Mar 28, 20213 min read

Super GT Standoff: 2020 Ferrari 812 Superfast vs. 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V12

Imagine this. You are being given a road and a car to enjoy for a day, and the options are all long, fast, and have incredible views. To start off you are given the famous and renowned Pacific Coast Highway to take the car down, with the sea to one side and the canyons to carve. Then you are given two car choices, a 2020 Ferrari 812 Superfast, the newest large GT car with the engine in the front from Maranello, and the sleek 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V12 from Great Britain. The question is, which pick will yours be?

Ok, first off let's talk size. No, we don't care how long or wide exactly these cars are, I want to talk engines. These cars both come in V-12's, but they displace quite different numbers in many ways. The overall displacement of the Ferrari is 6.5 liters of fury, while the Aston has 5.2 liters and two turbos. The power outputs are very different too, with the Ferrari coming in at a blistering 788whp and 530 lb/ft of torque, and the Aston at an even 600whp and a 516 lb/ft respectively. Although the 812 has an advantage in power, the DB11 delivers power in a different manner and feels just about as rapid in the midrange as the 812. The max torque in the Aston Martin starts at 1500 RPM, and pulls at that velocity until 6K RPM , when the Ferrari hasn't even made all of its torque yet. Also, by 1500 RPM, the Aston makes almost 200 hp while the Ferrari only is at 100 hp being produced. So for actual enjoyment on a road with turns and bends, the punchiness of the Aston Martin is enough to even the playing field performance-wise.

Next, is of course the looks. Both of these companies are quite proficient at making lines and curves create very striking shapes, but some shapes appeal to some people more than others. From the gliding sharp lines of the DB11 to the flowing flaring creases of the 812, there is a lot to think about. The DB11 exudes a complete shape, given bevels and creases as need be, rendering a very Aston Martin look. The 812 flows around itself, with curves meeting flat surfaces to create all of the Ferrari drama in a design you could hope for. Both cars have a very distinct proportional balance, with most of the length in the front, and most of the angle in the rear. The way both companies decided to break up the length of the front end on their cars is unique and captivating with the sweeping parts of the fenders and hood on the Aston to the rose-petal curves and wingtip angles on the Ferrari's front end.

Next are the interiors and the overall fit and finish. This is the place/aspect that you tend to stare at the most, so making sure that your environment matches your vibe/zodiac sign/essential oil favorite smell etc. is super important. Starting off with the Ferrari, the interior has a hue of brown with red contrast, with creases and flares in all of the right places. The seats are a perfect mix of GT car and Sport seat, with a wonderful shape and texture. The Aston has a smoother and sharper aesthetic with lines flowing and interweaving on the interior, and the seats are based in comfort with style added on as an extra bonus.

Last, but not least, the driving experience. Let's start with the Ferrari. It is a sports car that can do GT things, so at first it will feel comfortable and manageable until you push it beyond its "gentlemanly" side and it shows why it has that prancing horse on the hood. Think Connor McGregor at a banquet, but somebody decides to insult him when they think he is out of hearing range. Next is the Aston, which is a GT that excels at sports car things, so when you are at the low speeds the car is very communicative and sporty, but when you open it up, it swoops instead of snarls, and it glides instead of dives. It's like a cowboy who drinks tea instead of whiskey but still is one of the smoothest ropers at the rodeo. It really all depends on where you like the car's character to be when you are enjoying it.