Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs Ferrari 296 GTB
Compare the Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs Ferrari 296 GTB. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is £63,000 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 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is priced from £178,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 518 hp, with 465 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3s, a top speed of 184 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 Porsche 911 GT3 RS offers a 132-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k 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 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is £63,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £1,700 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £85 for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and £75 for the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Driving Character: Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs Ferrari 296 GTB
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is essentially a road-legal race car, featuring aggressive aerodynamic aids that generate genuine downforce. The 4.0L flat-six is at its most extreme here, delivering 518hp with a razor-sharp throttle response. The chassis is incredibly stiff, tuned for maximum track precision, which makes for a highly intense driving experience on public roads. The steering feel is unparalleled, transmitting every nuance of the road surface directly to the driver’s palms. It is a machine that demands complete, unwavering commitment, rewarding the skilled pilot with performance levels that exceed almost anything else in the production world.
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 Porsche 911 GT3 RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 97 against 93. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS: The most extreme naturally-aspirated 911, drenched in motorsport aero technology. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: Sublime hybrid V6 chassis balance, widely rated among the best-handling Ferraris. In outright terms it is 518 hp against 819 — a 301 hp gap — and the Ferrari 296 GTB reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs Ferrari 296 GTB
Inside, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is stripped to the bone, with CFRP door panels and a roll cage serving as the primary design features. Carbon bucket seats are standard, locking the driver in place for high-G maneuvers. The cabin is purposefully sparse, lacking luxury padding in favour of weight-saving measures that prioritize speed. While road and wind noise are prominent at motorway speeds due to the lack of sound deadening, this is expected in a model of this focus. Everything is designed to be functional and lightweight, creating a pure, motorsport-inspired workspace that keeps the driver focused on the tarmac.
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, 55 against 78. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Motorsport-focused cabin, similar to the GT3 but more stripped-back. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: Driver-focused cabin, though haptic controls polarise reviewers.
Daily Usability: Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs Ferrari 296 GTB
Daily usability is deliberately limited in the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, though it remains technically legal for the road. The nose lift system is a necessity for clearing urban obstacles, preventing damage to the sophisticated front splitter. Storage is limited to the front trunk, which is adequate for track day essentials but not for large loads. Ingress and egress are physically demanding, requiring one to clear the roll cage. The suspension is too firm for comfort on broken surfaces, making long-distance commuting fatiguing. It is a specialized weapon meant for the circuit, not a daily companion for errands.
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, 45 against 68. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Usable daily if you accept its extreme, track-bred intensity. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: More usable daily than a 12Cilindri, with some EV-only running. that means 132 litres of boot space against 105, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari 296 GTB at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs Ferrari 296 GTB
Owning a Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a commitment to the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance, and it carries the costs to match. With its motorsport-derived components, maintenance is frequent and expensive, requiring specialist knowledge that the Porsche Motorsport network provides. Insurance premiums are significant given the car’s market value and performance potential. However, its scarcity and extreme engineering ensure that it remains a high-value asset, with strong residuals and a dedicated community of owners. It is a long-term investment that requires dedicated resources but pays off with an experience that few other machines can provide.
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 Porsche 911 GT3 RS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 80 against 70. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Strong Porsche reliability and huge collector demand. For the Ferrari 296 GTB: Strong demand and Ferrari's modern reliability improvements. On the wallet the two diverge at £178,000 versus £241,000 — a £63,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,700 against £0, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.