Roma vs F8 Tributo
The Ferrari lineup presents fascinating choices for enthusiasts seeking the perfect balance between grand touring elegance and pure supercar performance. Two exceptional machines embody these contrasting philosophies: the Roma, representing refined grand touring sophistication with timeless design, and the F8 Tributo, embodying mid-engine supercar excellence with racing-inspired capability. While both motorcars share Ferrari’s legendary V8 DNA and Italian craftsmanship, they approach performance and luxury with distinctly different philosophies. Let’s explore which Ferrari deserves your consideration.
Table of Contents
Ferrari Roma: The Elegant Grand Tourer
Refined Power Delivery
The Ferrari Roma is powered by a magnificent 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 612 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 561 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. This front-mid-mounted engine delivers power to the rear wheels through an exceptional eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that debuted on the hybrid SF90 Stradale. The sophisticated transmission provides lightning-quick gear changes with seamless refinement that enhances both spirited driving and relaxed cruising.
The turbocharging system delivers power with remarkable linearity, eliminating traditional turbo lag through sophisticated engineering. The engine pulls strongly from low revs, providing effortless acceleration during daily driving while building to an intoxicating crescendo as it approaches the 7,500 rpm redline. The exhaust note combines Ferrari’s trademark high-pitched V8 wail with modern refinement, creating an addictive soundtrack that begs for extended exploration of the rev range.
Performance figures impress with 0-60 mph achieved in just 3.3 seconds according to Ferrari’s estimates, though Car and Driver estimates the Roma Spider achieves this benchmark in approximately 3.1 seconds. The top speed exceeds 199 mph, demonstrating genuine supercar capability wrapped in grand touring elegance. Real-world performance feels explosive yet accessible, with the sophisticated electronics allowing drivers of varying skill levels to explore the Roma’s performance envelope confidently.
The power-to-weight ratio of 2.37 kg/hp represents the best in the mid-front-engined V8 2+ segment, achieved through extensive use of aluminum and lightweight materials throughout the structure. The reduced mass compared to previous Ferrari GT models contributes to the Roma’s dynamic agility while maintaining the refinement expected from a grand tourer.
Timeless Italian Design
The Roma measures 4,656mm in length, 1,974mm in width, and 1,301mm in height, with a substantial 2,670mm wheelbase that creates elegant proportions. The design represents Ferrari’s contemporary interpretation of 1950s and 1960s Roman dolce vita lifestyle, featuring clean lines, minimal visual disruption, and refined elegance that transcends temporary styling trends.
The Roma’s design philosophy emphasizes purity and seamlessness. Ferrari engineers developed flush-mounted door handles that maintain the refined silhouette without disruption. The handles operate in Full Keyless mode using Ferrari’s latest range key featuring an exact replica of the Prancing Horse badge. The Comfort Access function allows door opening without using the key, demonstrating attention to convenience details.
The interior showcases Ferrari’s commitment to driver-focused luxury. The cockpit features a revolutionary dual-cockpit architecture with an 8.4-inch vertical central touchscreen for the driver and an 8.8-inch horizontal touchscreen for the passenger. The passenger display allows front passengers to engage actively with vehicle information, creating a shared driving experience. Touch-sensitive controls throughout the cabin create clean surfaces, though some traditionalists miss physical buttons.
The 2+2 seating configuration provides two small rear seats suitable for children or emergency adult accommodation during shorter journeys. The 272-liter boot space exceeds expectations for a sports car, providing practical cargo capacity for weekend getaways. The Roma Spider variant sacrifices some practicality for open-air driving pleasure while maintaining the hardtop’s elegant proportions.
Available in countless color combinations through Ferrari’s extensive personalization program, the Roma offers near-limitless customization. Historical colors like Verde British green create distinctive character, while traditional Ferrari shades honor the brand’s heritage. Interior options include single-color and two-tone leather schemes with Rosso Ferrari trim creating authentic Italian ambiance.
Sophisticated Technology Integration
The Roma showcases comprehensive technology that enhances the grand touring experience. The Side Slip Control 6.0 system integrates E-Diff electronic differential, F1-Trac traction control, SCM-E Frs magnetorheological dampers, and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer. The FDE debuts in Race position on the Roma, allowing skilled drivers to explore controlled drifts with safety net protection.
The manettino dial on the steering wheel controls drive modes optimizing vehicle behavior for different conditions. Settings include Comfort for relaxed cruising with soft dampers and relaxed throttle response, Sport for spirited driving with sharper responses, and Race for maximum performance with minimal electronic intervention. The sophisticated electronics deliver natural, progressive intervention that enhances capability without diminishing engagement.
Additional premium features include cruise control for relaxed highway touring, LED lighting throughout providing excellent visibility, wireless smartphone charging, heated seats and steering wheel for cold weather comfort, and automatic climate control maintaining optimal cabin temperature. The comprehensive feature set creates a thoroughly modern grand tourer without compromising Ferrari’s sporting character.
Accessible Premium Positioning
The 2025 Ferrari Roma starts at approximately $243,360 for the hardtop coupe, though Ferrari discontinued the coupe configuration for 2025, offering only the Roma Spider convertible at $279,965 in US markets. These prices position the Roma as Ferrari’s most accessible model, providing an elegant entry point to Prancing Horse ownership without compromise in performance, technology, or luxury.
Ferrari F8 Tributo: The Track-Focused Weapon
Extreme Performance Engineering
The Ferrari F8 Tributo is powered by the most potent V8 ever mounted in a non-special series Ferrari—a mid-mounted 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing an astonishing 710 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 568 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. This engine earned International Engine of the Year awards for four consecutive years, validating its exceptional engineering. The specific power output of 185 bhp per liter sets benchmarks across the entire automotive industry.
The engine incorporates racing-derived technology including titanium connecting rods reducing reciprocating mass, turbo revolution sensors from the 488 Challenge maximizing turbocharger efficiency, and sophisticated engine management delivering power with zero turbo lag. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission provides instantaneous gear changes that maintain momentum during aggressive driving.
Performance figures astound with 0-60 mph achieved in just 2.9 seconds and 0-124 mph dispatched in 7.6 seconds. The top speed of 211 mph demonstrates genuine supercar capability backed by aerodynamic sophistication. Real-world testing by Road & Track achieved a 10.3-second quarter-mile with 132.8 mph trap speed, confirming Ferrari’s conservative performance estimates.
The F8 Tributo weighs approximately 1,330 kilograms (2,932 pounds), representing a 40-kilogram reduction compared to the 488 GTB it replaces. The weight savings come from extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum throughout the structure, contributing to the explosive performance and razor-sharp handling dynamics.
Racing-Inspired Aerodynamics
The F8 Tributo measures 4,611mm in length, 1,979mm in width, and 1,206mm in height, with a focused 2,650mm wheelbase optimized for dynamic balance. The design celebrates Ferrari’s mid-engine V8 heritage spanning 45 years, incorporating aerodynamic solutions developed through Ferrari’s GT and Challenge racing programs.
The signature design element is the S-Duct adapted from Formula 1 experience. This sophisticated aerodynamic feature channels high-pressure air from the front bumper upward through a vent on the hood, increasing front downforce by 15 percent compared to the 488 GTB. The visual impact creates an aggressive, purposeful face that announces the F8’s performance intentions.
The rear features a redesigned profile with the blown spoiler originally patented for the 488 GTB but radically modified for improved efficiency. The rear diffuser and centrally-positioned exhausts optimize aerodynamic efficiency while creating dramatic visual presence. Ferrari’s aerodynamicists achieved 10 percent improvement in overall aerodynamic efficiency despite the 15 percent downforce increase, demonstrating sophisticated engineering balancing multiple competing objectives.
The interior retains Ferrari’s classic driver-oriented layout with every element designed specifically for the F8. The new-generation steering wheel integrates comprehensive controls for immediate access without removing hands from the wheel. The dashboard features aluminum sail panels emphasizing lightness, while a carbon fiber divider streamlines the visual appearance. Optional carbon fiber racing seats provide maximum support during track driving while reducing weight.
Available wheel options include revolutionary carbon fiber racing rims reducing rotating mass by 40 percent compared to standard aluminum wheels. This dramatic unsprung weight reduction improves handling precision, throttle response, and braking performance. The lightweight wheels represent Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of performance optimization through every component.
Track-Focused Technology
The F8 Tributo showcases Ferrari’s latest vehicle dynamics control systems optimized for track capability. The Side Slip Control evolved from version 6.0 to 6.1, reflecting the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer now activating in manettino Race position (FDE+). This sophisticated system allows skilled drivers to explore controlled drifts with electronic safety net, creating exhilarating yet manageable driving experiences.
The manettino dial provides drive mode selection optimizing vehicle behavior. Settings include Wet for compromised surfaces with maximum electronic intervention, Sport for spirited road driving balancing performance and comfort, Race for track use with minimal intervention allowing skilled drivers maximum freedom, CT Off completely disabling traction control for expert drivers, and ESC Off for professional drivers on track.
The sophisticated electronics integrate seamlessly, providing natural, progressive intervention that enhances capability without diminishing the raw, engaging character that defines Ferrari. The systems allow drivers to progressively explore the F8’s performance envelope, building confidence through predictable, communicative behavior.
Additional features include optional nose-lift system preventing front splitter damage on driveways and speed bumps, comprehensive telemetry recording for track session analysis, carbon-ceramic brakes providing fade-free performance during extended track use, and magnetorheological dampers adapting instantly to road conditions and driving inputs.
Supercar Premium Pricing
The Ferrari F8 Tributo commanded approximately $280,000 when new, positioning it as a premium mid-engine supercar competing with the McLaren 720S, Lamborghini Huracan Evo, and other exotic machinery. Production ceased in 2022-2023 as Ferrari transitioned to the hybrid 296 GTB, making the F8 Tributo the last pure V8 mid-engine Ferrari before the brand’s electrification strategy.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Performance Philosophy Battle
The performance comparison reveals fascinating differences despite shared displacement. The F8 Tributo’s 710 bhp significantly exceeds the Roma’s 612 bhp, creating a 98-horsepower advantage. The torque figures show the F8 producing 568 lb-ft versus the Roma’s 561 lb-ft, though both engines deliver peak torque at 3,000 rpm for accessible mid-range performance.
The acceleration gap proves dramatic with the F8 Tributo achieving 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds versus the Roma’s 3.3 seconds. This 0.4-second difference represents the F8’s lighter weight, mid-engine layout, and track-focused tuning. The top speed advantage similarly favors the F8 with 211 mph versus the Roma’s 199 mph, reflecting superior aerodynamic optimization and additional power.
However, raw performance numbers don’t tell the complete story. The Roma’s front-mid-engine layout creates a 2+2 configuration impossible with mid-engine architecture, providing genuine rear seats and superior boot space. The Roma prioritizes daily usability, refined ride quality, and grand touring comfort while delivering explosive performance when desired. The F8 embraces uncompromising track capability, accepting practicality compromises for ultimate dynamic excellence.
Design and Usability Philosophy
The fundamental difference lies in their design missions. The Roma embraces grand touring elegance with timeless proportions, refined details, and 2+2 seating accommodating occasional rear passengers. The 272-liter boot provides practical cargo capacity for weekend trips. The design communicates sophisticated restraint rather than aggressive performance, creating a Ferrari suitable for daily driving without compromise.
The F8 Tributo adopts mid-engine supercar architecture prioritizing dynamic performance over practicality. The two-seat configuration eliminates rear passengers entirely, while the front boot provides limited cargo space adequate for weekend bags but challenging for extended touring. The aggressive aerodynamic elements including the S-Duct and rear diffuser announce performance intentions visually.
The dimensional comparison reveals the Roma’s advantage in wheelbase (2,670mm vs 2,650mm) creating more interior space despite similar overall length. The Roma’s taller stance (1,301mm vs 1,206mm) provides better headroom and easier ingress/egress. The F8’s lower, wider stance creates dramatic visual presence and lower center of gravity benefiting handling dynamics.
Technology and Refinement Comparison
The technology comparison reveals comprehensive electronics on both Ferraris optimized for different priorities. The Roma features Side Slip Control 6.0 with Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer debuting in Race position, providing controlled drift capability for grand touring drivers exploring performance limits. The sophisticated magnetorheological dampers deliver exceptional ride quality, creating a supple yet controlled ride that absorbs imperfections while maintaining body control.
The F8 Tributo employs Side Slip Control 6.1 with more aggressive tuning and FDE+ activation in Race mode, reflecting track-focused calibration. The damper tuning prioritizes handling precision over ride comfort, creating firmer control suitable for track use while remaining acceptable for road driving with careful mode selection.
Both Ferraris benefit from Ferrari’s decades of vehicle dynamics experience, though calibrations differ substantially. The Roma emphasizes accessibility, allowing drivers of varying skill levels to explore performance confidently. The F8 rewards experienced drivers with razor-sharp responses and minimal electronic interference, creating a more demanding yet ultimately more rewarding driving experience for skilled enthusiasts.
Price and Value Analysis
The pricing gap reflects their different market positions. The Roma at $243,360 (coupe) or $279,965 (Spider) positions as Ferrari’s entry point, providing accessible Prancing Horse ownership without compromise. The F8 Tributo at approximately $280,000 commanded premium pricing justified by extreme performance, mid-engine exotic architecture, and track capability.
Comparing value propositions proves challenging given different missions. The Roma delivers more daily usability, rear seats, superior cargo space, refined ride quality, and timeless design at lower pricing. The F8 provides more extreme performance, mid-engine exotic character, sharper handling dynamics, and motorsport-derived engineering at premium pricing. Neither represents poor value—they serve different buyer priorities.
Long-term ownership costs favor the Roma slightly through potentially lower insurance premiums given the grand touring classification and less extreme performance. Service costs should prove similar given shared V8 architecture and Ferrari’s comprehensive maintenance programs. Both Ferraris maintain strong resale values, though the F8’s discontinued status and “last pure V8” narrative may create additional collectability.
The Verdict: Different Ferraris for Different Dreams
Choosing between the Ferrari Roma and F8 Tributo requires honest assessment of priorities, driving patterns, and intended usage. These Ferraris serve fundamentally different purposes despite sharing V8 DNA. The Roma represents the choice for enthusiasts prioritizing grand touring elegance, daily usability, rear seat accommodation, refined ride quality, and timeless design. The accessible $243,360 starting price delivers authentic Ferrari experience without the compromises inherent in mid-engine architecture.
The F8 Tributo appeals to driving purists prioritizing ultimate performance, mid-engine exotic character, track capability, motorsport engineering, and the most powerful non-special series V8 Ferrari ever created. The premium pricing reflects the extreme engineering, discontinued production status, and “last pure V8” significance in Ferrari’s electrified future.
Neither Ferrari is objectively superior—they excel at serving different enthusiast dreams. If your vision includes elegant touring, accommodating occasional passengers, daily driving capability, and sophisticated restraint, the Roma delivers everything required. If you dream of mid-engine exotic performance, track day dominance, motorsport heritage, and uncompromising dynamic excellence, the F8 Tributo justifies every dollar.
Conclusion
The Ferrari Roma and F8 Tributo demonstrate how a single manufacturer can serve diverse enthusiast segments while maintaining brand identity and performance excellence. The Roma brings timeless elegance, grand touring sophistication, daily usability, and accessible pricing that welcomes new Ferrari owners. The F8 Tributo delivers extreme performance, mid-engine exotic character, track-focused capability, and motorsport engineering that satisfies hardcore enthusiasts.
Both Ferraris prove that the Prancing Horse understands its diverse customer base, creating products that balance Italian passion with sophisticated engineering to serve specific dreams effectively. Whether you choose the elegant refinement of the Roma or the extreme performance of the F8 Tributo, you’ll own a Ferrari that represents the pinnacle of automotive achievement and delivers the intoxicating experience that only Maranello can provide.
