Aston Martin
DB11
Ferrari
FF
Aston Martin DB11 vs Ferrari FF: 2018 Comparison
The short answer
The Aston Martin DB11 offers fuel economy, while the Ferrari FF excels at power instead. Choose the Aston Martin DB11 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Ferrari FF if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
DB11
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for its grand touring character and criticism of its driving dynamics and competitive positioning. The DB11 is consistently praised for its stunning aesthetics, long-distance comfort, and the emotional appeal of the V12 engine, particularly in earlier, naturally aspirated models from the VH platform. Owners report high satisfaction with its usability as a daily driver or for extensive road trips, citing a comfortable ride and a special, understated presence.
Best version to buy
V12 models are overwhelmingly recommended over V8 models. The AMR trim is mentioned favorably.
Known issues
- ⚠Brake squeal (Brembo system): very loud squealing, especially at low speeds when brakes are warm. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Feels heavy and lacks engagement: car feels large, heavy, and not as sharp or engaging to drive as competitors; V8 engine noted as underpowered for the chassis. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠High running costs: very expensive parts and labor; high insurance premiums with limited carrier options; specialist subscription required for repair manuals. Frequency: recurrent.
FF
Overall
Owner sentiment is generally positive, with the FF being celebrated as a uniquely practical and engaging Ferrari. It is frequently described as the "perfect dad Ferrari" or a daily-drivable exotic, praised for its genuine four-seat capacity, thrilling naturally aspirated V12 engine sound, and all-weather capability due to its all-wheel-drive system. The driving experience is described as special and exhilarating, making mundane trips memorable.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a model year or trim as "best." Owner discussions focus on the condition and repair history of individual cars rather than trim differentiation. The critical factor is whether major components (PTU, gearbox, carbon ceramic brakes) have been addressed or rebuilt.
Known issues
- ⚠Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure: The front gearbox is described as "extremely unreliable" and "the first mechanical part that breaks." It involves a permanently slipping clutch and is a very frequent point of concern.
- ⚠Gearbox reliability: The main gearbox is cited as problematic and expensive to repair, with quotes around $35,000 for replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Carbon ceramic brake replacement cost: Extremely high replacement cost cited, approximately $35,000-$45,000 for a set replaced before 35,000 miles. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Aston Martin DB11 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Ferrari FF, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Aston Martin DB11 are a dealbreaker, the Ferrari FF is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Aston Martin DB11 or the Ferrari FF?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Aston Martin DB11 than the Ferrari FF. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Aston Martin DB11 or the Ferrari FF?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Aston Martin DB11 or the Ferrari FF?
The Aston Martin DB11 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 13.4 L/100km combined versus 15.4 L/100km for the Ferrari FF, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Aston Martin DB11 or the Ferrari FF?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Ferrari FF than the Aston Martin DB11. See the known issues comparison above.