Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Ferrari Roma
Compare the Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Ferrari Roma. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is £65,000 cheaper. The Ferrari Roma is 0.0s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari Roma is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is priced from £140,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 493 hp, with 450 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 196 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. 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 Porsche 718 Spyder RS offers a 125-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty. The Ferrari Roma offers a 272-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is £65,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £1,400 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari Roma is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS and £85 for the Ferrari Roma.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Ferrari Roma
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is defined by its mid-engine configuration and the installation of the 4.0L flat-six from the GT3. The chassis is a masterpiece of precision, featuring RS-specific suspension geometry that rewards technical accuracy. The steering feel is sharp and communicative, offering a visceral connection to the tarmac that few modern roadsters can replicate. While it is certainly capable on a track, the engine note and open-top architecture make it a raw experience on winding B-roads. The gearshifts are lightning fast, ensuring the powertrain remains at the heart of the driving sensation throughout every spirited corner.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 94 against 78. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: GT4 RS power in an open-top body - visceral and track-honed. For the Ferrari Roma: Elegant, GT-focused dynamics rather than outright sports car sharpness. In outright terms it is 493 hp against 612 — a 119 hp gap — and the Ferrari Roma reaches 60 mph 0.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Ferrari Roma
Inside, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS prioritises weight saving over luxury. The carbon fibre bucket seats provide immense support, while the use of fabric door pulls and minimal sound insulation highlights its motorsport heritage. Build quality is characteristically high, though the cabin environment is undeniably sparse compared to a standard 718. The infotainment system is functional rather than flashy, providing necessary data without distracting from the task of driving. Despite the lack of plush padding, the driver-focused ergonomics remain impeccable, creating a purposeful space that reflects the uncompromising nature of the vehicle’s design philosophy.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 52 against 85. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the Ferrari Roma: Beautifully designed, minimalist 2+2 cabin.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Ferrari Roma
Daily utility is clearly secondary to performance in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, yet it remains surprisingly manageable. The inclusion of a nose lift system as standard allows for navigation over urban speed bumps and steep inclines without damaging the front splitter. Storage is adequate for a weekend getaway, with both a front boot and a rear luggage compartment available for essential items. Ingress and egress require some physical agility due to the low-slung bucket seats and side sills, but for owners who accept the compromise of a manual roof operation, it serves as a usable roadster.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 38 against 75. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Usable but clearly built for spirited driving over commuting. For the Ferrari Roma: Ferrari's most usable, comfortable everyday GT. that means 125 litres of boot space against 272, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari Roma at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Ferrari Roma
Ownership of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is defined by its exclusivity and potential for appreciation. As a model with limited production, it sits in a secure position within the enthusiast market. While annual maintenance costs are high, the support provided by the Porsche Motorsport division offers peace of mind for specialized mechanical needs. Insurance premiums will be substantial, and the high purchase price requires careful consideration, but the prospect of long-term residual strength remains strong. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents a peak of internal combustion performance within the Porsche stable.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 74. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the Ferrari Roma: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. On the wallet the two diverge at £140,000 versus £195,000 — a £55,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,400 against £0, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.