Ferrari 12CIilindri Takes on Aston Martin Vanquish in Battle of the Super GTs

In the latest battle between two iconic brands, which Super GT is best – the all-new Ferrari 12Cilindri or reborn Aston Martin Vanquish?

For decades, the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, grand touring car has been a favorite among those that simply like to escape reality from time to time, taking a drive out in the country and soaking up miles in comfort – with plenty of performance on tap, of course. Driving long distances as high speeds, GT cars aren’t quite as capable as the average supercar – trading some handling capability for sheer comfort – but that also makes them quite endearing. Today, there aren’t quite as many GT cars out there as there used to be, but the Ferrari 12Cilindri and Aston Martin Vanquish are two of the finest, regardless.

Recently, Top Gear pitted these two new super grand tourers against each other in a proper setting – Italy – to see which is the superior option for folks that love nothing more than blasting across continents in total comfort. Neither lacks in terms of supreme style or power, either. Rather, the Ferrari 12Cilindri gets a naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter V12 making a whopping 819 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, wrapped up in a stunning package. As for the Vanquish, it’s been reborn with a twin turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 making 823 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.

Both of these cars are being sold in the $400k range, which is big money, but both certainly have the presence – and sumptuous cabins – to justify those price tags. Both also feel large, luxurious, and incredibly comfy on the road, with our reviewers noting that they have that “feel” one would expect from a classic super GT. The big difference here, however, boils down to character. Whereas the Vanquish is quiet, isolated, and super-luxurious, the 12Cilindri is a bit more minimalist inside the cabin, and isn’t quite as isolating – there’s even a bit of wind noise, which is seemingly by design.

In terms of sheer speed, the Ferrari obviously has it, and it proves to be a great handling machine as well with quick steering to boot. The V12 serenades the driver and revs to the moon – 9,000 rpm – and it’s obviously more capable than the Vanquish as well. However, the Aston is still quite quick, and it’s polished out on the road, though also a bit “brutal” in regard to its rabid acceleration.

When it comes time to pick a winner here, it’s hard to fault the Ferrari 12Cilindri, which our host admits that he “loves” to drive, largely due to its precision and adjustability. However, he just didn’t have what he calls any “magic” moments in the car. By comparison, he notes, “the Vanquish, on the other hand, every time I get in there, I’m laughing, I’m excited, I’m vaguely terrified” – giving it the win in this latest battle between two iconic super GT makers.

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.
Foote has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles and every other type of automobile, Foote had spent several years running parts for local dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.