Ferrari Roma vs Ferrari 458 Italia
Compare the Ferrari Roma vs Ferrari 458 Italia. The Ferrari 458 Italia is £0 cheaper. The Ferrari 458 Italia is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari Roma is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari Roma is priced from £195,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 612 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 199 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari 458 Italia is priced from £145,000, powered by a 4.5L V8, producing 562 hp, with 540 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.3s, a top speed of 202 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Ferrari Roma offers a 272-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Ferrari 458 Italia offers a 230-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 458 Italia is £0 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari Roma is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £85 for the Ferrari Roma and £85 for the Ferrari 458 Italia.
Driving Character: Ferrari Roma vs Ferrari 458 Italia
The Ferrari Roma is designed for the modern gentleman, offering a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 that favours refined, broad-shouldered power over the erratic spikes of a track weapon. Its chassis is balanced and fluid, encouraging long, spirited drives across country roads rather than focused track sessions. The steering is direct, yet it avoids the twitchiness found in more aggressive models, providing a relaxing pace that feels perfectly weighted. While it can certainly deliver when provoked, the Roma’s true nature is discovered in its ability to maintain high speeds with a sense of poise and composure that is rarely found in grand tourers.
The 458 Italia remains the benchmark for naturally aspirated V8 performance, featuring a 4.5L engine that screams to a 9,000rpm redline. The throttle response is telepathic, offering a level of connection that modern turbocharged equivalents often struggle to replicate. Its chassis balance is exceptional, communicating road surface textures with crystal clarity through the steering rack. While the power delivery is linear and requires the driver to chase the high end of the rev range, the rewards are immense. It is a pure, analogue-feeling driving experience that remains as engaging today as it was at launch.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 458 Italia takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 78 against 90. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Elegant, GT-focused dynamics rather than outright sports car sharpness. For the Ferrari 458 Italia: High-revving naturally-aspirated V8 widely considered a modern Ferrari high point. In outright terms it is 612 hp against 562 — a 50 hp gap — and the Ferrari 458 Italia reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari Roma vs Ferrari 458 Italia
The cabin of the Roma is arguably the most elegant interior Ferrari has produced in recent memory. It creates a cocoon-like atmosphere with a 2+ layout that is refined, focusing on high-quality tactile materials rather than just performance metrics. Tech is present, though the infotainment is less cutting-edge than the ultra-modern SF90, which feels appropriate for a car intended for long-distance comfort. The rear seats are suitable for short journeys or extra storage, providing a level of practicality that is often missing from its siblings. It feels like a space designed for the journey, not just for the destination.
Inside, the cockpit focuses on a clean, functional design that places the driver at the heart of the experience. The steering wheel, featuring integrated controls, was a revolutionary touch that has since become a Ferrari signature. While the interior materials are of a high quality, the cabin clearly shows its age compared to the digital-heavy layouts of contemporary models. Visibility is a notable highlight for the segment, with a generous glasshouse that aids spatial awareness. It is a straightforward, no-nonsense interior that prioritises road-holding focus over the latest in screen-based distractions.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 85 against 75. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Beautifully designed, minimalist 2+2 cabin. For the Ferrari 458 Italia: Driver-focused cabin with excellent build quality for its era.
Daily Usability: Ferrari Roma vs Ferrari 458 Italia
For those seeking an everyday Ferrari, the Roma is the standout choice. The 272-litre boot is impressively sized for a front-engine coupe, easily handling luggage for a weekend away. Its longer wheelbase and softer suspension settings make it remarkably comfortable for long hauls, smoothing out road imperfections that would typically unsettle a mid-engine model. In town, it is manageable, although its width still requires care in tight parking structures. Overall, it succeeds as a practical daily driver, balancing enough performance to thrill with the civility required for everyday chores and commutes, making it the most usable model currently available.
With its relatively compact footprint, the 458 Italia is far more manageable on public roads than one might expect for a mid-engine supercar. The 230L boot space is surprisingly useful, providing enough room for light luggage for two. In city environments, it feels more agile than its successors, and the excellent outward visibility makes parking and tight manoeuvres less of a chore. However, because of the complex nature of the engine and its advanced systems, the owner must strictly adhere to the scheduled maintenance programme to ensure that the car remains reliable.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 75 against 55. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Ferrari's most usable, comfortable everyday GT. For the Ferrari 458 Italia: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. that means 272 litres of boot space against 230, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari Roma at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari Roma vs Ferrari 458 Italia
The Roma is well-supported by Ferrari’s seven-year warranty, providing exceptional peace of mind for those looking to use the car frequently. It is positioned to attract a broader demographic of buyers, including those who may not want a dedicated mid-engine sports car. While residual values are slightly softer than the more extreme models in the lineup due to its status as a grand tourer, the lower cost of maintenance makes it an attractive proposition for long-term ownership. It is an honest, well-engineered vehicle that serves as a solid foundation for those looking to enter the Ferrari ownership experience.
Owning a 458 Italia now sits firmly in the realm of collector-grade vehicle management. As one of the last naturally aspirated mid-engine Ferraris, its value has steadily strengthened as enthusiasts seek out a more visceral, analogue experience. While the official warranty is limited by the car's age, the robust demand for the model has led to a thriving network of independent specialists capable of handling servicing. Owners should prepare for significant annual maintenance costs, but the trade-off is the possession of an iconic machine that continues to define the Ferrari V8 lineage.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 458 Italia takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 74 against 75. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. For the Ferrari 458 Italia: Widely regarded as a dependable, now-classic naturally-aspirated Ferrari. On the wallet the two diverge at £195,000 versus £145,000 — a £50,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £3,000, and warranty cover of 7yr / unlimited mi versus 2yr / unlimited mi.