Aston Martin
DB11
Ferrari
Portofino
Aston Martin DB11 vs Ferrari Portofino: 2020 Comparison
The short answer
The Aston Martin DB11 offers power, while the Ferrari Portofino excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Aston Martin DB11 if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Ferrari Portofino if fuel economy 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.
Portofino
Overall
Owner sentiment is mixed and highly contextual, defined by its role as a front-engine, 2+2 convertible GT within the Ferrari lineup. It is consistently described as a practical, comfortable, and reliable daily driver or grand tourer, appreciated for its usability, folding hardtop, and the availability of a small rear seat. Several owners report high satisfaction with its reliability and suitability for regular use.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a best model year or trim. Feedback pertains to the Portofino model line broadly.
Known issues
- ⚠General concerns about high out-of-warranty repair costs: recurrent. Perception of being a "less pure" or "not a true Ferrari" compared to mid-engine models: recurrent.
The verdict
The Aston Martin DB11 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Ferrari Portofino, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Aston Martin DB11 are a dealbreaker, the Ferrari Portofino is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Aston Martin DB11 or the Ferrari Portofino?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Aston Martin DB11 than the Ferrari Portofino. 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 Portofino?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Aston Martin DB11 is classed as a Coupe, the Ferrari Portofino as a Cabriolet, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Aston Martin DB11 or the Ferrari Portofino?
The Ferrari Portofino is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.3 L/100km combined versus 13.4 L/100km for the Aston Martin DB11, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Aston Martin DB11 or the Ferrari Portofino?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.