Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
Compare the Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 Turbo S. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is £35,000 cheaper. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is 0.3s 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 0-62 mph in 3 s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is priced from £175,000, powered by a 3.8L Twin-Turbo Flat-6, producing 641 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 2.7 s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
The Ferrari 488 GTB offers a 230-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Porsche 911 Turbo S offers a 128-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is £35,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 911 Turbo S costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £1,800), the Ferrari 488 GTB is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 488 GTB has 78 L fuel tank, the Porsche 911 Turbo S has 67 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
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 Turbo S utilises a sophisticated AWD system with active torque vectoring that provides staggering, all-weather performance. It feels deceptively rapid, with a chassis control system that masks its immense power through cornering, yet it ultimately insulates the driver more than the GT-spec siblings, prioritizing crushing point-to-point speed over nuanced steering feel.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB — Twin-turbo V8 with flat torque curve; powerful and accessible at any speed; the Porsche 911 Turbo S — AWD with torque vectoring; staggering, all-weather all-conditions performance. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Side-slip control system enables controlled oversteer for experienced drivers. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: Deceptively rapid; chassis control masks immense power with composure. In outright terms it is 661 hp against 641 — a 20 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Turbo S reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
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 is remarkably refined for such a potent machine, making it a genuinely usable daily GT car. It features the signature Sport Chrono dial and luxury seating, with all technology packages seamlessly integrated. While the material quality is high, it lacks the bespoke flair or artisanal material choices found in certain Italian rivals at this price point.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB — Refined cockpit with clear ergonomics and quality finish throughout; the Porsche 911 Turbo S — More refined than GT3; genuinely usable as a daily GT car. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Good visibility for a mid-engine car; reasonable front sightlines. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: Sport Chrono, luxury seats, and technology package well integrated.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
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.
As the most practical 911 variant, the Turbo S offers genuine all-season confidence thanks to its AWD architecture. Its clever combination of a front boot and rear storage allows for meaningful luggage space, though the expansive body width can create significant challenges in tight urban environments. Furthermore, its sheer performance demands regular attention to tyre wear.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB — Manageable dimensions and lighter steering in Wet mode for urban use; the Porsche 911 Turbo S — Most practical 911 variant; AWD provides genuine all-season confidence. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: 230L boot capacity functional for short trips. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: Front and rear boots provide meaningful storage for a supercar. that means 230 litres of boot space against 128, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari 488 GTB at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 Turbo S
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.
Maintaining a stellar reputation for reliability, this model remains a benchmark for high-performance usability. It commands premium residuals in the used market, consistently holding its value well. However, prospective owners must account for high annual maintenance costs, with the complex PDK transmission and AWD system adding significant weight to long-term service intervals compared to simpler sports cars.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB — Strong used market values; 488 era widely regarded as excellent Ferrari; the Porsche 911 Turbo S — Industry-leading reliability reputation for a car of this performance level. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Ferrari servicing network covers all major markets. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: Strong residuals; 911 Turbo S commands premium on used market. On the wallet the two diverge at £165,000 versus £175,000 — a £10,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £1,800, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover).