When it comes to high-performance Italian superbikes, two well-known names are MV Agusta and Ducati. Both are blisteringly fast. But they take very different approaches to delivering their thrill.
Here’s a closer look:
Engine & Power Delivery
Spec | MV Agusta Superveloce | Ducati Panigale V4 |
---|---|---|
Engine Type | 998cc inline-four | 1103cc V4 |
Horsepower | ~208 hp @ 13,000 rpm | ~215 hp @ 13,000 rpm |
Torque | 86 lb-ft @ 11,000 rpm | 91 lb-ft @ 10,000 rpm |
Character | High-revving, smooth powerband | Brutal torque down low and mid-range |
- The Superveloce shines at high RPMs—it loves to be revved, feeling surgical and composed.
- The Panigale V4, meanwhile, hits harder in the mid-range and feels more “explosive” in its power delivery.
Electronics & Tech
Both bikes are absolutely loaded:
- Superveloce offers an 8-level traction control, wheelie control, launch control, cornering ABS, and a 5.5” TFT dash with mobile connectivity.
- Panigale V4 brings similar tools but with slightly more advanced traction/wheelie tuning, and an extra edge in race-developed refinements thanks to Ducati’s MotoGP trickle-down tech.
Verdict: Ducati is a step ahead for serious track junkies, but MV still holds its own with style and simplicity.
Handling & Ride Feel
- Superveloce feels lighter on its feet with a more agile front-end and slightly more forgiving ergonomics.
- Ducati V4 is razor-sharp—fantastic on track, but slightly more aggressive in posture and setup, which can be tiring on longer rides.
In short, MV is the better weekend road warrior, while the Ducati is built for lap times.
Styling & Emotion
- MV‘s Superveloce is like a piece of Italian sculpture. From its carbon bodywork to the iconic triple-pipe exhaust, it oozes exclusivity and elegance.
- Ducati’s V4 looks sharp, mechanical, and aggressive. It’s functional beauty built for a purpose.
If you care about turning heads at a café, MV wins. If you’re looking for race-ready aggression, Ducati owns it.
Price & Ownership
- Superveloce is likely rarer, more boutique, and possibly more expensive in terms of availability and parts.
- Panigale V4 has better dealer support globally and is (relatively) easier to live with if you plan to ride often.
Final Take
- Buy the Superveloce if you want an exotic, gorgeous machine that’s thrilling to ride and guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any collection.
- Buy the Panigale V4 if you want the fastest, most hardcore production superbike with championship DNA and precision performance.
Either way, you’re not just buying a bike—you’re buying emotion, history, and speed.
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