Which would you choose, and why?
Pista for me. I absolutely love the looks of the Pista and it’s the last special version for n/a cars.
This must be news to Ferrari as well. They thought they put two IHI turbochargers in there... The 296 runs rings around the Pista, if that matters to the OP.
296 - because in terms of performance, the 296 is light years ahead of the Pista. And if performance is not what matters, there are (to me) proposals that are more compelling than a Pista.
Pista for a host of reasons. Pista is undeniably the most beautiful modern Ferrari, true automotive design perfection. The next time you hear someone say that they do not like the design of the Pista will be the first time. Meanwhile, the 296 is somewhat polarizing among enthusiasts V8 > V6 Pure ICE > Hybrid Pista weighs around 400-500lbs less (depending on which source you trust) Pista cabin is MUCH larger (296 is one of just a few cars I cannot comfortably fit in…worth noting that I owned a Performante and a STO for 4.5 years combined) The 296 will be supplanted by the eventual “296 replacement” and then the eventual “296 replacement replacement”, but the Pista marks the end of V8 ICE (or at least special edition ICE)
The F8 is actually the end of the V8 ICE, if that's the criteria. The Pista is pretending to be performance-oriented, track-focused, but on a track it stands no chance against a 296. The Pista is rarer, and probably a better financial investment - that may make a difference, since Ferrari buyers are now customers of a luxury brand and as such, are not really interested in the cars they get.
Looks are subjective. With that out of the way, the 296 looks like "ass" to me. I don't care if it can go 350mph, it still looks like "ass".
And that’s ^^^ my point, no one has ever said that about the Pista. It’s probably the only car in the last couple decades that was universally received at least with respect to styling.
V6 Hybrids will continue to be manufactured for some time. The Pista marks the end of the mid engine ICE speciality cars as many have mentioned. 296 models and their variants will be plentiful in a few years. I see Pistas retaining their market value as they are now. Over time they will be appreciated more.
IMHO anything full ICE will remain desirable- these flippin DuracellMobiles will drop faster than a mafia rat-
I sort of had to make this decision a month ago. Currently own Pista. Had an allocation come my way for the 296. Passed on the 296, and kept the Pista. I'm not going to say which car is better, or worse. This is all so subjective. From design, style, looks, performance, design, etc. No right answer. One has to decide for themselves. I know what my answer was, and is. Good luck in your decision, OP.