Since we deal in the world of Italian exotic cars, we get asked a lot of questions. Often times our fans will get very technical, going as deep as engine tuning or construction methods. But other times we are stumped by a seemingly easy question.
This week we had to do some homework to answer “What is the fastest Ferrari”. The short answer is “all of them” but fast can be defined in a few ways. The most commonly used acceleration measurement is 0-60. To be able to reach highway speed under 5 seconds used to be incredible, but now Maranello makes 3 seconds times look easy.
Although mainly used to compare cars in the US, the quarter-mile times are a great way to understand a car’s abilities. Some of the fastest Ferrari cars are geared for high-speed cruising, so they really start moving on the top end of the racetrack.
Finally, the top speed of each car is used for bragging rights, but how do they compare to each other? Here are the most popular street-legal Ferraris on our site, so let us know which one you would drive in the comments below:
F430 Scuderia Spider 16M
As the ultimate example of the fastest F430, the 2009 F430 Scuderia Spider 16M was built as a celebration of 16 World Constructor’s Victories in Formula1. Essentially a convertible version of the F430 Scuderia, all civilities were removed to make the ultimate drop-top rocket ship. The interior is made of billet aluminum and carbon fiber, and mufflers are nowhere to be found. The 4.3 liter V8 is rated at 503 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. Only 499 examples were built, so collectors demand a premium when they change hands.
- 0-60: 3.6 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 11.8 @ 122 mph
- Top Speed: 196 mph
F12berlinetta
If you need twelve screaming cylinders of hand built perfection, the F12berlinetta will solve most of life’s problems. It offers 731 horsepower and 508 lb-ft of torque from a 6.3 liter V12. It is coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch automatic with ratios tailored exactly to the engine’s power band. It is the last Ferrari to have a body by Pininfarina, so it is the end of an era for some enthusiasts. The chassis was a clean-sheet design of several layers of steel and aluminum. Unencumbered by weaknesses of prior models, it is the most confident and comfortable Ferrari to date.
- 0-60: 3.6 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 11.3 @ 131 mph
- Top Speed: 211 mph
458 Speciale
Can a high-performance car also be good for the environment? The 458 Speciale has one of the cleanest-burning V8 engines offered in recent years. That’s because it has a wild compression ratio of 14:1. By squeezing every ounce of performance from pump gas, the 4.5 liter v8 makes 597 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. It was the final evolution of an Alcoa chassis that debuted under the 360 Modena. The engine will be the last naturally aspirated V8 for the time being, as turbos seem to be appearing everywhere.
- 0-60: 3.0 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 10.7 @ 108 mph
- Top Speed: 199 mph
Enzo
As a fitting tribute to their legendary founder, the Ferrari Enzo is an F1 car with a street legal body. It used a 6.3 liter V12 and a six-speed single clutch automatic to propel a carbon fiber body. It has been the best automotive investment in the modern era, considering the base price of $652,000. Recent examples have sold for over $1.5 Million. As the meanest horse in the stable, it is the benchmark for all competitors.
- 0-60: 3.1 seconds
- 1/4 Mile:11.0 @ 133
- Top Speed: 211
F40
Meeting your idol in person can sometimes be disappointing, but the F40 is everything you think it is, and more! The wild twin turbo V8 supercar was the last project overseen by the founder before he passed away. The last Ferrari halo car to have a manual transmission, it laid waste to nearly every other production car of the era. Before computers could accurately control wheelspin or turbo boost, the F40 was notorious for scaring the world’s best drivers. Stacking twin turbos into a lightweight body makes this world’s fastest Ferrari in its day.
View the Complete Ferrari F40 Specs
- 0-60: 4.2 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 11.8 @ 124
- Top Speed: 199 mph
599 GTO
As the fastest version of the 599 GTB, the Gran Turismo Omologato was a street-legal version of the 599XX race car. It was a limited production two-seater capable of lapping the Fiorano test track one second faster than the Enzo. Only 599 cars were built, and each one made 661 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
- 0-60: 3.1 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 11.0
- Top Speed: over 208 mph
California T
While it was not built for breaking records, the Cali finally received a proper engine in 2015. A 3.9-liter twin turbo V8 replaced the 4.3 liter V8 that it launched within 2008. The convertible hardtop disappears into the trunk to reveal an elegant roadster.
View the Complete Ferrari California Specs
- 0-60: 3.3 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 11.3 @ 128
- Top Speed: 196 mph
612 Scaglietti
A four-seat Ferrari with a gorgeous body, the 612 is the ultimate road trip machine. It has a 5.7 liter V12 making 532 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. The longer wheelbase makes for a comfortable ride and the trunk has ample room for your junk along with a full-size spare.
- 0-60: 4.6 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 12.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 199 mph
488 GTB
The state of the art in Scuderia Shields is among a handful of street legal 10-second cars. It uses a 3.9 liter twin-turbo V8 much like the California T, but mounted behind the cockpit. Turbos are great for torque, so it offers 561 lb-ft, whereas the F12berlinetta made due with 509 lb-ft. If you aren’t excited by 660 horsepower, speak with your doctor about changing your meds.
View the Complete Ferrari 488 GTB Specs
- 0-60: 3.0 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 10.3 @ 137
- Top Speed: 205 mph
LaFerrari
When you combine years of racing dominance and the latest in hybrid technology, you have an object of desire. Batteries and two motor/generators are bolted to a 6.3 liter V12. Currently the world’s fastest Ferrari model. But, we’re sure that will change.
View the Complete Ferrari LaFerrari Specs
- 0-60: 2.4 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 9.7 @149
- Top Speed: 217 mph
F50
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- 0-60: 3.7seconds
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- 1/4 Mile: 11.9 @ 122
- Top Speed: 202 mph
