Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
Compare the Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari Roma. The Ferrari Roma is £46,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 296 GTB is 0.5s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari 296 GTB is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is priced from £241,000, powered by a 3.0L V6 Hybrid, producing 819 hp, with 740 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 2.9 s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari Roma is priced from £195,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 612 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 199 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Ferrari 296 GTB offers a 202-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 35 mpg, is covered by a 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) warranty. The Ferrari Roma offers a 272-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari Roma is £46,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 296 GTB has 65 L fuel tank · 7.45 kWh declared battery; usable boundary unspecified, the Ferrari Roma has 80 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
The Ferrari 296 GTB redefines mid-engine dynamics by integrating a hybrid system that provides instantaneous torque fill, effectively eliminating turbo lag. The chassis feels remarkably nimble, with the weight added by the battery and electric motor expertly masked by sophisticated suspension tuning. Steering is razor-sharp and communicative, allowing the driver to place the car with immense confidence. While the transition between electric power and the combustion engine is generally seamless, spirited driving reveals a character that demands a precise hand on the throttle to manage the immediate surge of combined hybrid torque.
The Ferrari Roma is designed for the modern gentleman, offering a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 that favours refined, broad-shouldered power over the erratic spikes of a track weapon. Its chassis is balanced and fluid, encouraging long, spirited drives across country roads rather than focused track sessions. The steering is direct, yet it avoids the twitchiness found in more aggressive models, providing a relaxing pace that feels perfectly weighted. While it can certainly deliver when provoked, the Roma’s true nature is discovered in its ability to maintain high speeds with a sense of poise and composure that is rarely found in grand tourers.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB — Hybrid torque fill; instantaneous power delivery in all modes; the Ferrari Roma — V8 twin-turbo delivers refined, broad power band rather than raw aggression. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Nimble chassis; hybrid weight addition managed through suspension tuning. For the Ferrari Roma: Fluid, elegant handling character; built for driver enjoyment over outright lap times. In outright terms it is 819 hp against 612 — a 207 hp gap — and the Ferrari 296 GTB reaches 60 mph 0.5s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
The cabin prioritises driver focus through a high-tech, cockpit-style layout. High-quality carbon fibre and premium leather define the interior, creating an environment that feels both sophisticated and purposeful. The reliance on digital controls and haptic surfaces represents a significant departure from traditional analogue switchgear, which, while offering a modern and clean aesthetic, may feel less tactile for enthusiasts accustomed to physical buttons. Visibility is typical of a mid-engine exotic, with the digital instrument cluster providing all necessary telemetry without overwhelming the driver, successfully balancing technological advancement with essential driver-focused ergonomics.
The cabin of the Roma is arguably the most elegant interior Ferrari has produced in recent memory. It creates a cocoon-like atmosphere with a 2+ layout that is refined, focusing on high-quality tactile materials rather than just performance metrics. Tech is present, though the infotainment is less cutting-edge than the ultra-modern SF90, which feels appropriate for a car intended for long-distance comfort. The rear seats are suitable for short journeys or extra storage, providing a level of practicality that is often missing from its siblings. It feels like a space designed for the journey, not just for the destination.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB — Cockpit-style layout with strong driver immersion and digital gauges; the Ferrari Roma — Most elegant Ferrari interior; genuine grand tourer ambiance. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Finest leather and carbon fibre; seamless integration of technology. For the Ferrari Roma: 2+ seating layout with folding rear seats for occasional use.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
For a mid-engine supercar, the 296 GTB is surprisingly well-adapted to urban living, thanks in large part to its EV-only mode. Being able to creep silently through residential areas provides a level of refinement rarely found in this segment. The compact dimensions make it relatively easy to place on narrower roads, though the car’s very low ground clearance demands constant vigilance against steep driveways and deep kerbs. While rear visibility is admittedly restricted, the car handles the realities of city traffic with far more grace than its V8-powered predecessors.
For those seeking an everyday Ferrari, the Roma is the standout choice. The 272-litre boot is impressively sized for a front-engine coupe, easily handling luggage for a weekend away. Its longer wheelbase and softer suspension settings make it remarkably comfortable for long hauls, smoothing out road imperfections that would typically unsettle a mid-engine model. In town, it is manageable, although its width still requires care in tight parking structures. Overall, it succeeds as a practical daily driver, balancing enough performance to thrill with the civility required for everyday chores and commutes, making it the most usable model currently available.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB — EV-only mode enables quiet, refined urban running up to ~25km; the Ferrari Roma — 272L boot is excellent for a Ferrari; most practical of the range. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Compact dimensions aid city manoeuvrability relative to mid-engine rivals. For the Ferrari Roma: Longer wheelbase and softer modes make longer journeys genuinely comfortable. that means 202 litres of boot space against 272, plus a usable front boot in the Ferrari 296 GTB, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari 296 GTB at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari Roma
Ferrari’s support network ensures that owning a 296 GTB remains a premium, discreet experience. The 7-year warranty and inclusive service plan are critical components that bolster confidence in a powertrain that incorporates significant hybrid complexity. While long-term durability regarding the electrical system remains less battle-tested than that of traditional internal combustion models, the brand's commitment to the longevity of the platform provides peace of mind. Running costs are competitive for the supercar class, and the high-tech appeal ensures it remains a desirable prospect on the secondary market.
The Roma is well-supported by Ferrari’s seven-year warranty, providing exceptional peace of mind for those looking to use the car frequently. It is positioned to attract a broader demographic of buyers, including those who may not want a dedicated mid-engine sports car. While residual values are slightly softer than the more extreme models in the lineup due to its status as a grand tourer, the lower cost of maintenance makes it an attractive proposition for long-term ownership. It is an honest, well-engineered vehicle that serves as a solid foundation for those looking to enter the Ferrari ownership experience.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB — Ferrari network delivers premium, discreet ownership experience; the Ferrari Roma — Ferrari 7-year warranty provides comprehensive long-term coverage. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: 7-year warranty and service plan enhances long-term confidence. For the Ferrari Roma: Roma targets broader ownership profile; more usable as a sole vehicle. On the wallet the two diverge at £241,000 versus £195,000 — a £46,000 difference.