTB is 0.4s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari Roma 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 Roma is priced from £195,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 612 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 199 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 Roma offers a 272-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari Roma is £15,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,000 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari Roma is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £85 for the Ferrari 488 GTB and £85 for the Ferrari Roma.
Driving Character: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
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 Ferrari Roma is designed for the modern gentleman, offering a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 that favours refined, broad-shouldered power over the erratic spikes of a track weapon. Its chassis is balanced and fluid, encouraging long, spirited drives across country roads rather than focused track sessions. The steering is direct, yet it avoids the twitchiness found in more aggressive models, providing a relaxing pace that feels perfectly weighted. While it can certainly deliver when provoked, the Roma’s true nature is discovered in its ability to maintain high speeds with a sense of poise and composure that is rarely found in grand tourers.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 78. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Blisteringly quick turbocharged V8 with sharp, communicative handling. For the Ferrari Roma: Elegant, GT-focused dynamics rather than outright sports car sharpness. In outright terms it is 661 hp against 612 — a 49 hp gap — and the Ferrari 488 GTB reaches 60 mph 0.4s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
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.
The cabin of the Roma is arguably the most elegant interior Ferrari has produced in recent memory. It creates a cocoon-like atmosphere with a 2+ layout that is refined, focusing on high-quality tactile materials rather than just performance metrics. Tech is present, though the infotainment is less cutting-edge than the ultra-modern SF90, which feels appropriate for a car intended for long-distance comfort. The rear seats are suitable for short journeys or extra storage, providing a level of practicality that is often missing from its siblings. It feels like a space designed for the journey, not just for the destination.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma 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 Roma: Beautifully designed, minimalist 2+2 cabin.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
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.
For those seeking an everyday Ferrari, the Roma is the standout choice. The 272-litre boot is impressively sized for a front-engine coupe, easily handling luggage for a weekend away. Its longer wheelbase and softer suspension settings make it remarkably comfortable for long hauls, smoothing out road imperfections that would typically unsettle a mid-engine model. In town, it is manageable, although its width still requires care in tight parking structures. Overall, it succeeds as a practical daily driver, balancing enough performance to thrill with the civility required for everyday chores and commutes, making it the most usable model currently available.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma 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 Roma: Ferrari's most usable, comfortable everyday GT. that means 230 litres of boot space against 272, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari Roma at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
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.
The Roma is well-supported by Ferrari’s seven-year warranty, providing exceptional peace of mind for those looking to use the car frequently. It is positioned to attract a broader demographic of buyers, including those who may not want a dedicated mid-engine sports car. While residual values are slightly softer than the more extreme models in the lineup due to its status as a grand tourer, the lower cost of maintenance makes it an attractive proposition for long-term ownership. It is an honest, well-engineered vehicle that serves as a solid foundation for those looking to enter the Ferrari ownership experience.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 76 against 74. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. For the Ferrari Roma: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. On the wallet the two diverge at £165,000 versus £195,000 — a £30,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £0, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.