2022 Ferrari 296 GTB vs. 2021 Ferrari F8: Is Newer Better?
Ferrari is famous for making some of the fastest and most expensive cars in the world, and that’s a reputation the Italian automaker has worked hard to maintain. For example, the 2021 Ferrari F8 is already a beast, yet the Prancing Horse recently unleashed an even newer supercar: the 2022 296 GTB. Here’s a look at which of these two fierce Ferraris is better.
The power of the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB
The 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB represents a step toward a new age for the automaker. The Prancing Horse’s new model sports a hybrid powertrain, a rarity for Ferrari’s street-legal cars. It packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, an electric motor, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The combo harnesses a combined 818 hp, Car and Driver reports.
The 296 GTB, which Ferrari revealed in late June, won’t be available until 2022. That said, although its price is unknown right now, Car and Driver estimates it’ll start at about $250,000. It won’t be the most expensive production Ferrari by far (that distinction goes to the new SF90). For comparison, the F8 starts at about $280,000. When all is said and done, the two models practically cost the same.
Comparing and contrasting these 2 Ferrari supercars
Off the bat, the most obvious difference between these two Ferrari models is their powertrains. After all, the 296 GTB is a plug-in hybrid, while the F8 has a traditional powertrain. That said, the 296 GTB actually beats the F8 in horsepower. The F8’s 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 produces about 710 hp, Car and Driver reports. That’s a whole 108 hp less than the 296 GTB’s 818 hp.
However, the PHEV carries a 7.45-kWh battery pack, adding some weight to the car. Regardless, the 296 GTB is still lightning-fast, zipping from 0 to 60 mph in about 2.9 seconds and boasting a top speed of over 205 mph, Motor Authority reports.
Meanwhile, the F8 is similar in performance. Car and Driver says the F8 can roar from 0 to 60 mph in about 2.8 seconds and top out at 211 mph, slightly faster than the 296 GTB. But, of course, because the latter is a PHEV, it’ll be more environmentally friendly than the F8. Obviously, most Ferrari owners aren’t penny-pinching over fuel costs, but some might prefer the 296 GTB’s 15-mile electric-only range.
So, which model is better?
The main unknown for the 296 GTB right now is how it drives. Ferrari has made a point to talk about all of the car’s advanced handling features and how fun it is to drive. But until reviewers get their hands on the steering wheel, this factor will remain a mystery.
Regardless, it seems the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB will be a better car than the F8 overall. The automaker has clearly done its homework, and the 296 GTB isn’t a Prius by any means. It’s a Ferrari first and foremost. And based on the numbers, it’s a worthy successor to the F8. Of course, some enthusiasts won’t like the idea of a hybrid supercar to begin with, but times are changing, and so is Ferrari.
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