FERRARI 308 GT4 vs FERRARI ROMA (1979) (2021)
Four-seat V8s aren’t Ferrari’s usual fare, so it seems apt to put the first up against the latest
WHAT BRINGS THESE TWO TOGETHER?
They share more in common than their cylinder or seat count, both being Ferraris whose designs ruffled feathers on arrival. The Roma has stirred up debate with its passing resemblance to the Aston Martins it spars with in the GT market. But the 308 GT4 arrived to similarly miffed reactions, the first Bertone-designed production Ferrari apparently looking far too much like other pop-up head-lamped wedges from the Italian styling house.
SEEMS TO HAVE AGED WELL, THOUGH
Doesn’t it just? We bought one way back in 1997 with the cover line “We buy a Ferrari for Mondeo money”. A lot has changed since our publisher parted with 17 grand 310 issues ago, but at around £50k, the GT4 is still at the relatively attainable end of Ferrari prices.
ARE THEY BOTH FAMILY FRIENDLY?
The older car is actually roomier, despite its 2.9-litre V8 being in the middle and the Roma’s 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 sitting up front. Turn a blind eye to minor details like safety or cabin temperature and the 308 will swallow rear passengers with the most ease. Their legs will be wrapped elaborately around the seat in front, but headroom is plentiful. Step forward four decades and you’ll find scant head or leg space in the Roma’s rear and even modern child seats will be a squeeze. It feels more like a 2+bags than a 2+2.
ENOUGH PRACTICALITY. DRIVE THEM!
Supremely offset pedals mean there’ll also be contorted legs up front in the 308 GT4, but angle someone this much towards the centre of the windscreen and they end up with a truly unbeatable view down the road. Its 227bhp peak is a mere sliver of the Roma’s 612bhp though given the GT4’s open-gate, dog-leg 5spd manual and shamelessly heavy steering, I doubt you’ll have the brain space to care. The whole car is constantly alert and up on its toes.
HOW DOES THE ROMA COMPARE?
It seems Ferrari can’t help but make a sports car, even when it’s ostensibly doing a GT. Because the Roma channels similar energy, a car more hyperactive than its smooth lines might lead you to believe. It purports to be classier but will still shake its hips with minimal encouragement. And my word, is it fast...
HOW WILL HISTORY REMEMBER IT?
The 308 GT4 still has chinks in its armour when it comes to image; the simple fact it was a Dino rather than a Ferrari at launch somewhat blunts its edge in the company’s long and illustrious history. But a day inside this one confirms that even less desirable Ferraris are still Ferraris – pretty spellbinding simply to behold, never mind operate. The fact the Roma is so frenzied out of the box suggests any styling cavils will be swiftly forgotten.