Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Ferrari LaFerrari
Compare the Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Ferrari LaFerrari. The Ferrari LaFerrari is £700,000 cheaper. The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari LaFerrari is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is priced from £6,000,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 829 hp, with 697 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 2.85 s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari LaFerrari is priced from £3,500,000, powered by a 6.3L V12 Hybrid, producing 949 hp, with 900 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in <3 s, a top speed of 217 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 offers a 80-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 16 mpg, is covered by a 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) warranty. The Ferrari LaFerrari offers a 40-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 39 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari LaFerrari is £700,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari LaFerrari is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 has 86 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Ferrari LaFerrari
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a masterclass in naturally aspirated engineering, deriving its 829hp from a V12 that screams to 9,250rpm. Built upon a rigid carbon fibre monocoque, the chassis offers exceptional stiffness, providing a direct, communicative connection between the road and the driver. Despite its extreme performance potential, the SP3 maintains a GT-inspired character, focusing on the quality of the driving experience rather than pure track-lap obsession. It is a machine that feels inherently special, with a weight distribution and balance that reflect its mid-engine layout, yet it remains refined enough for spirited B-road driving.
The Ferrari LaFerrari is a masterclass in hybrid integration, pairing a naturally aspirated 6.3L V12 with an electric motor to generate a staggering 949hp. The chassis, built around a bespoke carbon fibre monocoque, provides an incredibly rigid foundation that transmits every nuance of the road surface directly to the driver. Active aerodynamics dynamically adjust the profile to maximise downforce, keeping the car glued to the tarmac. While the performance is otherworldly, the character shifts slightly based on the state of the hybrid system, requiring the driver to manage the complex battery interactions to achieve consistent, blistering lap times.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Daytona SP3 — 6.5L V12 engine; produces immense power for rapid 2.85s acceleration performance; the Ferrari LaFerrari — 6.3L V12 hybrid system; provides blistering 2.4s acceleration and massive torque assistance. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Mid-engine chassis architecture; provides unparalleled balance and limit-handling characteristics on circuits. For the Ferrari LaFerrari: Rear-wheel drive dynamics; power delivery is managed through advanced electronic differential controls. In outright terms it is 829 hp against 949 — a 120 hp gap — and the Ferrari Daytona SP3 reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Ferrari LaFerrari
The cabin of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a stylistic triumph, heavily influenced by the 1960s prototypes that bear the same name. Alcantara and carbon fibre dominate the cockpit, creating an environment that feels both retro and avant-garde. The seating position is low, and the lack of traditional infotainment screens keeps the driver focused on the mechanical interface. The removable targa roof provides an immersive sensory experience, though this focus on design does necessitate a severe compromise in interior storage. It is arguably the most dramatic interior Ferrari has produced, prioritising theatre over practical storage solutions.
The cabin of the LaFerrari is essentially a race car cockpit adapted for the road. The seats are fixed-back, moulded specifically to the original owner's dimensions, which ensures an uncompromising driving position but dictates how comfortable the car feels for different individuals. Ferrari utilised extensive carbon fibre to keep weight down, resulting in an interior that feels industrial yet purposeful. Controls are mounted directly to the steering wheel, leaving the driver focused on the road ahead. Digital instrumentation feels surprisingly advanced for 2014, although the lack of seat adjustment is a stark reminder of the car's extreme, competition-derived roots.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Daytona SP3 — Fixed seat design; creates a direct connection between driver and vehicle dynamics; the Ferrari LaFerrari — Bespoke carbon fibre cabin; layout integrates essential controls into a focused driving environment. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Minimalist carbon fibre cockpit; eliminates non-essential elements to prioritise weight efficiency. For the Ferrari LaFerrari: Fixed seat construction; positions the driver perfectly for high-speed dynamic manoeuvres.
Daily Usability: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Ferrari LaFerrari
Daily utility is clearly not the primary goal of the Ferrari Daytona SP3, yet it manages the realities of modern driving with surprising composure. The inclusion of a nose lift system is vital, allowing this low-slung, wide-bodied machine to traverse driveways and speed bumps that would otherwise be impassable. Luggage capacity is minimal at just 80 litres, meaning it is ill-suited for more than light touring. In city traffic, its extreme width commands attention, turning simple errands into an exercise in precision driving, yet for the few who own one, this lack of practicality is considered an essential part of the charm.
Despite its hypercar status, the LaFerrari offers a surprising degree of urban functionality thanks to its HY-KERS hybrid system. It is capable of silent, electric-only crawling, which allows for stealthy exits from residential areas. The standard nose lift system is essential for negotiating speed bumps and driveways, mitigating the risks posed by its minimal ground clearance. However, the lack of luggage space means it is strictly a short-range machine, and the fixed nature of the seating means it will never offer the long-distance comfort found in more conventional grand tourers. It is an engineering marvel that happens to be street-legal.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Daytona SP3 — Ultra-lightweight construction; ensures supreme agility for a vehicle of this performance class; the Ferrari LaFerrari — Aerodynamic efficiency; active bodywork manages downforce across diverse speed ranges. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Minimal 80L cargo area; storage is insufficient for more than weekend luggage. For the Ferrari LaFerrari: Low 88mm ground clearance; restricts operation to smooth, well-maintained tarmac surfaces. that means 80 litres of boot space against 40, plus a usable front boot in the Ferrari LaFerrari, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari LaFerrari at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Ferrari LaFerrari
With only 599 units ever produced, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 occupies an elite tier of the collector market. The Icona badge serves as a guarantee of long-term appreciation, placing it among the most sought-after cars in existence. While the initial purchase price is eye-watering, the specialised support from the Ferrari Special Products team ensures that ownership is as frictionless as possible. Maintenance remains a specialist affair, and while the limited production run makes parts and service access exclusive, the SP3 stands as an investment-grade vehicle that transcends traditional automotive cost-benefit analysis.
Owning a LaFerrari is an elite experience involving significant ongoing commitment. With values having more than doubled since its introduction, it stands as one of the most desirable assets in the automotive world. Ferrari provides a dedicated, highly specialised hypercar maintenance programme to support the complex V12 and hybrid battery systems. Owners should be prepared for substantial annual service costs, which are part of the hypercar ownership reality. Long-term, the health of the hybrid battery remains the primary concern for collectors, necessitating a professional approach to storage and care to ensure the asset retains its immense historical value.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Daytona SP3 — Limited edition status; extreme exclusivity results in significant appreciation potential over time; the Ferrari LaFerrari — Iconic hypercar status; investment grade valuation continues to rise in global markets. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Authorised dealer exclusivity; high-touch service model for a premium hypercar investment. For the Ferrari LaFerrari: Authorised dealer technical support; complex hybrid electronics necessitate professional brand maintenance. On the wallet the two diverge at £6,000,000 versus £3,500,000 — a £2,500,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £8,000, and warranty cover of 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) versus 3yr / unlimited mi.