Which Italian Sports Car Brand Is Best? Ferrari Leads, but It Depends on What You Value

Ferrari is widely regarded as the best all-around Italian sports car brand, thanks to unmatched motorsport pedigree, cutting-edge road cars, strong residual values, and a broad dealer network; however, “best” ultimately depends on what you prize—Lamborghini’s theater and drama, Pagani’s artisanal craftsmanship, Maserati’s grand-touring comfort, Alfa Romeo’s attainable driver engagement, Abarth’s affordable fun, and Dallara’s track-born purity all stake compelling claims.

How to define “best” in Italian performance

Evaluating the “best” Italian sports car brand requires clear criteria. The following factors are commonly used by enthusiasts, collectors, and industry analysts to weigh the strengths of each marque.

• Performance and engineering: powertrains, chassis sophistication, braking, and real-world driveability.
• Motorsport pedigree: sustained success and current relevance in top-tier racing (F1, Le Mans/WEC, GT).
• Design and craftsmanship: aesthetics, materials, finish, and brand identity.
• Innovation and technology: hybridization, aerodynamics, electronics, and software integration.
• Driving experience: engagement, feedback, and character across road and track.
• Reliability and ownership costs: maintenance, warranty support, and parts availability.
• Resale value and collectability: depreciation curves, limited-series desirability.
• Exclusivity versus usability: how well a car balances rarity with everyday use.
• Dealer/service network: accessibility and quality of aftersales care worldwide.

Taken together, these criteria build a balanced picture: the “best” brand excels not only at headline numbers but also at sustained innovation, ownership experience, and cultural impact.

Verdict: Ferrari as the all-round benchmark

Ferrari consistently tops the composite ranking. Its current lineup blends innovation with heritage—hybridized flagships and purist V12s—while its racing program remains a living asset, not just a museum piece. Ferrari returned to top-tier endurance racing and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall in both 2023 and 2024 with the 499P, reinforcing the brand’s engineering credibility. On the road, models such as the 296 GTB/GTS (plug-in hybrid V6) and SF90 Stradale/Spider (plug-in hybrid V8) showcase leading-edge performance, while the 12Cilindri continues the naturally aspirated V12 lineage. Strong residuals, an extensive dealer network, and robust track programs (Corse Clienti) round out the case. The trade-offs: high acquisition costs, allocations that favor established clients, and ever-fiercer electronics that some purists feel mediate the experience.

Notable Ferrari models and programs right now

Ferrari’s current and recent offerings underline why the brand is considered the default answer for “best,” spanning hybrid tech, V12 heritage, and active factory racing.

• 296 GTB/GTS: compact, electrified V6 supercar delivering around 830 hp combined, lauded for balance and feel.
• SF90 Stradale/Spider and XX versions: near-1,000-hp hybrids that set performance benchmarks and lap-time records for series-production Ferraris.
• 12Cilindri (coupe and Spider): the latest naturally aspirated V12 grand tourer, emphasizing character and long-distance speed.
• Roma/Spider: elegant daily-usable GTs that broaden the brand’s appeal.
• 499P (WEC Hypercar): factory prototype that secured back-to-back overall Le Mans victories in 2023 and 2024, bolstering tech transfer and prestige.

Together, these programs demonstrate Ferrari’s breadth: from visceral V12 emotion to cutting-edge hybrid performance and genuine top-tier racing success feeding back into road cars.

The alternatives: best by strength

If your priorities differ—design flamboyance, bespoke craftsmanship, value, or track minimalism—other Italian brands may better match your tastes. Here’s how the field stacks up by signature strengths.

• Lamborghini: unmatched visual drama and visceral theatrics, with the V12 plug-in hybrid Revuelto now anchoring the range. The Huracán successor, the plug-in hybrid V8 “Temerario,” is arriving in the 2024–2025 window, signaling Sant’Agata’s high-performance hybrid era. Strong brand aura and improving tech; allocations and price remain hurdles.
• Pagani: ultra-low-volume masterpieces like the Utopia, defined by hand-finished carbon-titanium structures, jewel-like cabins, and obsessive detail. Performance is immense, but the draw is artistry and exclusivity rather than lap-time arms races.
• Maserati: grand-touring ethos with credible performance. The MC20 (twin-turbo V6 “Nettuno”) reasserts Modena’s intent, while the GranTurismo—including the Folgore EV—focuses on elegance and comfort. Historically mixed reliability and depreciation are improving but still part of the calculus.
• Alfa Romeo: driver-focused charisma at accessible prices. The Giulia Quadrifoglio remains a benchmark sports sedan, and the ultra-limited 33 Stradale revival (V6 or EV) underscores design heritage. Less outright performance than exotics, but high engagement-per-dollar.
• Abarth: punchy hot-hatch energy (including the 500e) with city-friendly size and budget-conscious fun. Not a supercar brand, yet a legitimate Italian performance gateway.
• Dallara: for purists. The Stradale is a featherweight track tool with race-car feel, minimal frills, and astonishing dynamics. Practicality is low; driver reward is sky-high.

None of these dethrone Ferrari across all metrics, but each is “best” at a distinct flavor of Italian performance—from Lamborghini’s extroversion to Pagani’s couture craftsmanship and Dallara’s track obsession.

Ownership realities to consider

Beyond dream-garage debates, real-world ownership can tilt the equation. Prospective buyers should weigh the following practical factors before choosing a marque.

• Dealer and service support: Ferrari and Lamborghini offer the widest and most mature global networks; boutique brands rely on fewer hubs and factory relationships.
• Allocation and wait times: limited-production models across brands often require established relationships; mainstream models still face long lists.
• Running costs and warranties: hybrid systems add complexity; maintenance packages and extended warranties vary widely by brand and region.
• Electrification trajectory: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Alfa are rolling out hybrids and EVs to meet regulation—impacting character, future values, and daily use.
• Track support: factory programs (Ferrari Corse Clienti, Lamborghini Squadra Corse, Maserati Corse) enhance owner experience but add cost.
• Resale and collectability: Ferrari’s limited-series cars typically lead; Lamborghini special editions and Pagani builds also command strong long-term interest.

Factoring service access, cost of ownership, and long-term value often reinforces Ferrari’s edge for all-round buyers while spotlighting why boutique brands best suit highly specialized tastes.

Bottom line

If you need one name, Ferrari remains the most convincing answer to “the best Italian sports car brand” in 2025—combining contemporary racing credibility, world-class road cars, strong support, and value retention. If your priorities are theatrical design and extroverted character, choose Lamborghini; for handcrafted exclusivity, Pagani; for GT comfort with pace, Maserati; for accessible driver focus, Alfa Romeo or Abarth; and for track-day purity, Dallara.

Summary

Ferrari stands as the overall benchmark thanks to current top-tier racing success, leading hybrid/V12 products, and robust ownership support. Lamborghini, Pagani, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, and Dallara each excel in specific niches—from drama and craftsmanship to GT comfort, affordability, and track focus. The “best” brand is ultimately the one that aligns with your personal balance of performance, character, usability, and ownership realities.

What supercar brands are Italian?

Iconic Italian Sports Car Brands and Their Evolution
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo, among others, have each carved out their unique identities and followings.

What is the most famous Italian sports car?

Ferrari

• Ferrari was founded by Enzo Ferrari, Maranello, Italy, in the year 1939.
• Ferraris are emblematic of speed and luxury—people notice you on the road.
• There is no Ferrari that can properly be called entry-level.
• The current sweetheart is the SF90 Stradale.

What is Italy’s top car brand?

Italy’s automotive industry is dominated by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which is the parent company of several popular brands, including Fiat, Lancia, Ferrari(today, Ferrari operates independently of FCA), Maserati, and Alfa Romeo.

Which Italian car brand is most luxurious?

• ALFA ROMEO. Alfa Romeo is a top Italian luxury car brand that is well-known in the industry.
• MASERATI. A Maserati is everything that represents Italian luxury car brands.
• FERRARI.
• FIAT.
• LAMBORGHINI.
• MAZZANTI.
• LANCIA.
• PAGANI.