Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Compare the Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale. The Ferrari 296 GTB is £135,000 cheaper. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is 0.4s 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 0-60 mph in 2.9s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is priced from £376,000, powered by a 4.0L V8 Hybrid, producing 986 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.5s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
The Ferrari 296 GTB offers a 105-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 35 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale offers a 92-litre boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 296 GTB is £135,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £75 for the Ferrari 296 GTB and £80 for the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.
Driving Character: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale
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 SF90 Stradale introduces a 986hp hybrid drivetrain that completely redefines the expectations of performance. The power is instantaneous, with the combination of the 4.0L V8 and electric motors providing addictive acceleration in any gear. The AWD system is a game-changer, allowing the car to put all that power down effectively even when conditions are less than perfect. While the technical complexity is immense, it feels surprisingly intuitive, though the sheer scale of the performance can feel slightly removed from the raw, analogue sensations that pure petrol-only enthusiasts often crave in a high-end Ferrari.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 93. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Sublime hybrid V6 chassis balance, widely rated among the best-handling Ferraris. For the Ferrari SF90 Stradale: Formula 1-derived hybrid AWD delivering extraordinary, accessible performance. In outright terms it is 819 hp against 986 — a 167 hp gap — and the Ferrari SF90 Stradale reaches 60 mph 0.4s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale
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.
Inside, the SF90 feels like a cockpit from the future. The futuristic head-up display and haptic steering wheel controls are clearly inspired by modern racing technology. It is a premium, bespoke environment, and buyers can opt for fixed-back racing seats to further enhance the track-oriented feel. Despite the high-tech interior, the cabin is quite small, and the luggage space is strictly nominal, making it clear that this car is focused on performance over practicality. It serves as an impressive statement piece, showcasing Ferrari's ability to blend extreme luxury with the demands of a high-performance, hybrid-powered machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari SF90 Stradale takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 78 against 80. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Driver-focused cabin, though haptic controls polarise reviewers. For the Ferrari SF90 Stradale: Modern, tech-focused cabin with genuine usability.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale
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.
The SF90 offers a unique dual personality thanks to its EV-only mode, which allows for silent, stealthy operation in urban environments. This reduces the car’s profile and noise in city traffic, making it surprisingly tolerable for a machine with near-hypercar performance. The AWD provides a level of versatility that is rare for a car of this pedigree, handling varied weather conditions with composure. However, the very low ride height remains a challenge; with only 90mm of clearance, navigating standard speed humps and driveway lips requires careful planning, which can be an inconvenience during daily errand-running.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 68 against 68. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: More usable daily than a 12Cilindri, with some EV-only running. For the Ferrari SF90 Stradale: Usable daily with genuine EV-only running for short trips. that means 105 litres of boot space against 92, 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 SF90 Stradale
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 SF90 Stradale is an excellent example of modern hypercar ownership, backed by the comprehensive Ferrari Approved Programme. This offers significant peace of mind for second-owners, and the car's strong residual values demonstrate its status in the current market. Maintenance costs are higher than traditional models due to the complexity of the hybrid battery system and the advanced drivetrain components, but owners are supported by a strong dealer network. Overall, it represents a sophisticated, reliable way to access extreme performance, provided the owner is prepared for the high operational costs associated with maintaining such a complex vehicle.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 70 against 68. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Strong demand and Ferrari's modern reliability improvements. For the Ferrari SF90 Stradale: Strong demand as Ferrari's hybrid flagship supercar. On the wallet the two diverge at £241,000 versus £376,000 — a £135,000 difference.