Comparison: 296 GTB AF to GTS

I just received my GTS. I must say- I got a few things wrong. I first purchased the GTB because the discounts were much larger than the GTS- I was concerned about spending even more on a GTS with all the FUD that surrounded the hybrids. Owning the GTB- I realized that the hybrid 6 cylinder doubters were wrong- very wrong and I was now comfortable paying up for a GTS. Some thoughts after spending the day in the car:

1. I read somewhere that the engine sounded better in the cabin in the GTB. Wrong. The GTS sounds much better- louder and higher pitched. Both are great but a clear win for the GTS.

2. GTB’s are great deals- better than the GTS. And- If I could only have one- I would pay up for the GTS because the open air and sound are heaven- just another level.

3. The GTB AF is the sharper driving car- and it lacks the lifter and bumpy road feature. For most people the non AF car is more than enough performance for the road. On the other hand, I rarely need the lifter as the car is not that low- so it comes down to a preference of driving style- hard core (AF) or balance for the road.

4. I still cannot believe how good these cars are. The 8 cylinder Ferraris are great- but inferior in performance in every way by a rather wide margin and the 296 is actually more nimble/ fun/ and entertaining. My old and very popular 458 is comparatively irrelevant. The 488 and F8 (still great cars) lack the 458 sound track and therefore have nothing on the 296.

5. It’s just a matter of time before these cars get their due recognition- and I’m not suggesting it will happen overnight. Most great cars are not recognized as such in the beginning. IMO- This car will age exceptionally well.

6. I cannot imagine how they will improve on this experience in the Speciale.

7. Haptics- Yes they can be annoying- but it does not take away from the driving experience once one is acclimated. I doubt I will actually upgrade the steering wheel- as it’s just not very important. I don’t miss the start button either- and I still have it on the 812- and I don’t get why people think it’s important.

7. I am keeping my 812 GTS because of what it represents (front engine 12 cylinder convertible) along with the different driving experience. And the 296 GTS is way, way better. Really.

 

Both cars- top up, windows open and closed.

 

It is odd. I drove a GTS just prior to getting mine and was surprised it sounded so much better. Then mine arrived and it also sounded better- quite a bit too.

I thought that the 296 GTB engine was louder in the cabin having the engine sound piped in. I find the GTBs sound better in the cabin with the windows closed. Not so in the GTS- It is way louder with the windows and top down.

Maybe it depends on the model year. My GTB is a 2022 and the GTS a 2024. Did Ferrari tweak the sound in the latter years?

 

I'm 5' 7". Don't notice a difference.