Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 S/T
Compare the Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 S/T. The Ferrari 488 GTB is £18,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 488 GTB is 0.7s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 911 S/T 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 Porsche 911 S/T is priced from £410,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 525 hp, with 470 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.7s, a top speed of 186 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 Porsche 911 S/T offers a 100-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 488 GTB is £18,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 911 S/T costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £1,800), a full tank costs around £85 for the Ferrari 488 GTB and £85 for the Porsche 911 S/T.
Driving Character: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 S/T
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 Porsche 911 S/T is a masterstroke of lightweight engineering, stripping away the excesses of modern GT cars to create a pure, analogue experience. With 525 hp from its 4.0L flat-six, it is light, agile, and incredibly communicative. The steering is sharp, providing exceptional feedback that connects the driver directly to the tarmac. While it lacks the aggressive aero package of the GT3 RS, the S/T is far more rewarding on winding roads, where its balance and precision truly shine. It is a visceral, high-revving celebration of everything that makes a 911 special, free from the complexity of electronic interference.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 S/T takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 97. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Blisteringly quick turbocharged V8 with sharp, communicative handling. For the Porsche 911 S/T: The lightest, most analogue modern 911 - manual gearbox, GT3 RS engine, no rear-wheel steering. In outright terms it is 661 hp against 525 — a 136 hp gap — and the Ferrari 488 GTB reaches 60 mph 0.7s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 S/T
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 Porsche 911 S/T features a minimalist cockpit that highlights its lightweight mission. The absence of rear seats and the use of carbon-fibre bucket seats with houndstooth cloth create a purposeful, retro-modern atmosphere. Every detail, from the lightweight door pulls to the unique instrument cluster, feels carefully considered to reduce weight without compromising build quality. While it lacks the ultimate comfort features of a base Carrera, the S/T offers a driving environment that is focused solely on the task of performance. It is a stripped-back, high-quality cabin that perfectly mirrors the vehicle's dynamic aspirations.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 76 against 60. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Driver-focused cabin with strong build quality. For the Porsche 911 S/T: Lightweight, motorsport-flavoured cabin with genuine everyday habitability.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 S/T
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 such a focused sports car, the Porsche 911 S/T is surprisingly usable, thanks in large part to its slightly softer suspension tuning compared to the RS. The narrow body makes it much easier to park and navigate through narrow urban streets than wider, winged models. However, users must remain cautious with ground clearance on steep ramps and driveways. The boot is sufficient for light luggage, provided you aren't planning an extensive road trip. It serves best as a car for the weekend blast or the alpine pass, where its agility and light weight truly excel in practice.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 58 against 55. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Porsche 911 S/T: More usable daily than a GT3 RS thanks to the single-mass flywheel manual. that means 230 litres of boot space against 100.
Ownership: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 S/T
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 the Porsche 911 S/T is a pinnacle of Porsche ownership, defined by extreme rarity and intense collector interest. The model's historical significance and limited build numbers ensure that residual values remain exceptionally high, far exceeding the original purchase price. While maintenance is handled through the standard Porsche dealer network, the exclusive nature of the S/T means that bespoke parts can be expensive. With a four-year warranty, the ownership experience is as reliable as it is exciting. It is a car that rewards the dedicated enthusiast with both mechanical delight and long-term investment stability.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 S/T takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 76 against 82. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. For the Porsche 911 S/T: Instant collector status as a manual-only, ultra-limited 911. On the wallet the two diverge at £165,000 versus £410,000 — a £245,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £1,800, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 4yr / 50k mi.