Ferrari 488 GTB vs Mercedes-AMG GT
Compare the Ferrari 488 GTB vs Mercedes-AMG GT. The Mercedes-AMG GT is £55,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 488 GTB is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Mercedes-AMG GT 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 Mercedes-AMG GT is priced from £155,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 577 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.1s, a top speed of 197 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 Mercedes-AMG GT offers a 350-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Mercedes-AMG GT is £55,000 cheaper than its rival, the Mercedes-AMG GT costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £1,600), a full tank costs around £85 for the Ferrari 488 GTB and £85 for the Mercedes-AMG GT.
Driving Character: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Mercedes-AMG GT
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 Mercedes-AMG GT demonstrates the prowess of a front-mid engine layout, prioritising balance and direct feedback for the enthusiast driver. With 577hp directed to the rear wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential, the car offers a visceral, involving experience. Steering is sharp and communicative, allowing for precise placement in corner apexes, though the rear-wheel-drive platform demands respect in damp conditions. Acceleration is blistering, with a 3.1-second 0-60mph sprint. While less forgiving than its AWD competitors, the AMG GT rewards committed driving with a dynamic repertoire that remains a benchmark for pure driver engagement within the contemporary supercar class.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 82. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Blisteringly quick turbocharged V8 with sharp, communicative handling. For the Mercedes-AMG GT: Thunderous AMG V8 with a more usable, GT-focused character than before. In outright terms it is 661 hp against 577 — a 84 hp gap — and the Ferrari 488 GTB reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Mercedes-AMG GT
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 AMG GT presents a cockpit-like environment dominated by a high transmission tunnel and a wide, driver-centric dashboard. The interior materials are of a high standard, showcasing bespoke AMG instruments and Alcantara detailing. Space is deliberately intimate, reflecting the car’s focused nature rather than grand touring comfort. Visibility is somewhat compromised by the low-slung roofline and thick pillars, yet the driving position is perfectly aligned with the pedals and steering wheel. It is an environment designed to insulate the driver from distractions, keeping the focus squarely on the task of piloting a high-performance machine through demanding roads.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Mercedes-AMG GT takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 76 against 84. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Driver-focused cabin with strong build quality. For the Mercedes-AMG GT: Genuinely usable 2+2 cabin with strong build quality.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Mercedes-AMG GT
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.
Usability in the AMG GT is naturally restricted by its performance-oriented design. The front trunk provides a 260-litre storage area, adequate for light travel but far from comprehensive for extended road trips. The suspension is remarkably firm even in Comfort mode, which can result in an unsettled ride on poor surfaces or urban speed bumps. Ingress and egress require a degree of physical dexterity, given the low ride height and sculpted seats. While the car can manage city errands, its primary habitat remains the open road where its performance credentials can be exercised without the constraints of suburban infrastructure.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Mercedes-AMG GT takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 58 against 72. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Mercedes-AMG GT: More practical than the previous 2-seat GT thanks to rear seats. that means 230 litres of boot space against 350.
Ownership: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Mercedes-AMG GT
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.
Owning an AMG GT is an investment in the traditional, high-performance V8 heritage of the brand. Residual values remain strong, bolstered by consistent demand from enthusiasts who prize the V8 character. Servicing is handled through the robust Mercedes dealer network, ensuring that specialists are always within reach, though owners must prepare for high costs associated with performance-grade brakes and tyres. Annual maintenance of £1,600 is standard for the class. Insurance costs reflect the car’s high performance and the complexity of its mechanical components, yet the model remains a prized inclusion in the garages of those who value pure engagement.
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 Mercedes-AMG GT: Backed by Mercedes-AMG's established V8 reliability record. On the wallet the two diverge at £165,000 versus £155,000 — a £10,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £1,600.