Compare the2023 Ferrari PortofinoVS 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn

The Portofino offers optional crash mitigation brakes, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Dawn has a collision warning system without the crash-mitigating brake feature that could reduce stopping distances.

The Portofino’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The Dawn doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Portofino’s optional rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Dawn doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Portofino and the Dawn have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, available lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

Ferrari pays for scheduled maintenance on the Portofino for 3 years longer than Rolls-Royce pays for maintenance for the Dawn (7/unlimited vs. 4/unlimited).

The Portofino’s 3.9 turbo V8 produces 49 more horsepower (612 vs. 563) than the Dawn’s standard 6.6 turbo V12. The Portofino’s 3.9 turbo V8 produces 19 more horsepower (612 vs. 593) than the Dawn Black Label’s standard 6.6 turbo V12.

On the EPA test cycle the Portofino M gets better fuel mileage than the Dawn 6.6 turbo V12 (16 city/23 hwy vs. 12 city/18 hwy).

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Portofino’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Dawn doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Portofino has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Dawn doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ferrari Portofino higher (6 out of 10) than the Rolls-Royce Dawn (3). This means the Portofino produces up to 23.4 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Dawn every 15,000 miles.

The Portofino offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Dawn doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The Portofino’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Dawn doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Portofino’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Dawn:

The Portofino has standard heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Dawn doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The Portofino’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Dawn’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires. The Portofino’s tires are lower profile than the Dawn’s optional 40 series front tires.

The Ferrari Portofino may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1550 pounds less than the Rolls-Royce Dawn.

The Portofino is 2 feet, 3.2 inches shorter than the Dawn, making the Portofino easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Portofino is 7.2 inches shorter in height than the Dawn, making the Portofino much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

For excellent aerodynamics, the Portofino has standard flush composite headlights. The Dawn has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Portofino’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Dawn doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The Portofino’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Dawn doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

The Portofino’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Dawn’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.