Porsche 911 GT2 RS vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

Driving Character: Porsche 911 GT2 RS vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is an apex predator, utilizing its 700hp twin-turbo flat-six to deliver performance that borders on the extreme. With power sent solely to the rear wheels, the chassis requires significant driver skill to manage, especially during corner exit. The aerodynamic setup creates immense downforce, pinning the car to the road at high speeds. Gear changes are executed with violent efficiency, and the steering is razor-sharp, responding to the slightest input. It is a car that demands total respect, offering an analogue, raw experience that is increasingly rare in modern, computer-managed high-performance machinery.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast delivers a visceral, raw experience defined by its 789hp naturally aspirated V12. The steering is exceptionally sharp, requiring precise inputs to manage the power delivery to the rear wheels, aided significantly by the rear-wheel steering system. It excels at high speeds but demands total focus as the limits of adhesion are tested. The chassis balance is classic front-engine GT, though the weight of the drivetrain is always apparent. It is a car that rewards a disciplined driver while punishing complacency, especially on damp British tarmac where the torque can easily overwhelm the traction control.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 GT2 RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 95 against 92. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS: The most powerful, most extreme rear-drive 911 - demanding and explosive. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Ferocious naturally-aspirated V12 GT with genuine front-engined drama. In outright terms it is 700 hp against 789 — a 89 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 GT2 RS reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: Porsche 911 GT2 RS vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

The interior of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is an exercise in ruthless weight reduction. Carbon fibre bucket seats and a roll cage dominate the space, stripped of anything deemed non-essential to the task of driving fast. Build quality is exemplary, even with the sparse layout, using high-quality Alcantara to reduce reflections. The infotainment system is secondary, though it provides access to essential performance metrics via a data logger. The cabin is loud and purposeful, with significant road and engine noise permeating the thin insulation, a clear sign that this vehicle was engineered for the circuit above all else.

Inside the 812 Superfast, the cabin prioritises driver focus while retaining an air of grand touring luxury. The architecture features a sweeping dashboard that wraps around the occupant, with high-quality materials and bespoke trim options defining the space. The optional Daytona-style seats offer excellent lateral support for spirited driving, and the driver-centric interface places all essential controls within immediate reach. However, the sheer length of the bonnet remains a persistent factor when navigating tight spaces, necessitating careful judgement of the front extremities despite the high level of interior finish and overall build quality.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 60 against 80. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS: Focused, motorsport-flavoured cabin with genuine everyday habitability. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Well-finished, driver-focused cabin.

Daily Usability: Porsche 911 GT2 RS vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

Daily use is a challenge in the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, though the standard nose lift system is a welcome inclusion that helps navigate basic urban obstacles. Ingress and egress are hampered by the roll cage and rigid bucket seats, making this less of an errand-runner and more of a track-day specialist. The ride is punishingly firm, communicating every bump directly to the driver’s spine. While the luggage space is adequate for a small bag, it is not designed for grand touring. Owners accept these compromises as part of the price for one of the most powerful rear-wheel-drive road cars ever built.

For such a potent machine, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is surprisingly civilised as a long-distance companion. The 320-litre boot provides adequate space for luggage, making it the most practical front-engine offering in the modern Ferrari hierarchy. While it is perfectly comfortable over long motorway stints thanks to the compliant suspension settings, its width and length make urban manoeuvrability a chore. It demands constant vigilance in narrow city streets, yet it handles parking ramps and standard errands with enough grace to allow for genuine usability, provided the driver is prepared to manage its substantial dimensions.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 45 against 58. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS: Usable daily if you accept its intensity and turbo lag character. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Usable GT for longer journeys, if firmly sprung. that means 132 litres of boot space against 320, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 911 GT2 RS at the pumps.

Ownership: Porsche 911 GT2 RS vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

Owning a Porsche 911 GT2 RS is a serious financial undertaking that rewards enthusiasts with stable, often rising, values. The high cost of maintenance for its bespoke performance components, such as the PCCB brakes and twin-turbo setup, should be factored into the running costs. Insurance is at a hypercar level, matching the vehicle’s elite performance bracket. However, the comprehensive support from Porsche Motorsport makes ownership manageable for those with the appropriate resources. It is a prized asset in any collection, representing a pinnacle of engineering that continues to command respect and value years after its production ceased.

As one of the final front-engined, naturally aspirated V12 masterpieces, the 812 Superfast enjoys a sterling reputation among collectors. Residual values remain robust, supported by the car's status as a pinnacle of traditional Ferrari engineering. Ownership costs, however, are substantial, with specialist maintenance required to keep the complex V12 running at peak performance. While annual service costs are significant, the peace of mind offered by professional maintenance is essential for preserving the vehicle's long-term value, as enthusiasts continue to favour these unadulterated powerplants over the industry’s shift toward smaller displacement and electrification.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 GT2 RS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 72. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS: Strong Porsche reliability, though the most extreme 911 to maintain. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong Ferrari reliability reputation for a modern V12 GT. On the wallet the two diverge at £310,000 versus £275,000 — a £35,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £2,200 against £3,500, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.

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