Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Ferrari 296 GTB
Compare the Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Ferrari 296 GTB. The Ferrari 296 GTB is £44,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 296 GTB is 0.0s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari 296 GTB is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is priced from £275,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 789 hp, with 718 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.9s, a top speed of 211 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 812 Superfast offers a 320-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 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 296 GTB is £44,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,500 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £100 for the Ferrari 812 Superfast and £75 for the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Driving Character: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Ferrari 296 GTB
The Ferrari 812 Superfast delivers a visceral, raw experience defined by its 789hp naturally aspirated V12. The steering is exceptionally sharp, requiring precise inputs to manage the power delivery to the rear wheels, aided significantly by the rear-wheel steering system. It excels at high speeds but demands total focus as the limits of adhesion are tested. The chassis balance is classic front-engine GT, though the weight of the drivetrain is always apparent. It is a car that rewards a disciplined driver while punishing complacency, especially on damp British tarmac where the torque can easily overwhelm the traction control.
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 812 Superfast: Ferocious naturally-aspirated V12 GT with genuine front-engined drama. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: Sublime hybrid V6 chassis balance, widely rated among the best-handling Ferraris. In outright terms it is 789 hp against 819 — a 30 hp gap — and the Ferrari 296 GTB reaches 60 mph 0.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Ferrari 296 GTB
Inside the 812 Superfast, the cabin prioritises driver focus while retaining an air of grand touring luxury. The architecture features a sweeping dashboard that wraps around the occupant, with high-quality materials and bespoke trim options defining the space. The optional Daytona-style seats offer excellent lateral support for spirited driving, and the driver-centric interface places all essential controls within immediate reach. However, the sheer length of the bonnet remains a persistent factor when navigating tight spaces, necessitating careful judgement of the front extremities despite the high level of interior finish and overall build quality.
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 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 80 against 78. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Well-finished, driver-focused cabin. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: Driver-focused cabin, though haptic controls polarise reviewers.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs Ferrari 296 GTB
For such a potent machine, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is surprisingly civilised as a long-distance companion. The 320-litre boot provides adequate space for luggage, making it the most practical front-engine offering in the modern Ferrari hierarchy. While it is perfectly comfortable over long motorway stints thanks to the compliant suspension settings, its width and length make urban manoeuvrability a chore. It demands constant vigilance in narrow city streets, yet it handles parking ramps and standard errands with enough grace to allow for genuine usability, provided the driver is prepared to manage its substantial dimensions.
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 812 Superfast: Usable GT for longer journeys, if firmly sprung. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: More usable daily than a 12Cilindri, with some EV-only running. that means 320 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 812 Superfast vs Ferrari 296 GTB
As one of the final front-engined, naturally aspirated V12 masterpieces, the 812 Superfast enjoys a sterling reputation among collectors. Residual values remain robust, supported by the car's status as a pinnacle of traditional Ferrari engineering. Ownership costs, however, are substantial, with specialist maintenance required to keep the complex V12 running at peak performance. While annual service costs are significant, the peace of mind offered by professional maintenance is essential for preserving the vehicle's long-term value, as enthusiasts continue to favour these unadulterated powerplants over the industry’s shift toward smaller displacement and electrification.
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 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 72 against 70. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong Ferrari reliability reputation for a modern V12 GT. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: Strong demand and Ferrari's modern reliability improvements. On the wallet the two diverge at £275,000 versus £241,000 — a £34,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £0, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.