The Aston Martin Vanquish and Ferrari 12Cilindri are two highly desirable super grand tourers that offer unique driving experiences. While both share a similar goal of providing exceptional grand touring, their execution is vastly different, starting with their powertrains. The Vanquish boasts a twin-turbocharged V12, while the 12Cilindri features a naturally aspirated V12.
This difference in powertrain choices leads to distinct driving characteristics. The 12Cilindri offers a more visceral and emotional driving experience, thanks to its free-breathing engine, while the Vanquish delivers a more refined and effortless performance. From a side view, these two automotive titans are nearly indistinguishable. Both boast long hoods, short rear decks, large wheels, flush door handles, and tasteful fender accents.
Their muscular wheel arches accommodate different tires, with Aston Martin opting for Pirelli P Zero and Ferrari choosing Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport. While dimensions are similar, Ferrari’s dual-clutch transaxle contributes to a slightly lighter weight and different weight distribution compared to Aston Martin’s torque-converter automatic.
The Aston Martin Vanquish, weighing in at 1,774 kilograms, offers a plethora of buttons on the center console and just under the touchscreen infotainment system. In contrast, the Ferrari 12Cilindri sports a more minimalist interior with touch-based controls, including the engine start button. While the Ferrari’s gated manual transmission may appeal to driving enthusiasts, Aston Martin’s automatic transmission offers a more relaxed driving experience.
Both vehicles offer limited trunk capacity, with the Vanquish boasting a meager 248 liters versus 200 liters in the Ferrari’s case. For reference, the Euro-spec Mazda MX-5 is listed by the Japanese automaker as having either 130 or 127 liters, depending on the body style.
The Aston Martin Vanquish and Ferrari 12Cilindri are two high-performance luxury cars that offer exceptional driving experiences.
While the Vanquish is currently only available as a coupe, Ferrari has already introduced a convertible version of the 12Cilindri. Both cars are expected to be highly sought after, with limited production runs and starting prices around 400,000 euros. The 12Cilindri boasts advanced electronic driving aids, including Side Slip Control 8.0, Virtual Short Wheelbase 3.0, and four-wheel steering.
These features enhance the car’s handling and stability, making it a joy to drive in both wet and dry conditions. While the Vanquish lacks four-wheel steering, it does offer adaptive dampers and individual drive mode settings. These features allow drivers to tailor the car’s behavior to their personal preferences and driving style.
In terms of performance, the 12Cilindri has a slightly higher top speed and faster acceleration time. However, the Vanquish remains the fastest and most powerful series-production Aston Martin to date. The Vanquish’s powerful engine and advanced aerodynamics contribute to its impressive performance figures.
Ultimately, the choice between these two exceptional cars comes down to personal preference and driving priorities. Both the Vanquish and 12Cilindri offer a unique and exhilarating driving experience, and either one would be a prized addition to any car collection.
