Ferrari 812 Competizione vs. Ferrari 812 Superfast

Engines

Top Gear calls the 812 Competizione “a sort of alternate-reality Superfast where everything has been turned up to 11,” and the engine specs speak to that. While it’s true that both models come equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.5L V12 engine that channels its power through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Competizione offers more horsepower at a higher rev limit than the Superfast: 819 hp @ 9,500 rpm vs. 800 hp @ 8,500 rpm. While it’s true that the 812 Superfast offers slightly more torque than the 812 Competizione (529 lb-ft vs 510 lb-ft), the Competizione more than makes up for it with some impressive modifications to its design, including a coating of diamond-like carbon to the engine’s camshafts.

As any fan of the Prancing Horse knows, a car’s performance is about much more than the engine, and the Ferrari 812 Competizione has several enhancements over the 812 Superfast, including:

• Enhanced Side Slip Control System: The 812 Competizione features the latest, seventh-generation iteration of Ferrari’s beloved SSC system. This traction and stability control system provides vastly improved handling responsiveness by optimizing torque distribution on the fly.
• Decreased Weight: Ferrari has trimmed the fat off of the 812 Superfast — not that there was much to trim. All together, the Competizione is over 300 pounds lighter than the Superfast.
• Improved Exhaust System: A new particulate filter and square-shaped tips increase the efficiency of the Competizione’s exhaust system.
• More Downforce: The 812 Competizione’s aerodynamic enhancements — including vortex generators and an aluminum rear windshield replacement — help it produce 176 pounds of additional downforce compared to the 812 Superfast.

Production and Availability

This is the rub: there are simply fewer Competizione models out there than Superfast models. While the 812 Superfast continues to be produced as of July 2021, the Competizione is a truly limited model: only 1,598 Competizione models will be produced, with 999 being the standard 812 Competizione and 599 of the convertible Competizione Aperta.