Best and Worst Ferrari 296 GTB Years: What to Buy & Avoid

Betti Holt

Betti Holt

As you step into the 296 GTB, you’ll quickly realize this Ferrari is a force to be reckoned with. With its hybrid powertrain and razor-sharp handling, every drive is an adrenaline rush. But, is it perfect? Not quite.

You’ll need to be fully focused on the road ahead, and even then, some quirks might get in the way. So, what are the best and worst years for this Ferrari, and what makes them stand out?

Ferrari GTB Best And Worst Years

Key Takeaways

  • The Ferrari 296 GTB is a new model, so it doesn’t have best and worst years, but it’s already impressing with its performance and features.
  • The 2025 Ferrari 296GTS’s top-tier pricing starts at $346,950, making it a premium purchase with no worst years to consider.
  • Since the Ferrari 296 GTB is a hybrid, it’s expected to have a longer lifespan and fewer maintenance issues, reducing the likelihood of worst years.
  • The Ferrari 296 GTB’s impressive performance and handling make it a great choice, regardless of the year, with no worst years reported.
  • With its advanced technology and engineering, the Ferrari 296 GTB is expected to age well, making it a solid investment with no worst years to worry about.

Good Stuff

You’ll be thrilled to discover the Ferrari 296 GTB’s impressive attributes, which catapult it to the top tier of supercars.

This Ferrari car boasts devastating speed and manageability, thanks to its 819bhp engine.

The V6 engine is a technical marvel, with electricity adding depth to the supercar experience.

Its induction noise and blips on downshift are praised by owners.

The 296 GTB is easy to drive, with a lively and agile feel, making it perfect for driving on B roads and in car parks due to its smaller footprint.

Its acceleration is jaw-dropping, with a turbo engine that sounds great.

Bad Stuff

While the Ferrari 296 GTB’s impressive attributes unquestionably make it a thrill to drive, some drawbacks cannot be ignored. You’ll find yourself frustrated with the Haptic Touch controls, which demand full attention. The heads-up display isn’t bright enough, even at its highest setting.

Feature Issue Impact
Haptic Touch Frustrating to use Requires full attention
Heads-Up Display Not bright enough Poor visibility
Radio Unclear upload process Limited content access
XM Radio Reception Poor signal, drops in and out Frustrating driving experience

You may want to Opt Out of dealers who don’t know how to fix these issues, making ownership a hassle.

What Is It?

You’re looking at a hybrid supercar that’s designed to delight even the most skeptical supercar enthusiasts.

With its unique blend of performance and approachability, the Ferrari 296 GTB embodies a friendly, fun factor that’s hard to resist.

Ferrari’s Hybrid Supercar

As Ferrari ventures into the domain of hybrid supercars, the 296 GTB emerges as a powerhouse that combines the best of both worlds.

You get Ferrari’s first hybrid, which pairs a 6.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 819 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque.

The hybrid powertrain allows for electric-only driving up to 7 miles and enables the car to reach 2.4 seconds from 0-60 mph.

This setup also achieves an estimated 47 MPGe, making it more fuel-efficient than traditional supercars.

With instant torque and improved acceleration, you’ll experience a more responsive and agile car on the road and track.

Supercar Haters Delight

The Ferrari 296 GTB is a supercar that will challenge your perceptions, even if you consider yourself a “supercar hater.”

With its 819 hp and impressive handling, this car defies expectations.

The twin-turbo V-6 engine produces immense thrust from a standstill, similar to an electric car.

The power is charming, making the experience feel approachable.

You’ll never catch the 296 GTB hesitating or sweating; its hybrid system, centered on a turbocharged V-6, provides power that’s always available and ready to blow you away, making it a supercar hater‘s delight.

Friendly Fun Factor

Beyond its impressive power, the 296 GTB’s friendly fun factor lies in its ability to make you feel like a hero, even on mundane drives. The car feels agile and responsive, making you feel connected to the road**. This fun factor is not just about speed, but about the overall driving experience.

Aspect Description
Handling Precise and responsive, making you feel in control
Acceleration Smooth and rapid, providing a thrill every time
Steering Agile and communicative, making every turn a joy

Tech Tour

Delving into the Ferrari 296 GTB‘s underlying architecture, you’ll find a harmonious blend of electric and combustion power.

This synergy is made possible by a 7.45 kWh battery pack feeding a 165bhp electric motor, ideal for urban driving.

  1. The electric motor powers the car alone up to 84mph.
  2. The battery pack is slotted under the parcel shelf, allowing for a smooth driving experience.
  3. The car’s V6 engine is unrelated to the tech found in the Maserati MC20.

The Engine

Ferrari’s V6 engine, a first for a production model, boasts a 120-degree V-angle and pairs IHI turbos, similar to those found in the SF90.

Unlike naturally aspirated engines, this twin-turbo setup enables more efficient performance. With turbines spinning at 180,000rpm and running 24% more efficiently, the engine produces 819bhp, with 654bhp from the V6 and 165bhp from the electric motor.

The engine’s max torque arrives at 6,250rpm, with a redline at 8,500rpm. You’ll experience seamless power delivery and an exhilarating driving experience.

How Is It to Drive?

As you put the 296 GTB through its paces, the engine’s remarkable capabilities become even more apparent.

You’ll notice the seamless shifting of the dual-clutch transmission, which allows you to focus on the road ahead.

  1. Precise steering: The steering wheel responds quickly to your inputs, making it easy to carve through twisty roads or tackle track days with confidence.
  2. Adaptive damping: The suspension adjusts to suit your driving style, providing a comfortable ride on public roads and a more agile feel on the track.

On Track

When you take the 296 GTB’s true character is revealed, and it’s a track monster.

With the Assetto Fiorano pack, you’ll be carving up the circuit like a pro, thanks to its lower center of gravity and shorter wheelbase.

The numbers speak for themselves – this Ferrari is a whopping 2 seconds quicker around the Nürburgring than the Pista.

Track Dominance

On the track, you’re met with an unrelenting onslaught of power and poise, as the 296 GTB uncorks its full fury.

This Ferrari’s track prowess is rooted in its exceptional handling and responsiveness.

  1. Electrifying acceleration: The 296 GTB’s hybrid powertrain delivers instant torque, propelling you from 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds.
  2. Razor-sharp turn-in: The GTB’s adaptive suspension and precise steering guarantee unwavering stability through even the most demanding corners.
  3. Unyielding grip: Ferrari’s advanced traction control and bespoke tire compounds provide unrelenting grip, even at the track’s most treacherous sections.

Fast Lap Times

The 296 GTB’s exceptional track capabilities culminate in blistering lap times, thanks to its advanced technology and finely honed dynamics.

You’ll experience the thrill of fast lap times as you take the 296 GTB around the Assetto Fiorano circuit.

With its advanced aerodynamics and rear-wheel steering, you’ll carve through corners with precision and confidence.

As you push the limits of the 296 GTB, you’ll shave precious seconds off your lap times.

With the 296 GTB, you’ll be on the fast track to becoming a track master.

Rivals

You’ll find the Ferrari 296 GTB faces stiff competition from several high-performance sports cars.

When considering the rivals of this Ferrari, you’ll notice some strong contenders.

  1. The McLaren 750S, which offers similar performance and handling characteristics.
  2. The Maserati MC20, which boasts a different engine and power output.
  3. The Lamborghini Huracan, which shares a similar mid-engined supercar design and comparable power output.

These rivals offer distinct driving experiences, but they’re all high-performance options worth considering alongside the Ferrari 296 GTB.

What’s the Verdict?

You’ll likely be surprised by how well the 296 GTB works as a cohesive package, considering its hybrid powertrain and all-new design.

Ferrari’s masterclass performance tuning shines through in the way the car’s sharp handling and blistering acceleration make it a track-ready beast.

With its impressive capabilities and attainable price, you’ll struggle to find a more convincing supercar on the market.

A Supercar Hater’s Surprise

How does a supercar hater like you, with its 819 horsepower and electrifying acceleration, manage to win over a self-proclaimed supercar hater?

The Ferrari 296 GTB’s charming and approachable power delivery makes it a joy to drive.

  1. Impeccable power delivery: The 296 GTB’s twin-turbo V-6 produces 654 horsepower, providing immense thrust from a standstill, similar to an electric car.
  2. Agile handling: In Sport mode, the car feels impossibly light, with traction and stability control standing at the ready, making it awake and agile in your hands.
  3. Urban capabilities: The car’s battery pack allows it to crawl quietly, ideal for urban driving, and adds depth to the supercar experience.

Ferrari’s Masterclass Performance

The Ferrari 296 GTB’s performance is nothing short of a masterclass, with its 819 horsepower and 2.4-second 0-60 mph time delivering an experience that’s both exhilarating and approachable. You’ll feel the car’s immense thrust from a standstill, like an electric car. In Sport mode, the 296 GTB feels impossibly light underneath you, with traction and stability control standing at the ready.

Performance Metrics Ferrari 296 GTB
Horsepower 819
0-60 mph Time 2.4 seconds
Top Speed 205 mph
Nürburgring Time Faster than Pista
Handling Spectacular

Where This Vehicle Ranks

Racing enthusiasts place the Ferrari 296 GTB within the top tier of high-performance vehicles, thanks to its exceptional power output and handling capabilities.

You’ll find it ranks alongside every car in its class, boasting impressive stats.

  1. Acceleration: The 296 GTB’s 2.9-second 0-60 mph time puts it in the same league as the Lamborghini Huracan Performante.
  2. Handling: Its advanced traction control and rear-wheel steering make it a formidable opponent on the track, rivaling the Porsche 911 GT3.

Whats New for 2025?

You’ll find a hybrid powertrain in the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB, which combines a V6 engine with an electric motor for amplified performance.

Engine upgrades include a more efficient combustion engine and an advanced electric motor that work together to provide a more exhilarating driving experience.

These upgrades result in improved power output and a more responsive acceleration, making the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB a more thrilling ride.

Hybrid Powertrain

As Ferrari’s first road-going hybrid, the 296 GTB’s powertrain represents a major leap forward in performance and efficiency.

You’ll experience the benefits of its hybrid setup, which combines a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor.

  1. The electric motor 165 horsepower, supported by a 7.45 kWh battery pack, allowing for electric-only driving up to 84 mph.
  2. The V6 engine produces 654 horsepower, working in harmony with the electric motor’s instant torque delivery.
  3. The result is a total output of 819 horsepower, launching you from 0-60 mph in just 2.4 seconds.

Engine Upgrades

With the 296 GTB‘s powertrain already boasting impressive performance and efficiency, Ferrari took it up a notch for 2025 by introducing significant engine upgrades.

You’ll find a new twin-turbo V-6 engine producing 819 horsepower, making it Ferrari’s first-ever V6 engine in a production car.

The engine’s max torque arrives at 6,250rpm, with a redline at 8,500rpm, providing a visceral driving experience.

The twin-turbo V6 produces 654bhp, while the electric motor adds 165bhp.

This upgraded powertrain rewrites the supercar market segment, making the 296 GTB faster around the Nürburgring track.

Pricing and Which One

The 2025 Ferrari 296GTS‘s top-tier pricing starts at $346,950, scaling up to $379,950 depending on the trim and options chosen.

As you weigh your options, consider the following:

  1. Coupe or Convertible: You’ll save $33,000 by opting for the 296GTB coupe over the 296GTS’s top-down experience.
  2. Fiber Upgrades: Add carbon-fiber wheels and Daytona seats for a premium feel, and put the money you saved towards track adventures.
  3. EPA Rating: Both the 296GTB and 296GTS have an estimated EPA rating of 47 MPGe, making them efficient performers.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

You’ll be harnessing the fury of a 120-degree V-angle twin-turbo V6 engine, which triggers 819 horsepower – 654 from the V6 and 165 from the electric motor.

The engine’s max torque arrives at 6,250 rpm, with a redline at 8,500 rpm, providing a visceral driving experience.

This setup makes the 296 GTB’s power always available and ready to blow you away, feeling approachable and manageable despite its immense power.

The hybrid system’s smart engineering and technology make the car’s performance feel light years ahead of its competitors.

Shopping Tools

Now that you’ve experienced the Ferrari 296 GTB‘s remarkable performance, it’s time to get down to business.

When shopping for a Ferrari 296 GTB, consider the following:

1. Budget: Set a Budget between $346,950, depending on the trim and options.

You can opt for the coupe and carbon-fiber Daytona seats to fund track days and road trips.

2. Dealership: Building a relationship with a Ferrari Dealership is vital in getting an allocation.

Dealers may prioritize those with whom they’ve a prior relationship when an allocation becomes available.

3. Upgrade: Consider upgrading your Ferrari 296 GTB with track-focused features to amplify its performance.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari LaFerrari, Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Ferrari Roma. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Betti Holt
About the author
Betti Holt