Ferrari Roma Review: Beyond the Beauty - Flaws & Emotion
The Ferrari Roma Dilemma: Beauty vs Substance
Picture this: You're handed keys to a $300,000 Ferrari with show-stopping looks. But does the Roma deliver substance beneath its sculpted body? After analyzing Throttle House’s extensive test drive, we confront the central question: Can an automotive masterpiece succeed on aesthetics alone when plagued by glaring flaws? The hosts’ visceral experience reveals that while the Roma channels Ferrari’s GT heritage, its controversial infotainment and unpredictable behavior challenge ownership bliss. We’ll dissect whether these issues break the dream—or if Italian charm compensates.
Core Engineering & Performance Truths
Beneath that achingly beautiful hood lies a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 producing 612 horsepower. Ferrari engineers focused on mimicking natural aspiration, with power peaking past 7,000 RPM—creating what Throttle House calls "addictive" redline chasing. Lightweight construction (under 3,500 lbs) enables startling agility for a grand tourer. However, the dual-clutch transmission exhibits concerning quirks: unexpected rollback at stoplights, compulsive upshifting, and inconsistent low-speed behavior. Unlike rivals like the LC500 or Maserati GranTurismo, the Roma’s exhaust note disappoints—boomy at low revs rather than sonorous.
Driving Dynamics & Playfulness
Where the Roma redeems itself is handling. The rear-wheel-drive chassis encourages playful tail-happiness, while quick steering makes it feel smaller than its dimensions. Ride refinement shines on highways, living up to the GT designation. Yet Throttle House notes the suspension’s split personality: composed during cruising but caught off-guard in parking lots or tight corners. This duality embodies the Roma’s identity crisis—is it a relaxed continent-cruiser or a backroad predator?
Infotainment & Interface Failures
Ferrari’s new touch-sensitive interface drew scathing criticism. Every button is capacitive with zero tactile feedback, causing accidental activations (like bumping voice control while signaling). Critical flaws include:
- 2-second input lag on all controls
- Apple CarPlay dominating the entire screen, hiding vital driving data
- A "dangerously slow" touchpad for navigation
- The $5,000 CarPlay option—a feature standard on economy cars
The secondary screen suffers equally, with outdated graphics and sluggish responses. Even the "H-gate" shifter homage backfires—its chrome dome reflects sunlight into the driver’s eyes. These aren’t minor nitpicks; they’re fundamental failures in a modern luxury vehicle.
Design Impact & Emotional Payoff
Objectively, the Roma’s styling is a triumph. Its proportions evoke classic 1960s Ferraris while looking utterly contemporary. Throttle House called it "jaw-droppingly perfect," despite controversies like horizontal headlights (breaking from Ferrari’s vertical tradition) and body-colored grilles. The configurator amplifies this allure, offering Gran Turismo-like customization joy. This visual magnetism creates tangible emotional value. Host James May noted feeling "that glorious summer evening" sensation simply sitting inside—a stark contrast to the clinically competent Porsche 911 Turbo S. That intangible allure explains why many would choose the flawed Roma over objectively superior rivals.
Practical Ownership Considerations
Cost-Benefit Reality Check
At $300k, the Roma’s flaws sting harder. The $5,000 CarPlay charge exemplifies Ferrari’s aggressive optional pricing. Key considerations:
- Avoid the CarPlay option: Save $5k and use Ferrari’s (subpar) native nav
- Prioritize brighter paint colors: Blu Roma looks muted, not vibrant
- Expect steep maintenance costs beyond the purchase price
Ferrari Roma vs Key Rivals
| Model | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrari Roma | Breathtaking design, playful handling | Buggy tech, droney exhaust |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | Precision engineering, daily usability | Less emotional connection |
| Lexus LC500 | Theaterial V8 sound, reliable tech | Heavier, slower responses |
| Maserati GranTurismo | Superior exhaust note, comfort | Dated platform, lesser brand cachet |
The Verdict: Heart Over Head?
The Roma isn’t the most polished or rational choice. Its tech frustrations are inexcusable at this price, and the transmission’s quirks undermine confidence. Yet, Ferrari’s magic lies in making logic irrelevant. Throttle House’s conclusion resonates: The Roma thrives as an object of desire rather than a perfect machine. It embodies Italian passion—flawed yet unforgettable. For those seeking pure driving emotion and head-turning presence, the Roma delivers. Perfectionists should look elsewhere.
Key decision checklist:
- Test the infotainment extensively—can you tolerate the lag?
- Drive in stop-and-go traffic to assess transmission behavior
- Configure in vibrant colors (Rosso Corsa, Giallo Modena)
- Skip CarPlay; use phone navigation instead
- Budget for annual maintenance ($10k+)
Does the Roma’s beauty outweigh its flaws? Share your deal-breakers below.
