Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Aston Martin Vantage
Compare the Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Aston Martin Vantage. The Aston Martin Vantage is £164,100 cheaper. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is 0.6s quicker to 60mph. The Aston Martin Vantage is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is priced from £275,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 789 hp, with 718 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 Aston Martin Vantage is priced from £120,900, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 503 hp, with 685 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 195 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast offers a 320-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Aston Martin Vantage offers a 350-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Aston Martin Vantage is £164,100 cheaper than its rival, the Aston Martin Vantage costs less in annual maintenance (£3,500 versus £900), the Aston Martin Vantage is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £100 for the Ferrari 812 Superfast and £110 for the Aston Martin Vantage.
Driving Character: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Aston Martin Vantage
The Ferrari 812 Superfast delivers a visceral, raw experience defined by its 789hp naturally aspirated V12. The steering is exceptionally sharp, requiring precise inputs to manage the power delivery to the rear wheels, aided significantly by the rear-wheel steering system. It excels at high speeds but demands total focus as the limits of adhesion are tested. The chassis balance is classic front-engine GT, though the weight of the drivetrain is always apparent. It is a car that rewards a disciplined driver while punishing complacency, especially on damp British tarmac where the torque can easily overwhelm the traction control.
The Vantage utilizes a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 to deliver a punchy 503 hp that defines its boisterous character. Its short wheelbase and wide track create a nimble, almost twitchy handling profile that demands constant input from the driver. The steering is direct, and the rear-wheel-drive architecture allows for significant adjustability through corners, though the traction control often intervenes aggressively in wet conditions to manage the 685 Nm of torque. It is a sports car that rewards experienced hands, trading absolute refinement for an engaging, visceral experience that feels decidedly more muscular than many of its rivals.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 84. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Ferocious naturally-aspirated V12 GT with genuine front-engined drama. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Sharp, engaging chassis with a thunderous AMG-sourced V8. In outright terms it is 789 hp against 503 — a 286 hp gap — and the Ferrari 812 Superfast reaches 60 mph 0.6s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Aston Martin Vantage
Inside the 812 Superfast, the cabin prioritises driver focus while retaining an air of grand touring luxury. The architecture features a sweeping dashboard that wraps around the occupant, with high-quality materials and bespoke trim options defining the space. The optional Daytona-style seats offer excellent lateral support for spirited driving, and the driver-centric interface places all essential controls within immediate reach. However, the sheer length of the bonnet remains a persistent factor when navigating tight spaces, necessitating careful judgement of the front extremities despite the high level of interior finish and overall build quality.
The interior is a focused, driver-centric environment, though the reliance on older-generation Mercedes-Benz switchgear is increasingly apparent against modern standards. The cabin is trimmed in high-quality Alcantara and leather, conveying a sense of purpose rather than pure opulence. The rotary infotainment controller is functional but lacks the slickness of current touchscreen interfaces. While the driving position is low and perfectly suited for spirited work, some materials in the lower dashboard areas lack the premium feel one might expect given the brand’s positioning. Practicality is limited, yet the space feels appropriate for a focused sports machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 80 against 80. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Well-finished, driver-focused cabin. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Significantly improved cabin quality and tech over the outgoing car.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Aston Martin Vantage
For such a potent machine, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is surprisingly civilised as a long-distance companion. The 320-litre boot provides adequate space for luggage, making it the most practical front-engine offering in the modern Ferrari hierarchy. While it is perfectly comfortable over long motorway stints thanks to the compliant suspension settings, its width and length make urban manoeuvrability a chore. It demands constant vigilance in narrow city streets, yet it handles parking ramps and standard errands with enough grace to allow for genuine usability, provided the driver is prepared to manage its substantial dimensions.
Daily usability is a mixed bag, with the Vantage excelling on open roads while requiring caution in urban settings. The front trunk provides a modest 325L of storage, which is surprisingly practical for short trips, provided one watches the low front splitter on kerbs and speed bumps. The ride is notably firm, especially in Sport mode, which can be fatiguing over longer distances on poor road surfaces. However, for a high-performance sports car, its compact dimensions make it relatively easy to place in traffic, provided the driver is mindful of the wide bodywork during parking.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Vantage takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 58 against 62. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Usable GT for longer journeys, if firmly sprung. For the Aston Martin Vantage: More usable day-to-day than previous Vantage generations. that means 320 litres of boot space against 350, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin Vantage at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Aston Martin Vantage
As one of the final front-engined, naturally aspirated V12 masterpieces, the 812 Superfast enjoys a sterling reputation among collectors. Residual values remain robust, supported by the car's status as a pinnacle of traditional Ferrari engineering. Ownership costs, however, are substantial, with specialist maintenance required to keep the complex V12 running at peak performance. While annual service costs are significant, the peace of mind offered by professional maintenance is essential for preserving the vehicle's long-term value, as enthusiasts continue to favour these unadulterated powerplants over the industry’s shift toward smaller displacement and electrification.
The ownership proposition of the Vantage has improved significantly, with an expanding dealer network that makes servicing more accessible than in previous years. Maintenance costs are relatively modest at £900 annually, though turbo-related upkeep can add up as the car ages. The Vantage badge retains considerable brand cachet, which keeps residual values strong in the competitive sports car market. It remains a popular choice for those who want a blend of heritage, performance, and day-to-day usability without the extreme costs associated with the ultra-luxury, low-volume models in the Aston Martin stable.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 72 against 58. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong Ferrari reliability reputation for a modern V12 GT. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Entry-level Aston with a strong enthusiast following. On the wallet the two diverge at £275,000 versus £120,900 — a £154,100 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £900.