I have all these cars. I think the issue in proclaiming one more or less desirable is due to how our expectations and frame of reference influences our understanding of what makes a great car with regard to mechanical refinement. The 458 is awesome, I’ll never sell it, but it’s now old. If I were looking for my first Ferrari and I drove a 458 and and a 296 back to back, I think I’d wonder who are these crazy people proclaiming the 458 so amazing. And in this case you can insert any older model- it could be a 430 it could be a 355, etc. The 296 is really, objectively, that good. But, the 296 is so refined, that if you think the 458 or again insert your 355 etc here, is the pinnacle, then a 296 will feel a bit artificial, a bit video gamey. No criticism from me, thats how you experienced it, and I get that. But I also try to think, if this was my first time driving one of these cars, Id say the 296 is incredible! In my case, when I drive the 296 I am so impressed, its really wonderful, but, the but is- the car is so refined, I find my drives in the car are not really very memorable. And thats really too bad, but that is an individual issue for me. I’ve wondered what would make the drives more memorable, and it would be more interaction with the engine, in short, if it were just a little less refined. It’s a funny thing to say, since engineers are always trying to make things “better” and that usually means smoother, so thats more refined. As crazy as it might sound to you all, between the two cars- 296 and SF90, I think I prefer the SF90, and going into it, I would have said the other way around. The 296 is more of what I would think I would like- smaller, lighter, more “fun”… but.. because both are so refined, when I think about the interaction between the engines in both cars, the SF90 is just that much more instant with its torque, which is greater. The 296 feels like it sometimes needs a millisecond to get going, and neither car is inspiring me to really push it, though the SF90 fees a little better balanced- no doubt thats the trick AWD system…. And those are just my own impressions…. I think these cars are so good, but also so new, that even 5+ years after they debuted the SF90, it still feels a bit new on the market, and I think everything is still adjusting.
Yes, I agree. I already bought the dip, but then it dipped again and then again. I meant in terms of Ferrari sales.... so many I know now are just holding and won't cash out of anything until it bounces back.
296 not a memorable experience? I’d say- just go faster. SF90: Do you really like the mid range sound? Doesn’t four wheel drive take away from the playfulness/ fun? I always found it odd that the early reviews of the SF90 didn’t talk much about the engine sound. After driving it- I understood why. Regardless- great write up!
Thank you, this is just my reaction. I am simply jaded and spoiled but that is my reaction to the 296- and also SF90. Like I said, if it was my first Ferrari drive, I'd be blown away. These cars are truly excellent, but, for me, too refined, I don't even bother to reflect on it. SF90- the sound is more industrial than the 296, but the 296 sound is not that great either. I think it works out in my brain as, they are both fast, they are both not very emotional cars, thus, I will go for the one that is more extreme, and that is the SF90. The 296 is more "fun", but, when really pushing on these cars, the SF90 feels more trustworthy- notice these are not objective terms, they are my own reactions. I would rather really push on my Pista, but the Pista is the last generation. Yet, a rip in the Pista stays with me, sometimes for days. It's just different strokes, figured Id share my own experience.
Probably the nicest 296 GTS I have ever seen! Let’s see how it does. Mods if it’s not ok to post please delete. Image Unavailable, Please Login https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2024-ferrari-296-gts-4/
The power ventilated seats are a rare and very desirable option in my opinion, most people spec the sports seats because they are a little sleeker but I find them to be rocks.
To each his own- especially when it comes to comfort. For me… The CF buckets are a work of art. I wouldn’t buy a 296 without them, and even more so the AF version as that model is about weight reduction and aggressive driving.
The CF seats are amazingly comfortable and supportive. Not to mention visually appealing. I wouldn’t spec anything without them.
At $50k under msrp or $460k that would be a huge amount of free carbon fiber and other options for some lucky buyer!! And surely a spec that would help with a VS if the buyer wanted.
Because it can immediately be put on your Ferrari profile and so Ferrari see it. When building your profile, Ferrari cares about the cars that are on there, not where they were bought. For example I’ve been told in the past that I needed more special versions of the past cars which by definition could only be bought on the secondary market. For example I know a friend of mine just bought a speciale coupe to help his profile. Having a 296 coupe or GTS is mandatory for getting an allocation for a VS coupe or VS GTS.
I have a Pista and TDF and Speciale on my profile and it does nothing, FWIW since I don’t own them currently.
It helps your profile but the dealer ultimately chooses who gets one. If your dealer sucks then you get nothing but excuses.
In this thread, I learned that I do not own enough Ferraris, and that I should not ever sell my Ferraris, lest I want to anger the Gods of Maranello
