There's something deeply satisfying about a front-engined V12 grand tourer. They're the automotive equivalent of flying first class while everyone else is crammed into economy, dreaming of that moment when they can finally unfold themselves from their seats and waddle to the nearest bar for a consolatory pint. Today, we're looking at two cars that represent the pinnacle of this rarified breed: The new Ferrari 12Cilindri and the Aston Martin Vanquish. Both cost roughly the same (around £330,000 if you promise not to add any options), both have V12 engines, and both promise to be the ultimate expression of what a modern GT car should be. But they go about it in rather different ways. The Numbers Game SpecificationFerrari 12 CilindriAston Martin Vanquish EngineNaturally aspirated V12, 6.5LTwin-turbocharged V12, 5.2LHorsepower819 bhp @ 9250 rpm824 bhp @ 6500 rpmTorque500 lb-ft @ 7250 rpm737 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpmTop Speed211+ mph214 mph0-62 mph2.9 seconds3.3 secondsWeight (dry)1560 kg1835 kgWeight Distribution48:52 front-to-rear51:49 front-to-rearLength~4.7 m (exact unavailable)~4.8 mWidth~2.0 m (with mirrors)2.0 mWheelbase~2.7 m2.95 mFuel Tank Capacity92 L78 LTyres (Front/Rear)Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 or GoodyearPirelli P Zeros (275/35 R21 F, 325/30 R21 R)ChassisLightweight aluminum, magnerideBonded aluminum, Bilstein DTX dampersPrice (base)£336,500£350,000Seats22AerodynamicsActive flaps for downforceFixed aero elementsSound SystemPremium, Ferrari integratedBowers & WilkinsTransmission7-speed dual-clutch8-speed ZF automaticExhaust NoteHigh-revving, culturedGuttural growl to howl Let's start with the engines, because they're the heart and soul of these beasts. The Ferrari packs a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 that produces 819 horsepower at a stratospheric 9,250 rpm. The Aston counters with a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 pushing out 823 horsepower and a whopping 738 lb-ft of torque - nearly 50% more than the Ferrari's 500 lb-ft. The Ferrari's engine is the more theatrical of the two - when it's allowed to be. You see, Ferrari has apparently decided that their V12 flagship needed to be more civilized, which is a bit like telling Gordon Ramsay to stop swearing and take up meditation. It'll rev to 9,250 rpm, but it does so with all the drama of a library book being returned on time. The Aston's engine, on the other hand, is about as subtle as a brick through a jeweler's window. It makes more noise, delivers its power with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and actually feels faster in real-world conditions. The Luxury Quotient Step inside the Aston and you're greeted by an interior that makes most first-class lounges look a bit cheap. Everything is covered in leather so soft it must have come from cows that spent their lives getting daily massages. The buttons are actual physical buttons - none of that haptic nonsense that Ferrari seems so fond of - and everything feels properly substantial. The Ferrari, by contrast, goes for a more minimalist approach to luxury. It's still beautifully made, but it's more focused, more driver-centric. The problem is that in trying to be modern and high-tech, they've made simple operations like changing the radio station feel like trying to decode the Da Vinci Code. And those haptic buttons on the steering wheel? They're about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. The Driving Experience Here's where things get interesting. The Ferrari has all the latest technological wizardry . Bits and bobs like Side Slip Control 8.0, Virtual Short Wheelbase 3.0 (that's rear-wheel steering to normal people), and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox that shifts faster than most people can blink. It's precise, beautifully balanced, and technically brilliant. But something's missing. In making the 12Cilindri more refined, more GT-like, Ferrari has taken away some of the wild character that made the old 812 Superfast such a memorable machine. It's like they've sent their lead singer to finishing school - more polished, but less rock and roll. The Aston, meanwhile, feels like it's had several espressos before you even start it up. It's not as precise as the Ferrari, and its gearbox isn't quite as sharp, but good lord is it exciting. It twists and writhes under acceleration, making every straight feel like a corner, and every corner feel like an adventure. It's got character by the bucketload, and in a world of increasingly sanitized supercars, that counts for a lot. The Verdict Both of these cars are phenomenally capable machines. The Ferrari is probably the more complete car - it rides better, its gearbox is sharper, and its chassis control is more sophisticated. If you were doing a track day, it would probably be faster. But here's the thing - nobody actually uses these cars as proper GTs anymore. I checked the used market, and most 812s and DBSs have covered fewer miles than I walk in a week. People buy these cars because they want an occasion, something special that makes them feel alive. And that's where the Aston Martin wins this contest. While Ferrari has tried to make their V12 flagship more civilized, Aston has embraced the madness. The Vanquish is louder, more dramatic, and ultimately more exciting. It's not perfect - the steering wheel's too thick, the gearbox isn't quite as good as the Ferrari's, and it probably wouldn't be as fast around a track. But when you're bombing down a beautiful road, engine howling, rear wheels fighting for traction, and a massive grin plastered across your face, none of that matters. The Aston Martin Vanquish proves that sometimes, more emotion and less polish is exactly what we want from our supercars. Even if they're technically grand tourers. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go explain to my accountant why I need £330,000 for what is essentially a very fast way to terrify myself.
