Ducati Diavel V4 v Porsche 911 Carrera T 2024 comparison

It’s a conundrum few of us may ever be lucky enough to have: do I take the Porsche or Ducati? For some, the choice between two or four wheels is easy, but for enthusiasts that enjoy dabbling in both worlds, there’s more to the debate. Particularly when the choice is between two iconic machines in their respective categories: the Porsche 911 and Ducati’s monstrous four-cylinder Diavel V4. Both promise to get you to your destination in style (and record time). But which would you prefer to live with? 

Ali: These two might seem worlds apart but this pairing has more in common than meets the eye, right? Both brands come from the mighty Volkswagen Group stable and both are proper high-performance machines. That means they’re not cheap, but as far as the Porsche 911 line-up spans, the Carrera T tested here is actually fairly affordable, with a starting price of around $300k, but our tester is packing around $20k worth of options. I’m guessing that’s a bit more than your bike, isn’t it Dyl?

Dylan: Yep, that’s right Ali. In fact, you could buy seven Diavel V4s for the price of the Carrera T. But the Duc is not cheap by motorcycle standards. It checks in at $41k ride away, which is above the average for most bikes on the market, but still pretty consistent with other Ducati models. Like Porsche, Ducati generally commands higher prices than many of its rivals. But what actually makes prestigious brands like these two so special? Is it just the badge? Or is it what’s happening under the hood?  

Ali: $41k?! Yikes, that’s a lot of coin for a bike, but yes, I think you’re onto something. Beyond undeniable brand appeal, you really have to get behind the wheel of a 911 to see what the big deal is. The Carrera T isn’t even the most powerful 911 but its 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six is a hoot, producing 283kW of power and 450Nm of torque. Translated to speed, Porsche says it’ll take about 4 seconds to go from zero to 100km/h, which I know, compared to your Diavel might be considered slow, but my goodness can this thing handle. I’m sure your little red rocket would beat us off the line, and I don’t mean to doubt your ability, but I reckon you’d have trouble keeping up as soon as we hit some twisty stuff. 

Dylan: Where is the nearest race track? Let’s settle this. But in all seriousness, the little red rocket has a claimed 0-100 time of less than 3 seconds, so it is quicker off the line. But over the quarter mile or round a track? I’m not sure. The Ducati is powered by a V4 Grandturismo engine that puts out 124kW (or 168hp in the old money) and 126Nm. Those are minuscule figures compared to the 911, but the Ducati only weighs 236kg wet, which gives it a better power-to-weight ratio. But while the Ducati is packed with features, I’m betting the Kermit-coloured Porsche is a little more advanced when it comes to electronics and safety. 

Ali: It’s pronounced Python Green, thanks very much, and it costs $5700. Oh, and did you notice the matching Lizard Green stitching inside the cabin? That’s another $4k. But Porsche’s pricey options are nothing new, so moving on. You’re definitely right in saying the 911 has a lengthy list of standard tech. Although you can get it with a manual transmission, ours is fitted with the eight-speed PDK auto, and other standard gear includes Sport Chrono, adaptive sports suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, sports exhaust, Matrix LED headlights, and staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels. Inside, you get a premium Bose sound system, 360-degree camera, and heated seats. How does the Duc stack up?

Dylan: I still prefer Kermit Green, but at least Porsche is creative with its colourways. The Diavel V4 is available in Ducati Red and Thrilling Black. Original, I know. And Thrilling Black will add a whopping $400 onto the price tag. Not quite Python Green level though, is it? Bikes are always a few years behind cars in the tech department, but they have come a long way. The Duc comes with a 5-inch TFT, multiple riding modes, up-and-down quickshift, cornering ABS, cornering traction control, launch control, cruise control, and smartphone connectivity all as standard. And yes, I know that is still quite basic in comparison, but it's pretty comprehensive for a bike. One glaring omission from the Diavel, however, is semi-active suspension, which is a bit stiff given the price tag. And there is no radar technology on this bike like its dual-sport cousin, the Multistrada V4. But I expect more bikes will have it in the coming years. Everything filters down from the car world eventually. 

Ali: If it’s any consolation, the Carrera T doesn’t get adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist standard either, but unlike the Duc, Porsche at least lets you pay extra ($250) for them. I love the Diavel V4’s naked, stealth look. That rear tyre is PHAT and it’s a bike that’s clearly not mucking around. But Porsche design is timeless, iconic, and instantly recognisable. The ‘T’ stands for ‘touring’ and to tell it apart from the regular entry-level Carrera, it gets special dark grey exterior trim accents, grille, and mirrors, as well as black exhaust outlets…just in case you missed those big ‘Carrera T’ decals on its flanks.

Dylan: Yeah, not gonna lie, the Porsche is very attractive. I think ‘timeless’ is the perfect description. That iconic silhouette has stood the test of time. It oozes sex appeal and is the four-wheel equivalent of a Hollywood movie star. Seriously, who doesn’t love the image of a beautiful 911 winding along a European pass? The Ducati has style too, but it's presented in a very different way. It’s brawnier and angrier, like a bull ready for a fight. Did you know Diavel is Italian for Devil? When it comes to aesthetics, I see these two as a Beauty and the Beast kind of situation. But looks aside, they are both incredibly capable machines. 

Ali: There is one area we haven't covered yet though...the one major difference between this pair. Practicality. Obviously, you feel much safer wrapped in the metal casing of a car, whereas on a bike, you’re much more exposed to the elements. And I know that’s why a lot of people prefer to take the safety and comfort of a car over the thrill of a bike. What are your thoughts?

Dylan: Yes, very good point. The obvious disadvantage of a bike is that you're out in the open. You can be affected by cold, hot, or wet weather, and there is also more risk involved. There is also the downside of not being able to carry as much. I know you made full use of the Porsche's storage space to carry your groceries. You can't do that on a bike. But bikes do have their practical advantages too. You can weave through traffic much easier, resulting in much faster travel times, and they are also a lot easier to park or store. I love driving my car with the air-con on and listening to tunes, but I can't even explain how much less you stress when you're on a bike. It is like therapy. But I don't think people are buying these two vehicles for their practical benefits.

Ali: Too right and that brings me to what I love most about the Carrera T: the driving experience. I wish I was joking when I tell you a male who wishes to remain anonymous (but also identifies as my brother) was reduced to tears – and I mean full-on water works – in the passenger seat when I took him for a drive in it. I thought he was scared but when I asked if he wanted me to slow down, he said, “No, no, I love it”. He’s 30. But I can’t say I blame him, because this thing is honestly incredible. Full disclosure, this is my first 911 experience and I know some disregard the Carrera T compared to 911s higher up the tree like a GT3, but I am telling you. I am shook. The mid-range grunt this thing has, it just keeps pulling and the sound is intoxicating. The grip, the speed, the everything. You could wrangle it into just about any corner with nothing but confidence. I just wish I could try it on a race track. 

Dylan: Your poor brother will be horrified when he reads this. But I’d imagine this car would elicit a similar response in many people. It is a very emotional vehicle, if that makes sense. The Diavel is also quite emotional. In fact, it’s kind of what Ducati has built its brand on. I also love Ducati’s attention to detail. Every component is so very well thought-out, and nothing feels cheap or irrelevant. I guess it is much the same with Porsche, which is perhaps a testament to the Volkswagen Group as a whole. And I have to say, the 911 is one hell of a sports car and it's easy to see why it is so universally loved. I wish my Toyota Hilux was this fast...

Ali: It’s okay. I didn’t specify which brother. Well, it mightn’t be as quick but I bet your HiLux is more comfortable. Ok, the Porsche isn’t that bad, but the ride can be quite firm on rougher roads. A price you must pay for sports suspension. You also get a fair bit of engine and road noise inside the cabin, but more so because this model is built as a weight-saving tourer, so it’s fitted with a lightweight battery and lightweight glass, but it also has less sound-deadening materials. Thing is, I don’t think anyone would buy a sports car like this and not want to hear its flat-six motor screaming down the street, you know what I mean? 

Dylan: Wait, don't you only have one brother? But yes, I absolutely know what you mean with regards to sound. Us humans have a weird obsession with noise, and justifiably so. It makes you wonder how we’ll ever fully embrace electric. So what don’t I like about the Diavel? Well, it’s a bit in no-man's land when it comes to purpose. If you’re looking for something sporty, you’d be better off with the more powerful (and cheaper) Streetfighter V4. And if you want a cruiser…well, go buy a cruiser. I also have to say it becomes rather uncomfortable once you’ve been in the saddle for a while. And the Porsche? Personally, I’d swap the Kerm…I mean Python Green of the 911 for something a little less quirky. Does it come in red? And, of course, I’m not a huge fan of the price tag. I should buy a lotto ticket. Really though, I’m being picky. Both vehicles are absolute gems. But how the hell are we supposed to pick a winner?

Ali: It's a Porsche, Dylan! You can have the 911 in almost any color under the sun. But it doesn’t seem fair we pick a winner out of these two because they’re completely different automotive appliances and, to be honest, we’d probably get fired. But I have to say, if cost wasn’t a factor, I’d take the Porsche every day of the week. It’s so incredibly versatile, obviously gorgeous – even though I’d probably choose a more low-key hue for mine – and begs to be driven hard. It’s the kind of car that’d make an amateur look like a pro. And while I’m pretty confident behind the wheel of a fast car, I can’t say I’m as talented on a bike, yet I feel like the Ducati makes up for a rider’s lack of skill in a similar way to the Carrera T. I love how light and nimble the Diavel is, not to mention my short legs can actually reach the ground on it! These two are pretty line-ball when it comes to pure adrenaline-seeking fun, but the big green machine has me sold.

Dylan: Ok, point taken about colour. I’ll have one in Dragon Blood Red, please. If that’s not an option, then it should be. And you’re right. Picking a winner would be unfair. A drag race along the Tulla freeway would answer the question, but I’m not sure that would go well with HR. And both vehicles are superb in their own field. They are sleek, sexy, and incredibly fast, but they offer very different experiences. To be honest, I’d take the Porsche too if I had the cash. Why wouldn’t you? It’s more valuable, and it has air-con. But I reckon based on pure thrills and excitement, the Ducati wins hands-down. As a rider, there is nothing better than feeling the wind rush around you as you rocket along a twisty mountain road. Anyway, if you can fork out $300k for a 911, what’s another $41k for a Ducati? As the famous Old El Paso television commercial once mused, why don’t we have both?

Ali: Ummm, did you just hit me with boy math? SOLD!

Price: $300,700 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol
Output: 283kW/450Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 10.8L/100km (WLTP)
CO2: 246g/km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

Price: $41,100 ride away
Available: Now
Engine: 1158cc four-cylinder V4 Grandturismo
Output: 124kW/126Nm
Transmission: Six-speed with quickshift and slipper clutch
Fuel: Not tested
CO2: N/A
Safety rating: N/A

with Alexandra Lawrence and Dylan Ruddy

This article was originally published on October 11, 2023.