Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 918 Spyder
Compare the Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 918 Spyder. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is £495,000 cheaper. The Porsche 918 Spyder is 0.4s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 918 Spyder 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 Porsche 918 Spyder is priced from £1,400,000, powered by a 4.6L V8 Hybrid, producing 887 hp, with 1280 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.5s, a top speed of 214 mph, sent to the road via all-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 Porsche 918 Spyder offers a 115-litre boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 94 mpg, is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is £495,000 cheaper than its rival, the Ferrari 812 Superfast costs less in annual maintenance (£3,500 versus £4,000), the Porsche 918 Spyder is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £100 for the Ferrari 812 Superfast and £80 for the Porsche 918 Spyder.
Driving Character: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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 918 Spyder is a technological tour de force, pairing a high-revving 4.6L V8 with two electric motors for seamless, instant torque. Its AWD system and torque vectoring allow for incredible corner exit speeds, while top-exit exhausts facilitate unique aerodynamic efficiency. However, the complex hybrid system adds significant kerb weight, and the car's personality shifts dramatically between its various driving modes, requiring constant recalibration from the driver.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 918 Spyder takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 94. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Ferocious naturally-aspirated V12 GT with genuine front-engined drama. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: Trailblazing hybrid hypercar with genuinely accessible, confidence-inspiring performance. In outright terms it is 789 hp against 887 — a 98 hp gap — and the Porsche 918 Spyder reaches 60 mph 0.4s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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.
Inside, the cockpit is defined by a minimalist, floating dashboard layout that prioritises focus over opulence. The Weissach package enhances the experience by integrating carbon fibre elements and lightweight magnesium wheels. Despite the high-tech interior, the cabin remains tight, featuring fixed-back bucket seats that offer minimal adjustment, making it less comfortable for long-duration drives than traditional grand tourers.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 80 against 68. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Well-finished, driver-focused cabin. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: Well-finished, motorsport-flavoured cockpit with genuine road usability.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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.
Thanks to its dedicated EV-only mode, the 918 Spyder allows for surprisingly civilised, silent urban transit. It is arguably more practical than its direct hypercar rivals, boasting a useful front trunk for small items. Nevertheless, the exceptionally low ride height and substantial width make navigating speed bumps and multi-storey car parks a cautious endeavour, requiring significant driver awareness in everyday environments.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 58 against 40. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Usable GT for longer journeys, if firmly sprung. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: More usable than most hypercars thanks to genuine EV-only running. that means 320 litres of boot space against 115, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 918 Spyder at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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.
As a collector-grade investment, the 918 Spyder has seen values appreciate significantly since its departure from production. Porsche provides comprehensive factory support for its hybrid technology, including a robust battery service guarantee. However, ownership costs remain substantial; the technical complexity of the hybrid system mandates specialist intervention, and eventual battery replacement represents a major financial consideration for long-term custodians.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 918 Spyder takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 72 against 82. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong Ferrari reliability reputation for a modern V12 GT. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: One of the most technically significant, sought-after modern hypercars. On the wallet the two diverge at £275,000 versus £1,400,000 — a £1,125,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £4,000, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 2yr / unlimited mi.