Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Aventador
Compare the Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Aventador. The Ferrari 296 GTB is £124,000 cheaper. The Lamborghini Aventador is 0.1s 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 Lamborghini Aventador is priced from £185,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 759 hp, with 720 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.8s, a top speed of 217 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 Lamborghini Aventador offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 14 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 296 GTB is £124,000 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 £95 for the Lamborghini Aventador.
Driving Character: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Aventador
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 Lamborghini Aventador preserves the dwindling art of the naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, an engine that sings with an intoxicating 8,500rpm crescendo. Its all-wheel-drive system, coupled with active rear-wheel steering, provides a surprising degree of traction even in challenging road conditions. However, the ISR single-clutch gearbox remains its most divisive feature, exhibiting a jerky, rhythmic pause during gear changes that feels distinctly old-school compared to modern dual-clutch transmissions. It is a car that demands a forceful hand, rewarding the driver with a mechanical engagement that feels increasingly rare in the era of digitised, turbocharged performance.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 90. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Sublime hybrid V6 chassis balance, widely rated among the best-handling Ferraris. For the Lamborghini Aventador: Dramatic, screaming naturally-aspirated V12 with real AWD security. In outright terms it is 819 hp against 759 — a 60 hp gap — and the Lamborghini Aventador reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Aventador
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 is a striking realisation of a fighter-jet aesthetic, defined by sharp angles and an unapologetic, aggressive material palette. Visibility is notoriously poor, particularly toward the rear, forcing a heavy reliance on cameras and sensors during low-speed manoeuvres. Lamborghini provides extensive Ad Personam options, allowing for a degree of personalisation that transforms the cockpit into a unique statement of the owner’s preference. While the ergonomics are geared toward the driver, the narrow, low-slung nature of the interior reinforces the feeling of being strapped into a flight deck rather than a traditional luxury grand tourer.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 78 against 68. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Driver-focused cabin, though haptic controls polarise reviewers. For the Lamborghini Aventador: Dramatic, fighter-jet-inspired cabin styling.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Aventador
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 all its intimidating presence, the Aventador attempts to address daily limitations through a dedicated urban mode that softens throttle response and raises the nose of the car via a hydraulic lift system. This mechanism is mandatory for navigating driveways and speed bumps, given the restrictive 90mm ground clearance. While the scissor doors deliver unparalleled theatre upon arrival, they prove cumbersome in tight car parks where vertical clearance is limited. Storage is largely symbolic, split between a shallow front trunk and a compact secondary space, making the car a challenging companion for anything beyond short-range outings.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 68 against 40. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: More usable daily than a 12Cilindri, with some EV-only running. For the Lamborghini Aventador: Usable only in short bursts - extreme dimensions and low ride height. that means 105 litres of boot space against 150, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari 296 GTB at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Aventador
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.
As production ceases, the Aventador has transitioned into a highly sought-after collector's asset, with values steadily climbing as enthusiasts secure the last of the naturally aspirated V12 lineage. Ownership requires a committed financial reserve; the engine's mechanical complexity and the requirement for major servicing mean that annual maintenance costs are significant. The dealer network remains the primary conduit for parts and expertise, though a small pool of independent specialists has emerged. Prospective owners must conduct rigorous pre-purchase inspections, as the longevity of the drivetrain depends entirely on the provenance of the service history provided.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 70 against 65. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Strong demand and Ferrari's modern reliability improvements. For the Lamborghini Aventador: Now a discontinued modern classic with strong appreciation. On the wallet the two diverge at £241,000 versus £185,000 — a £56,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £4,000, and warranty cover of 7yr / unlimited mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.