A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.8
Comfort & Interior
4.1
Running Costs
2.4
Practicality
3.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
What if Ferrari could create a convertible that delivers genuine supercar thrills without sacrificing everyday usability? The ferrari portofino answers this question convincingly, combining the Italian marque’s legendary performance heritage with surprising practicality for a high-end convertible.
At its heart lies a twin-turbocharged V8 producing explosive acceleration whilst remaining refined enough for comfortable cruising. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers seamless shifts, whether you’re navigating city traffic or exploring country roads. More importantly, the sophisticated suspension setup manages to provide both engaging handling dynamics and genuine comfort over longer distances.
Where the Portofino truly excels is its real-world versatility. The retractable hardtop transforms the driving experience in seconds, whilst the generous boot space actually accommodates proper luggage for touring holidays. The 2+2 seating layout adds flexibility that many rivals simply cannot match, making this Ferrari genuinely suitable for various driving scenarios.
Despite the premium running costs associated with Ferrari ownership, the Portofino justifies its position through exceptional build quality and strong residual values. For those seeking the ultimate blend of Italian performance pedigree and practical grand touring capability, few alternatives offer such a compelling combination. It’s a Ferrari that works brilliantly as both weekend toy and serious long-distance companion.
How Does the Ferrari Portofino Drive?
The Portofino’s twin-turbocharged V8 delivers exceptional performance across the rev range. Peak power arrives at 7,500rpm, whilst maximum torque is available from just 3,000rpm, ensuring strong acceleration from low speeds. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts with lightning precision, whether in comfort or sport modes.
Ferrari’s advanced traction control and electronic stability systems work seamlessly to manage the considerable power output. The adaptive suspension adjusts to road conditions and driving style, maintaining composure during spirited driving whilst providing comfort during cruising. This convertible grand tourer delivers remarkable balance between performance and refinement.
Top speed reaches 199mph with the roof up, dropping slightly to 196mph with it down. The sophisticated aerodynamics ensure stability at high speeds, whilst active dampers maintain ride quality. Braking performance is exceptional, with carbon ceramic discs providing fade-free stopping power.
The steering offers precise feedback and excellent weight distribution enhances cornering ability. Multiple driving modes allow customisation of throttle response, suspension settings, and transmission behaviour to suit different conditions.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
3.9L V8 twin-turbocharged
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Power Output
591 bhp
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0-60 mph
3.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
23 mpg
- Boot Space
- 292 litres
- Safety Rating
- Retractable hardtop, Premium leather interior, Advanced infotainment
Ferrari Portofino Interior, Tech & Comfort Review
The Portofino’s cabin strikes an impressive balance between luxury and sportiness. Front seats provide excellent support during spirited driving whilst remaining comfortable for longer journeys. High-quality materials create an upmarket ambience throughout.
Rear seats suit children or occasional adult passengers for shorter trips. Boot space totals 292 litres with the roof up, reducing to 240 litres when down. This generous capacity surpasses many rivals and enables proper touring capability.
Wind buffeting remains minimal with the roof down thanks to effective aerodynamics and optional wind deflectors. Road and wind noise levels stay reasonable even at motorway speeds. The climate control system works efficiently in both roof configurations.
Interior space feels generous for a sports car, with adequate headroom and legroom for taller drivers. Storage compartments provide space for personal items, though overall storage remains limited compared to conventional cars. Finding the right financing makes this luxury accessible to more buyers.
The portofino excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ferrari Portofino?
Ferrari ownership involves significant ongoing expenses beyond the initial purchase price. Fuel consumption averages around 23mpg in mixed driving, though this drops considerably during enthusiastic use. Premium unleaded fuel is mandatory, adding to daily running costs.
Servicing requires specialist Ferrari technicians and genuine parts, making maintenance expensive. Annual services typically cost £1,500-£2,500 depending on requirements. Major services involving cambelt replacement can exceed £3,000. Extended warranties provide peace of mind for older vehicles.
Insurance premiums reflect the car’s high value and performance capabilities. Young drivers face particularly high costs, whilst experienced drivers may find competitive rates. Comprehensive coverage is essential given repair costs for exotic components.
Depreciation varies significantly based on mileage, condition, and service history. Well-maintained examples with full Ferrari service records retain value better than neglected vehicles. Limited production numbers help support residual values compared to mass-market alternatives.
Road tax currently costs £570 annually due to the high list price when new. This remains constant regardless of usage patterns, adding to fixed ownership costs.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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ferrari portofino
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Aston Martin DB11 Volante
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McLaren 570S Spider
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £166,000 | from £159,000 | from £164,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 591hp | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 528hp | 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8 562hp |
| Power | 591 bhp | 528 bhp | 562 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 seconds | 4.1 seconds | 3.2 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 23 mpg | 25 mpg | 26 mpg |
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Practicality
|
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| Boot Space | 292 litres | 270 litres | 144 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Twin-turbo V8 engine, Retractable hardtop, 2+2 seating, Touring capability | British luxury, Elegant styling, Grand touring comfort | Carbon fiber construction, Track-focused dynamics, Lightweight design |
Ferrari Portofino Practicality & Boot Space
For a high-performance convertible, the Portofino offers surprising practicality. The 292-litre boot accommodates weekend luggage for two people, whilst the 2+2 seating layout provides emergency passenger space. The retractable hardtop operates quickly and quietly.
Door openings are wide enough for comfortable entry and exit, though ground clearance requires care over speed bumps. Parking sensors and camera assist with urban manoeuvring, important given the car’s width and limited rear visibility.
Daily usability exceeds expectations, with comfortable driving positions and adequate storage for essentials. The suspension copes well with typical British road surfaces, though very poor roads reveal the firm setup. Used Ferrari cars offer more affordable entry into this exclusive world.
Fuel tank capacity of 80 litres provides reasonable range between fills, though consumption during enthusiastic driving limits touring distances. The infotainment system includes comprehensive navigation and connectivity features for longer journeys.
recently purchased a 2019 Portofino and shares her experience: “I wanted something special for weekend drives and the occasional European tour. The Portofino delivers everything I hoped for and more. The performance is absolutely thrilling when you want it, but it’s perfectly civilised for daily use. The sound of that V8 never gets old, and the build quality is superb. Running costs are high as expected, but the smiles per mile make it worthwhile. Boot space easily handles our luggage for week-long trips, and the roof operation is seamless. It’s been completely reliable over 8,000 miles of varied use.”
The Ferrari Portofino stands out as an exceptional grand touring convertible that doesn’t compromise on performance or luxury. Its powerful twin-turbo V8 engine delivers thrilling acceleration whilst maintaining everyday usability that surpasses many rivals.
The sophisticated retractable roof system, generous boot space, and comfortable interior make it genuinely practical for touring duties. Premium materials and meticulous build quality justify the significant investment, whilst strong residual values help offset running costs.
For buyers seeking the ultimate combination of Ferrari performance heritage and real-world practicality, the Portofino represents an outstanding choice. Its blend of supercar thrills and grand touring capability creates a uniquely compelling package in the luxury convertible segment.