Ferrari Roma vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

Driving Character: Ferrari Roma vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

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 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS represents the apex of the 718 platform, transplanting a 493hp naturally aspirated flat-six from the GT3 into a mid-engine chassis. The result is a machine with staggering agility and a turn-in response that makes even the standard GT4 feel soft. The chassis balance is dominated by rear-end grip and sharp, responsive steering that provides constant feedback. It is an extreme instrument, demanding a high level of expertise to truly extract its full potential. The power delivery is frenetic, culminating in a high-revving wail that defines the car's racing-inspired character.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma — V8 twin-turbo delivers refined, broad power band rather than raw aggression; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — High-revving 4.0L flat-six; mid-engine platform provides superior agility compared to rear-engined counterparts. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Fluid, elegant handling character; built for driver enjoyment over outright lap times. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Induction noise proximity; intake plenums directly behind occupants intensify the driving experience. In outright terms it is 612 hp against 493 — a 119 hp gap — and the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS reaches 60 mph 0.0s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: Ferrari Roma vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

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.

The interior is a study in weight reduction, featuring CFRP door panels, lightweight door pulls, and carbon bucket seats that lock the driver in place. The presence of the standard roll bar behind the seats signals its intent, creating a sparse, motorsport-focused atmosphere. Sound deadening is intentionally minimal, allowing the mechanical symphony—and the roar of the intake located just behind the driver's head—to flood the cabin. It is not designed for luxury or comfort, but rather as an extension of the driving experience, prioritising tactical feedback and material efficiency above all else.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma — Most elegant Ferrari interior; genuine grand tourer ambiance; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — Lightweight door pull designs; carbon fibre trim reinforces the purpose-built racing architecture. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: 2+ seating layout with folding rear seats for occasional use. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Fixed-back bucket seats; cabin layout restricts movement to ensure ideal driving posture.

Daily Usability: Ferrari Roma vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

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.

Daily utility is significantly compromised by the track-oriented nature of the GT4 RS. The suspension is exceptionally firm, making it punishing on all but the smoothest road surfaces, and the lack of sound insulation makes it unsuitable for long, tedious commutes. Despite this, the front and rear trunks remain available for storage, and the inclusion of a front-axle lift system helps navigate urban obstacles. While it is technically possible to drive to the track, the RS experience is best reserved for spirited road use or dedicated circuit days rather than routine errands.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma — 272L boot is excellent for a Ferrari; most practical of the range; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — Balanced mid-engine weight distribution; 125L boot space accommodates smaller luggage bags. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Longer wheelbase and softer modes make longer journeys genuinely comfortable. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: 110 mm ground clearance aids accessibility; compact 4379 mm length eases urban maneuvering. that means 272 litres of boot space against 125, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari Roma at the pumps.

Ownership: Ferrari Roma vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

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 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a high-stakes proposition, with high purchase prices and significant service costs reflecting its status as a low-volume, specialised performance vehicle. Values have appreciated rapidly, as the model occupies a unique space in the modern Porsche lineup. Owners benefit from the comprehensive Porsche Motorsport support network, which is essential for managing RS-specific components that are more expensive and harder to source than standard parts. It is a collector's dream, provided the owner acknowledges the substantial overheads and the demanding nature of maintaining a high-performance track machine.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma — Ferrari 7-year warranty provides comprehensive long-term coverage; the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS — Strong brand reputation; dealer service intervals are predictable for the mid-engine platform. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Roma targets broader ownership profile; more usable as a sole vehicle. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: High resale demand; specialized Porsche engineering creates long-term value for automotive enthusiasts. On the wallet the two diverge at £195,000 versus £115,000 — a £80,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £1,300, and warranty cover of 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) versus 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover).

More comparisons to explore

• Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Ferrari Roma
• Porsche 911 GT3 vs Ferrari Roma
• Ferrari 458 Italia vs Ferrari Roma
• Aston Martin Vantage vs Ferrari Roma
• McLaren 570S vs Ferrari Roma
• BMW M4 CSL vs Ferrari Roma