Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

Driving Character: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

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 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS represents the apex of the 718 platform, transplanting a 493hp naturally aspirated flat-six from the GT3 into a mid-engine chassis. The result is a machine with staggering agility and a turn-in response that makes even the standard GT4 feel soft. The chassis balance is dominated by rear-end grip and sharp, responsive steering that provides constant feedback. It is an extreme instrument, demanding a high level of expertise to truly extract its full potential. The power delivery is frenetic, culminating in a high-revving wail that defines the car's racing-inspired character.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Naturally aspirated 6.5L V12; 789hp of pure, unfiltered theatricality; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — High-revving 4.0L flat-six; mid-engine platform provides superior agility compared to rear-engined counterparts. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: RWD at this power level demands skill; rear-wheel steering aids stability. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Induction noise proximity; intake plenums directly behind occupants intensify the driving experience. In outright terms it is 789 hp against 493 — a 296 hp gap — and the Ferrari 812 Superfast reaches 60 mph 0.5s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

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 study in weight reduction, featuring CFRP door panels, lightweight door pulls, and carbon bucket seats that lock the driver in place. The presence of the standard roll bar behind the seats signals its intent, creating a sparse, motorsport-focused atmosphere. Sound deadening is intentionally minimal, allowing the mechanical symphony—and the roar of the intake located just behind the driver's head—to flood the cabin. It is not designed for luxury or comfort, but rather as an extension of the driving experience, prioritising tactical feedback and material efficiency above all else.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Sweeping GT cabin; more space and luxury than mid-engine stablemates; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — Lightweight door pull designs; carbon fibre trim reinforces the purpose-built racing architecture. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Optional Daytona-spec seats for serious driver engagement. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Fixed-back bucket seats; cabin layout restricts movement to ensure ideal driving posture.

Daily Usability: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

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 utility is significantly compromised by the track-oriented nature of the GT4 RS. The suspension is exceptionally firm, making it punishing on all but the smoothest road surfaces, and the lack of sound insulation makes it unsuitable for long, tedious commutes. Despite this, the front and rear trunks remain available for storage, and the inclusion of a front-axle lift system helps navigate urban obstacles. While it is technically possible to drive to the track, the RS experience is best reserved for spirited road use or dedicated circuit days rather than routine errands.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — 320L boot capacity; most practical front-engine Ferrari; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — Balanced mid-engine weight distribution; 125L boot space accommodates smaller luggage bags. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Dual-zone climate and Grand Tourer spec suits long-distance journeys. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: 110 mm ground clearance aids accessibility; compact 4379 mm length eases urban maneuvering. that means 320 litres of boot space against 125, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS at the pumps.

Ownership: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

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.

Owning a 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a high-stakes proposition, with high purchase prices and significant service costs reflecting its status as a low-volume, specialised performance vehicle. Values have appreciated rapidly, as the model occupies a unique space in the modern Porsche lineup. Owners benefit from the comprehensive Porsche Motorsport support network, which is essential for managing RS-specific components that are more expensive and harder to source than standard parts. It is a collector's dream, provided the owner acknowledges the substantial overheads and the demanding nature of maintaining a high-performance track machine.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Last naturally aspirated V12 front-engine Ferrari drives collector sentiment; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — Strong brand reputation; dealer service intervals are predictable for the mid-engine platform. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong residuals; 812 variants hold value due to N/A purist appeal. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: High resale demand; specialized Porsche engineering creates long-term value for automotive enthusiasts. On the wallet the two diverge at £275,000 versus £115,000 — a £160,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £1,300, and warranty cover of 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) versus 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover).

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