A Showdown of GT Titans: Aston Martin Vanquish vs Ferrari 12Cilinidri
In the world of high-performance grand tourers, few matchups generate as much excitement as a showdown between Aston Martin and Ferrari. With the simultaneous arrival of the new Vanquish from Aston Martin and Ferrari’s 12Cilinidri, there’s an almighty scrap brewing. While the on-paper comparisons are intriguing, the real-world comparison is what truly captivates.
Ferrari has been on an intimidatingly good streak lately, but Aston Martin proved its mettle with the DBS Superleggera. By the time the ‘770’ run-out special arrived, Aston had fine-tuned its old flagship to formidable perfection. If Aston has carried that momentum forward to the Vanquish, Ferrari will have a tough time beating its old English foe.
One of the key factors in the DBS Superleggera’s magic was its exceptional cohesiveness in steering and handling. It allowed drivers to push the car to its limits, much like an overgrown Toyota GR86. The bottomless mid-rpm torque from the blown V12 engine also made it easy to control the car with the throttle. This is an advantage that the naturally aspirated 12Cilinidri from Ferrari will lack in comparison. However, there’s no doubt that the Ferrari will sound better, as it always does.
But there’s a potential ace up Aston Martin’s sleeve – its manners over long distances. The ability to remain serene and comfortable during extended journeys is the bread and butter of the grand touring skillset. In recent years, Ferrari has focused more on making its front-engined V12s needlessly agile, perhaps neglecting this essential aspect. If the Vanquish can deliver on this front, it could secure a triumph in the much-anticipated twin-test of 2025.
Insights from Richard, Deputy Road Test Editor:
Richard, Autocar’s Deputy Road Test Editor, is no stranger to high-performance cars. His in-depth road tests and performance benchmarking, along with his feature-length comparison stories, provide valuable insights into rival cars. With his passion for how cars feel on the road and the emotions they evoke, Richard drives around 150 newly launched makes and models each year. His job is to put the reader firmly in the driver’s seat, offering a firsthand perspective on the driving experience.
Conclusion:
The battle between the Aston Martin Vanquish and Ferrari’s 12Cilinidri is set to be an epic clash of blue-blooded GT titans. While Ferrari currently holds the upper hand, Aston Martin’s formidable DBS Superleggera proves that it is not to be underestimated. The Vanquish’s potential advantage lies in its ability to remain composed and comfortable on long journeys, a skill that Ferrari has somewhat overlooked in recent years. Only time will tell which of these legendary marques will emerge victorious in the ultimate twin-test of 2025.