Upgrade F8 Tributo to 296 GTB?

Ordered my F8s over two years ago and just took delivery two week ago.
Early this year did a drive event back to back F8 to 296. Yes 296 was impressive. Sounds good too. For me seat of the pants feel was negligible between the two so I’m happy to keep my F8. Additionally I share many opinion the F8 is best design in a long time!
Just beautiful.

Separately I’m very surprised how good my F8 sounds after reading all the negativity to that component. It’s a little higher pitch than my last 488. Start up is very loud. With rear window down and under acceleration it’s very pleasant without being crazy.
Pleasantly surprised with this.
I might go aftermarket exhaust or valve control eventually but Image Unavailable, Please Login adequate while under warranty.

All good choices


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Beautiful Spider

 

I test drove a 296 GTS today at Experiaza Ferrari in the Seattle area. That is such a nice car and it sounds SO GOOD. Obviously looks are subjective, but the curves around the rear wheels are absolutely beautiful

 

I was hanging around Ferrari of New England yesterday while our Portofino was in service. They two 296's on the floor. One new and one used. I am very happy with my F8. No buyers remorse seeing the 296's. But if you want one, they have two..........

 

Gino your a beast, thumbs up

 

I've got to find a way to have both...I do love my F8
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I wish I had this problem but the clear choice to me is keeping the F8. I’m not a 296 fan at all. The F8 is probably my absolute favorite Ferrari to come out since the 360/430 era.

 

Thank you!


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I’m not sure I agree with Gino, but I like reading his posts. So there’s that!

I put a deposit down on a 296 several months ago. Then recently, I bought an F8. Now I like the F8 so much I’m just as confused as the OP.

 

if the f8 is too slow on public roads for you then keep the 296

 

I can hardly wait for the post that reads "Upgrade 296 GTB to F8 Tributo".

 

I traded my 22 F8 for a 23 296GTB.

Having put over 2k miles on the 296, I have to admit how shocked I am at how much better it is at everything compared to the F8 (or 812 for that matter). The F8 is an incredible car but the 296 is THAT much better. They have nothing in common aside from the badge.

Shortened wheel base, lower center of gravity (top of the motor is below the top of the rear caliper), smaller but more responsive and higher "strung" turbos capable of hitting 28psi (22psi for the F8/SF90), quicker transmission, seamlessly integrated electric motor, NA engine-like power band, sharper steering (closer to 992 GT3 than F8), better sounding exhaust, more storage... everything is dialed up.

Given the fact that Ferrari supposedly just bumped 296GTB's starting MSRP to $350k, it's better to think of it as the product that fills the gap between the F8 and the SF90. I like it much better than the SF90 actually.

When they first announced this 120-degree V6 car, I thought I'd never own one. I loved my 812 at the time.

296 is my favorite Ferrari to-date. Here, I said it.

 

It is quite a surprise. I admittedly understand people saying they don't like the 296 as much...I was one of those guys. But once I drove one, it really surprised me. I love my F8, but like you said, the 296 seems better in almost every way

 

Ok, I'll accept all that.. sounds well explained..... But HOW do you get over the look of the silly thing!?!?! That 'cuteness' like a little Lotus or Mazda? The goofy yet boring lines that make it look so cheap?

 

I think it looks like the old 250 LM race car. Very cool retro look.

 

I love the looks of the 296! If that's the direction Ferrari are headed I'm on board. The angular styling of the older cars (including mine) is aged to my eyes and due for a refresh.

 

To my eyes, it looks confident. F8 is classic beauty. Not one person on the planet will call it ugly. It's designed to be automotive art.

296 is a design and techno rebel. Ferrari is saying that they are not following trends, they are setting them. It's bald, yet elegant.

 

i always wonder why the real track rats dont get a dedicated track car.
when i tracked mine years back, i quickly realized that i would be far better off getting a 430gt or even a 360gt car, for like $70-100k, and not have to worry about anything except tires and brakes vs getting lower lap times in a much more expensive road car and have to worry about wrecking it along with the consumables.

but back to the op question, which one floats your boat?
to me a car has to pass the 20 ft rule....you park the car and walk away and when you get a bout 20 ft out you HAVE to look back at it because it is so beautiful .

my own opinion on this question is worthless since although i ahve driven both models, i never intend to buy either.
for the same amount of money i can get a vintage car that is far more engaging imo.

 

You really don't like how the 296 looks? I think this looks amazing. I guess that's a personal preference though
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The configurator pictures do look quite cartoony. In real life, I think it is excellent.

 

I have thought about getting a dedicated track car. But one of the things I love is taking a "regular" street car and pushing it to its limits. It's an extremely fast work of art.

 

God bless you !! , Thats a sick Ferrari, and I hope someday, I can afford one..

G

 

I also have no problem with how my F8 sounds. My 458 sounded better, but the F8 sounds different, but cool.

 

You park that next to my 328, and I have to say, there is no comparison, and my car is almost 40 years old .

Big G

 

296 looks like an Evora GT on steroids.

Not a bad thing.

Not classic Maranello looks but that's ok.

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