Porsche Carrera GT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
Compare the Porsche Carrera GT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is £55,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is 0.6s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Porsche Carrera GT is priced from £1,500,000, powered by a 5.7L V10, producing 605 hp, with 590 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is priced from £395,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 830 hp, with 678 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.9s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Porsche Carrera GT offers a 100-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 12 mpg, is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Ferrari 12Cilindri offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is £55,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,500 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £95 for the Porsche Carrera GT and £100 for the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Driving Character: Porsche Carrera GT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
The Porsche Carrera GT remains a raw, analogue masterpiece defined by its 5.7L V10 engine. Derived from an abandoned F1 programme, the engine offers ferocious, linear delivery that demands immense respect. Built around a carbon fibre monocoque, it lacks power steering and electronic stability aids, leaving the driver entirely exposed. The six-speed manual gearbox requires a deft touch, making the car a challenging yet deeply rewarding machine that reveals its true nature only in the hands of an expert.
The 12Cilindri defines a new peak for front-mounted V12 performance, combining an 830hp naturally aspirated powerplant with a remarkably agile rear-wheel-drive chassis. The four-wheel steering system effectively masks the long wheelbase, granting this grand tourer a nimbleness that defies its size. While the 6.5L engine demands high-rev engagement for maximum effect, the chassis balance remains composed even when pushing near the limits of adhesion. It represents a sophisticated evolution of the 812 lineage, ensuring that the raw, mechanical intensity of the V12 remains the primary focus of the driving experience.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche Carrera GT takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 95 against 92. Characteristic of the Porsche Carrera GT: Naturally-aspirated V10 with a raw, unassisted manual gearbox - widely revered as a driver's hypercar. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Naturally-aspirated V12 drama in a more refined, usable GT package. In outright terms it is 605 hp against 830 — a 225 hp gap — and the Ferrari 12Cilindri reaches 60 mph 0.6s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche Carrera GT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
The cabin is a lesson in minimalism, prioritising structural integrity and weight reduction through extensive use of magnesium and carbon fibre. It feels decidedly race-derived, with a high-mounted gear lever topped by a wooden knob that provides a tactile link to Porsche's heritage. The interior is spartan by modern standards, eschewing the digital distractions of today for a pure, driver-focused environment that intentionally limits creature comforts to save mass.
Inside, the dual-cockpit dashboard draws clear inspiration from the 365 GTB/4, blending classic design motifs with a modern digital architecture. The interior feel is focused squarely on driver immersion, with the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system seamlessly integrated into the minimalist aesthetic. Materials are finished to an exceptional standard, reflecting the car's grand touring intent. While the cabin is clearly a masterclass in modern Ferrari ergonomics, the rear seats remain purely vestigial, serving as additional storage rather than a functional space for passengers.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 62 against 85. Characteristic of the Porsche Carrera GT: Motorsport-derived cockpit with genuine period-correct craftsmanship. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Straightforward, user-friendly cabin with genuine usability.
Daily Usability: Porsche Carrera GT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
While the Carrera GT is more usable than many of its contemporaries, it is not a car for mundane chores. The front trunk provides modest space for a weekend bag, but the main hurdle for daily driving is the notoriously difficult, heavy clutch. Engaging first gear smoothly requires significant practice, and once in motion, the lack of modern parking aids and the extreme width make it an intimidating prospect for city streets.
Despite its performance pedigree, the 12Cilindri offers a practical, if physically imposing, approach to daily grand touring. The 270L boot provides genuine capacity for luggage, making it a viable companion for extended journeys. In urban environments, the four-wheel steering is indispensable, allowing the driver to navigate tight streets with a precision that belies the car's significant length and width. However, the long bonnet and expansive bodywork require a cautious approach in city centres and parking facilities, where the car’s sheer footprint can make tight manoeuvres feel somewhat daunting.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 30 against 75. Characteristic of the Porsche Carrera GT: A collector's piece, not practical for regular use. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Genuinely usable as a continent-crossing daily GT. that means 100 litres of boot space against 270, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari 12Cilindri at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche Carrera GT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
The Carrera GT has cemented its position as a genuine collector investment, with values having more than tripled since its initial launch. Porsche Classic provides exemplary support, ensuring that parts and technical expertise remain available. However, ownership is a serious commitment; the V10 engine requires highly specialised maintenance, and the delicate nature of the clutch assembly means replacement costs can be exorbitant for the unwary owner.
Ownership of the 12Cilindri is defined by its status as a bastion of the naturally aspirated V12 in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape. The standard 7-year warranty and maintenance programme provide a high level of security for what is fundamentally a complex, high-performance machine. While fuel consumption remains notably high and insurance costs will inevitably reflect the vehicle's extreme performance potential and price point, the long-term collector appeal of such a pure-engine model remains incredibly strong, ensuring robust residual values for those who manage the ongoing running costs.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche Carrera GT takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 68. Characteristic of the Porsche Carrera GT: One of the most revered analogue Porsche hypercars, with strong appreciation. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: One of the last naturally-aspirated V12 Ferraris, strong collector interest. On the wallet the two diverge at £1,500,000 versus £395,000 — a £1,105,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £0, and warranty cover of 2yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.