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.

 

This was definitely true for me. I tested them back to back several times and the GTB sounded better. The GTS had a more muffled turbo sound. Are you comparing the GTB to the GTS with the top open?

 

Both cars- top up, windows open and closed.

 

I drove 3 GTS and 1 sounded same or better and 2 more muted than the GTB I own and 5 others I've driven.

Not sure that's conclusive other than that there could be differences car to car in symposers or otherwise? I went right back to back twice in a pair of GTS and GTB and rear window up or down the advisor and I both agreed.

 

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?

 

How’s the interior space between the two? Headroom?

 

GTS has a flat firewall behind the seats and the GTB has a shelf. To put the seat all the way back in the GTS, the seat angle is 90%. The GTB seat will recline nicely all the way back, giving you the best leg room and head room. If you’re a big guy, the GTS may feel a bit cramped. You’ll need to trade leg room for headroom and comfort.

 

Maybe, I have only driven 22/23 GTS.

 

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

 

im 6’3 so I will have to test for myself

 

Thanks for the great write up.

 

On the headroom question, I'm a little over 6 feet and I found cabin comfort on both cars the same. Not sure what the extra 3 inches will mean for Jo Sta. I do find ingress / egress a bit more difficult on the 296, especially compared to my 720 spider, but not too difficult not to order. My car (GTS) should be finally going into production any day now. I'm excited.

 

I'd think getting into the GTS would be way easier with the roof down compared to the base GTB. Getting into and out of the GTB is harder than my 765. Doors that go up are actually quite practical on these cars.

 

great write up. I got my gts last thursday and was going to do a write up but you essentially hit all my points. i was blown away by this car.

 

Agree on doors that go up, I have no issues with the 720. I also agree that the 296 is more difficult. I didn't try the GTS with the top down for ingress / egress as I intentionally was focused on top up. Of course will be easier with top down....

 

@x z8 Great write-up. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as an owner of both the GTB and GTS, as well as an AF and non AF models.

Happy to see your GTS is going into production soon, dude! It seems like you've been waiting ages for your car. Excited for you.

 

\

Thanks Drago. Yeah 1st deposit was 3/24, second deposit was 8/25...so it's been a long time coming....

 

Yeah, that's a long time, but the wait is almost over! How's the 720 holding up? I haven't been down to that track since I last saw you (hoping to get back next season), but the other two in our area. Will you take the 296 to the track?