Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche Carrera GT
Compare the Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche Carrera GT. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is £165,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is 1.0s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari 812 Superfast 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 0-62 mph in 2.9 s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Porsche Carrera GT is priced from £1,500,000, powered by a 5.7L naturally aspirated V10, producing 603 hp, with 590 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.9 s, a top speed of 205 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 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) warranty. The Porsche Carrera GT offers a 76-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 15.8 mpg (EU combined), is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is £165,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,500 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 812 Superfast has 92 L fuel tank, the Porsche Carrera GT has 92 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche Carrera GT
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 Carrera GT remains a raw, analogue masterpiece defined by its 5.7L V10 engine. Derived from an abandoned F1 programme, the engine offers ferocious, linear delivery that demands immense respect. Built around a carbon fibre monocoque, it lacks power steering and electronic stability aids, leaving the driver entirely exposed. The six-speed manual gearbox requires a deft touch, making the car a challenging yet deeply rewarding machine that reveals its true nature only in the hands of an expert.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Naturally aspirated 6.5L V12; 789hp of pure, unfiltered theatricality; the Porsche Carrera GT — Naturally aspirated 5.7L V10 engine; delivers exceptional throttle linearity and motorsport-derived mechanical engagement. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: RWD at this power level demands skill; rear-wheel steering aids stability. For the Porsche Carrera GT: Rear-wheel drive chassis; provides unfiltered feedback through the hydraulic steering and manual gearbox. In outright terms it is 789 hp against 603 — a 186 hp gap — and the Ferrari 812 Superfast reaches 60 mph 1.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche Carrera GT
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 cabin is a lesson in minimalism, prioritising structural integrity and weight reduction through extensive use of magnesium and carbon fibre. It feels decidedly race-derived, with a high-mounted gear lever topped by a wooden knob that provides a tactile link to Porsche's heritage. The interior is spartan by modern standards, eschewing the digital distractions of today for a pure, driver-focused environment that intentionally limits creature comforts to save mass.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Sweeping GT cabin; more space and luxury than mid-engine stablemates; the Porsche Carrera GT — Minimalist carbon fibre monocoque architecture; focuses entirely on the driving task without distraction. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Optional Daytona-spec seats for serious driver engagement. For the Porsche Carrera GT: Polished beechwood gear lever; classic material choice contrasts with advanced lightweight structural elements.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche Carrera GT
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.
While the Carrera GT is more usable than many of its contemporaries, it is not a car for mundane chores. The front trunk provides modest space for a weekend bag, but the main hurdle for daily driving is the notoriously difficult, heavy clutch. Engaging first gear smoothly requires significant practice, and once in motion, the lack of modern parking aids and the extreme width make it an intimidating prospect for city streets.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — 320L boot capacity; most practical front-engine Ferrari; the Porsche Carrera GT — Compact 4630mm length; enables easier manoeuvring than contemporary supercars of similar V10 performance. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Dual-zone climate and Grand Tourer spec suits long-distance journeys. For the Porsche Carrera GT: Minimal 100L luggage space; restricts weekend travel capacity to very slim soft bags. that means 320 litres of boot space against 76, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche Carrera GT, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari 812 Superfast at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Porsche Carrera GT
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 Carrera GT has cemented its position as a genuine collector investment, with values having more than tripled since its initial launch. Porsche Classic provides exemplary support, ensuring that parts and technical expertise remain available. However, ownership is a serious commitment; the V10 engine requires highly specialised maintenance, and the delicate nature of the clutch assembly means replacement costs can be exorbitant for the unwary owner.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Last naturally aspirated V12 front-engine Ferrari drives collector sentiment; the Porsche Carrera GT — Iconic status as analogue supercar; ensures strong collector interest and sustained long-term appreciation. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong residuals; 812 variants hold value due to N/A purist appeal. For the Porsche Carrera GT: Complex V10 engineering; demands specialised maintenance from Porsche-trained heritage technicians. On the wallet the two diverge at £275,000 versus £1,500,000 — a £1,225,000 difference, and warranty cover of 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) versus 2yr / unlimited mi.