296 GTB vs 812 SF Fiorano lap times | FerrariChat
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296 GTB vs 812 SF Fiorano lap times

Discussion in '296' started by londonferrari, Oct 16, 2025 at 5:08 PM.

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  1. londonferrari

    londonferrari Karting

    Jun 2, 2024
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    London
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    saul silver
    #1 londonferrari, Oct 16, 2025 at 5:08 PM
    296 GTB goes 1:210 vs 812 SF at 1:215, so the 296 is 0.5 second faster.

    I own an 812 SF and I'm likely going to trade it for a 296 GTB. I like both cars. I'm not a track guy, but was surprised that the lap time delta was only 0.5 seconds. Also, the 296 GTB ran it on Cup 2 R tires vs the 812 ran it on P Zero's. On equal tires, lap times would probably be the exact same. I just always in my mind thought the 296 would outrun an 812 on a track, but maybe that's not true.
     
  2. jumpinjohn

    jumpinjohn F1 Veteran
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    Mar 22, 2013
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    John
    #2 jumpinjohn, Oct 16, 2025 at 6:26 PM
    We have an 812SF and traded an F8 for the 296 GTS. They are completely different animals, as you know. The 296 is surprisingly smaller, less leg room (for the passenger) and noticeably lower getting in and out of. I’m sure you are aware of these things! My wife will happily ride in the 812 but not so happily in the 296. :)
     
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  3. Lagunae92

    Lagunae92 F1 Rookie
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    Feb 16, 2018
    3,168
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    #3 Lagunae92, Oct 16, 2025 at 9:11 PM
    Yes, much different experiences, but the 296 is quite a car. It feels much faster and though it's not a V12, it's better than the V8s of the last 10 years.
     
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  4. ipsedixit

    ipsedixit Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2014
    2,433
    Behind the wheel of a Pista
    #4 ipsedixit, Oct 16, 2025 at 9:45 PM
    Well, the 812 is superfast
     
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  5. londonferrari

    londonferrari Karting

    Jun 2, 2024
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    saul silver
    #5 londonferrari, Oct 17, 2025 at 5:14 AM
    LOL, you're right. That might just be the answer. Clearly, being 53% rear weight biased and having rear wheel steering helps the 812 get around even a small track like Fiorano much quicker than some would expect.
     
  6. londonferrari

    londonferrari Karting

    Jun 2, 2024
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    #6 londonferrari, Oct 17, 2025 at 5:15 AM
    Thankfully, I'm short and nobody in my family ever drives with me, so I think I'm okay :)
     
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  7. londonferrari

    londonferrari Karting

    Jun 2, 2024
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    saul silver
    #7 londonferrari, Oct 17, 2025 at 5:17 AM
    296 is a fab car and I look forward to getting one in the next few months. Have also loved the 812 SF. I am wanting even more pull in the 60-120 mph acceleration, so I think the 296 with it's shorter gearing will really help me in that area.
     
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  8. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    #8 Jo Sta7, Oct 17, 2025 at 7:12 AM
    296 is much quicker 60-130. I’ve posted data here. Check my ownership experience thread
     
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  9. LVP488

    LVP488 F1 Veteran

    Jan 21, 2017
    6,137
    France
    #9 LVP488, Oct 17, 2025 at 8:23 AM
    I really believe the Fiorano lap times (which are exclusively made by Ferrari) are "engineered" (to put the cars in the right order marketing-wise, and some times to give room for improved times for planned new versions).
    An exclusive 812 Competizione is claimed to be faster than a regular 296 GTB (by one full second!), with identical peak power (but far less torque on the 812C) - personally I do not buy it; both cars are about the same weight (maybe slightly less for the 296).
    Also whereas the 296 Speciale will undoubtly be faster than a regular 296 GTB AF, I doubt the difference will be two seconds (the 296 GTB AF making only half a second less than a Pista is also questionable).
    Of course everybody is free to believe what they want.
     
  10. Cocoloco

    Cocoloco Formula 3

    Nov 26, 2013
    1,646
    #10 Cocoloco, Oct 17, 2025 at 8:41 AM
    Ferrari SIM produces the same time as the cars physically - unless you have track video tests comparisons - to lay over one another - it's just fun to see.
    XX had a time on SIM it was matched on track on the second lap and called it a day - marketing.
    We all know this is about marketing as is everything today.
    Temps drivers weights fuel tires and not every engine from a factory is the same - racing is never the same twice.
     

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