Ferrari has always specialized in one thing and one thing only: supercars. Ever since its first vehicle emerged from Maranello back in 1947, the Italian carmaker has kept the pedal to the floor, overseeing the constant release of highly capable performance cars with hefty price tags and unique designs.
Even though Ferrari has never stooped to the production of regular city cars or SUVs, it has still been making a notable effort to diversify its lineup in recent times, looking to provide different experiences with each of its extravagant vehicles. The Ferrari Roma is one of the brand’s newest entries, and unlike most of its models - which are mostly track-focused and not ideally daily drivable, the Roma actually presents itself as a Grand Tourer, offering unprecedented comfort and practicality for a car with the prancing horse logo.
The Roma, which was released for the first time in 2021, comes in the form of a 2-door coupe with a front-mounted engine - albeit mounted quite towards the middle for increased balance. It places itself among the rest of the Italian lineup alongside the Portofino as one of Ferrari’s entry-level models, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a purebred Rari. Here’s why the Roma is so special.
The Ferrari Roma Has A Diverse And Highly Capable Performance
The Ferrari Roma is powered by a turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 that makes 612 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed lightning-fast dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends all the power to the rear axle and is one of the newest systems Ferrari has to offer. These top-notch components allow the Roma to blast from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 199 mph.
Handling in the Roma lives up to the usual Ferrari standard, which means that it's incredibly precise even though it's intentionally lighter than some of its track-focused brothers. Ferrari’s immaculate chassis tuning allows the Roma to take on corners at high speeds effortlessly as the vehicle remains comfortably planted, making it fit for any track or the windiest of back roads. However, in true GT fashion, the Ferrari Roma also displays immense poise and tranquility in its most comfortable setting, allowing for an enjoyable drive that can easily go on for hours upon hours.
The Roma Is The Most Practical Ferrari On Sale
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Roma can handle itself on a track, but on a more unexpected note, the entry-level model also provides an array of practical features that make it the perfect Ferrari for everyday use. Despite being a 2-door coupe, the Roma actually has a pair of rear seats, yet we’d be lying if we told you that an adult could realistically fit back there. If the front seats are properly adjusted, children might be able to spend long rides in the back with reasonable comfort, but even that might be a long shot for most families.
The Roma’s practicality clearly isn’t boosted by the nearly useless rear seats, so what makes it such a good daily driver? Storage space is part of the answer, as the Ferrari Roma offers 10 cubic feet of trunk space as well as a few extra storage compartments, making it suitable for weekend getaways or grocery trips. Furthermore, it's one of the most fuel-efficient Ferrari’s even though it doesn’t have hybrid tech. The combined EPA rating comes in at 19 mpg, as it returns 17 in the city and 22 on the highway.
The Ferrari Roma’s Interior Is Spacious And Cozy
Despite the nearly useless back seats, the overall layout of the Ferrari Roma is quite spacious and enjoyable. The front seats are absorbing and grippy at the same time, while materials are plush and high-quality in the form of faux suede and leather. There’s a portrait-mounted 8.4-inch touchscreen in the center console and a 16-inch digital driver’s display that’s fully configurable. Buttons are scarce in the cabin, which won’t come as good news to many traditional enthusiasts, but getting used to the setup isn’t as complicated as it might seem at first.
Overall, the Ferrari Roma ticks many of the necessary boxes to fit into the GT bill that’s expected of it. It offers plenty of performance that can be configured to suit several driving needs, along with a comfortable cabin that leaves room for a decent amount of cargo. As Ferrari’s entry-level model, it definitely seems like a good buy, yet future depreciation remains to be seen, and many GT competitors might be better.