Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Porsche 918 Spyder
Compare the Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Porsche 918 Spyder. The Porsche 918 Spyder is £1,070,000 cheaper. The Porsche 918 Spyder is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 918 Spyder 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 Porsche 918 Spyder is priced from £1,400,000, powered by a 4.6L V8 Hybrid, producing 875 hp (887 PS system), with 1280 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 2.6 s, a top speed of 214 mph, sent to the road via all-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 Porsche 918 Spyder offers a 110-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 94 mpg, is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 918 Spyder is £1,070,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Porsche 918 Spyder is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 has 86 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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 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 Ferrari Daytona SP3 — 6.5L V12 engine; produces immense power for rapid 2.85s acceleration performance; the Porsche 918 Spyder — 4.6L V8 hybrid; AWD traction ensures stunning 2.5s acceleration in all weather conditions. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Mid-engine chassis architecture; provides unparalleled balance and limit-handling characteristics on circuits. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: Chassis precision; active torque vectoring enhances stability during high-speed directional changes. In outright terms it is 829 hp against 875 — a 46 hp gap — and the Porsche 918 Spyder reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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.
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 Daytona SP3 — Fixed seat design; creates a direct connection between driver and vehicle dynamics; the Porsche 918 Spyder — Premium cockpit ergonomics; technology is well integrated into the driver-centric centre console. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Minimalist carbon fibre cockpit; eliminates non-essential elements to prioritise weight efficiency. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: High-quality bespoke materials; interior balances luxury feel with necessary performance weight saving.
Daily Usability: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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.
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 Daytona SP3 — Ultra-lightweight construction; ensures supreme agility for a vehicle of this performance class; the Porsche 918 Spyder — Hybrid efficiency; provides a clean, refined driving experience for urban traffic environments. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Minimal 80L cargo area; storage is insufficient for more than weekend luggage. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: 100mm ground clearance; manageable for most public roads if driven with awareness. that means 80 litres of boot space against 110, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 918 Spyder, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 918 Spyder at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs Porsche 918 Spyder
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.
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 Ferrari Daytona SP3 — Limited edition status; extreme exclusivity results in significant appreciation potential over time; the Porsche 918 Spyder — High investment desirability; limited production numbers maintain strong long-term market value. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Authorised dealer exclusivity; high-touch service model for a premium hypercar investment. For the Porsche 918 Spyder: Advanced Porsche engineering; reliability is superior to most traditional high-performance rivals. On the wallet the two diverge at £6,000,000 versus £1,400,000 — a £4,600,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £4,000, and warranty cover of 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) versus 2yr / unlimited mi.