I’ve asked this elsewhere but haven’t gotten a response. If the 296 is smaller than the f8, could it conceivably be a couple hundred pounds lighter than the f8, instead of being 300 pounds heavier, if it were all motor, no electric? Then wouldn’t the overall performance be far better than it is, using just the 650 hp motor? The first hand experience of the 296 being so much better in every way is undeniable, basically unanimous. It makes me wonder if the stock F8 setup could have been better.
Yeah, if you took out the electric motor and batteries, it would definitely be 100 lbs lighter, if not 200 than the F8
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. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Seems like a perfectly reasonable conclusion. The performance difference isn't massive, and really would only be noticeable if you drove on a racetrack at or near the limit
The 296 is 180" long, 77" wide, and 47" high, with a 102.4" wheelbase The F8 is 182" long, 78" wide and 48" high, with a 104.3" wheelbase. Yes, it is smaller as noted above, but heavier. Is an inch or two here and there enough to notice? I am not so sure, but probably the wheelbase 2 inches is more significant.
Is the thought to have either car long term? It would seem that electromechanically speaking the F8 should be a lot better sorted out. Ferrari has had issues with e gremlins in the 296 and would just imagine that motor will grenade at some point. The F8 is a car you should be able to enjoy for a long time.
I'd like to keep both. We'll see if I can make that happen by the time I take delivery in 2026. It gives me a goal to shoot for
Each car in the “8” series had there pluses and minuses but undeniably the performance increased with each version. I have not had the pleasure to drive(but took a ride in) a 296 yet but the performance gains are undeniable. Also with each version is the undeniable cacophony about lack of sound, rawness, looks, resale value- well you get the point. Here are my 2 cents about each since the 458 IMHO: 458- epic soundtrack, front whiskers are hard to love,fast 488- monotone soundtrack, better looking front end but rear not as nice as the 458,faster F8- very quiet soundtrack, best looking of the bunch(Pista even nicer)faster still 296- near epic soundtrack, better looking than 458/488 except for the front end, epic performance envelope especially for a standard production Ferrari- technically not an “8” series car, yes it a V6T/hybrid…but it nearly outperforms an SF90, and certainly an 812. If they tweak the looks of the front end a little the 296 would be a classic in design. My father told me a long time ago to never be the first to own a newly designed car- let them work out the kinks first. I’m sure Ferrari is already making on the fly changes to the car’s mechanicals/ programming. Currently not in the market for a new Ferrari but in a year or two??? Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
They're sold out until 2026, so unless you're paying extra for a used one, you'll have to wait at least 3 years
The usual wait time for Ferrari…[emoji445] [emoji445] [emoji445] Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
Hi! Beautiful F8! I am looking at all The different Grigios for my next F Car.. CDF, Silverstone, Titanium and Scuro …what color is yours? Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
I have an F8 spider and love it. Drove the 296 and loved it. They are both incredible but different cars, and it says so much about a company (Ferrari) when owners can intelligently debate which is arguably the better car. It shows how good each car is on its own merits. Few auto manufacturers can claim such an appreciation and love for their products?
I don't own either. 430 and 458 for me . I do find it interesting that the most vocal with this argument have been here the least. Maybe its a newer folks like the new tech. Im not buying a Ferrari for the radio or navigation system. IDK. Just an observation, not a judgment. While I don't always agree with Gino, I will say most way over estimate their ability to wring even a 430 out.
I LOVED both my F430's over 11 years and MANY miles..... but there is ZERO comparison to today's cars (2016+)... it's not even close how much better today's cars feel and drive and perform and look over the 2015 and older cars. I don't give a single sh*t about toys like radios and CarPlay and maps or whatever either... I've never once used the radio or navigation and all that crap so those tech things aren't the reason the cars are better... They make the older Ferraris seem like 69 Camaros to me in terms of feel and handling and response and aesthetics etc. - the F8 is just mind boggling how good it is at everything and its gorgeous of course. I'll take a 488, Pista, F8, 812, etc over ANY of the older cars.
Time in the forum isn't the same as time on a track. The speed difference between an F8 and 296 is admittedly a marginal difference, but certainly something you would feel an take advantage of. Just because you're not as fast as a Formula 1 driver doesn't mean you won't have an insanely good time at the track with a weapon like the F8 or 296. It's exhilarating in ways that is hard to describe. And I know I've got time to find
True. If you spend a ton of time on track. A 7 second car to me is boring, A 5 second car is fun. I'm more of a NHRA guy, but the deal is the same. I was more referring to the fact that many folks with very low time in a Ferrari Forum seem to have the most "experience" with the fastest cars. I just find that odd. My time at the big East Coast tracks is amazing. Im probably a 7.5-10 on most tracks. If you are a 10-10 in a F8 or something. you better be on track every couple weeks.
I'm not so sure about that. The problem is traction. Even running Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, traction out of corners was an issue with 710 hp going through the rear wheels. Putting down the power is gonna be the key to maximize the advantage. I'm anxious to find out...but my 296 won't arrive until 2026