Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 296 GTB
Compare the Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 296 GTB. The Ferrari 488 GTB is £31,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 296 GTB is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari 296 GTB is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 488 GTB is priced from £165,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 661 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. 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 488 GTB offers a 230-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. 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.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 488 GTB is £31,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,000 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £85 for the Ferrari 488 GTB and £75 for the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Driving Character: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 296 GTB
The Ferrari 488 GTB signals the move toward turbocharging, utilizing a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 to produce 661hp and a massive 760Nm of torque. The engine character is defined by its immense, flat torque curve, which makes it feel vastly more accessible and urgent in daily driving than its naturally aspirated predecessor. The side-slip control system is highly effective, enabling the driver to push the car into controlled oversteer with ease. While some enthusiasts lament the loss of the high-revving naturally aspirated top end, the gain in mid-range punch makes it a devastatingly fast grand tourer.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 92 against 93. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Blisteringly quick turbocharged V8 with sharp, communicative handling. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: Sublime hybrid V6 chassis balance, widely rated among the best-handling Ferraris. In outright terms it is 661 hp against 819 — a 158 hp gap — and the Ferrari 296 GTB reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 296 GTB
The cabin of the 488 GTB offers a more refined, luxurious feel compared to the 458, featuring high-quality materials and improved build standards throughout. Ergonomics are excellent, with all primary controls within easy reach of the driver. Visibility remains a strong point for a mid-engine car, with clear front sightlines that make it feel smaller than it actually is. However, the infotainment system is noticeably dated compared to current models, lacking the seamless connectivity and high-resolution displays expected of modern luxury cars. It is a functional and comfortable space that balances performance and refinement well.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 76 against 78. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Driver-focused cabin with strong build quality. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: Driver-focused cabin, though haptic controls polarise reviewers.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ferrari 296 GTB
For daily driving, the 488 GTB is remarkably civilised, particularly when the manettino is set to the softer settings. The steering is light and responsive, making city navigation straightforward, and the 230L boot provides decent storage for two. On poorer, uneven road surfaces, the suspension can feel rather firm, potentially causing fatigue over longer journeys in Sport mode. However, when treated as a grand tourer, it performs its duties admirably, managing the stresses of modern roads with a composure that makes it a highly usable mid-engine supercar for both errands and longer trips.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 58 against 68. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: More usable daily than a 12Cilindri, with some EV-only running. that means 230 litres of boot space against 105, 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 488 GTB vs Ferrari 296 GTB
The 488 GTB represents a strong choice for those entering the world of modern Ferrari ownership. Used market values remain stable, reflecting the car’s excellent build quality and performance legacy. The Ferrari dealer network provides comprehensive support, though the added complexity of the twin-turbo system does mean that maintenance intervals and costs are higher compared to earlier naturally aspirated models. Insurance and running costs are in line with expectations for a mid-engine exotic, but the overall ownership experience is rewarding, bolstered by the brand’s enduring reputation and widespread specialist support in the market.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 76 against 70. Characteristic of the Ferrari 488 GTB: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: Strong demand and Ferrari's modern reliability improvements. On the wallet the two diverge at £165,000 versus £241,000 — a £76,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £0, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.