The 296 has standard front seat side-impact airbags, which act as a forgiving barrier between the passengers and the door. Combined with high-strength steel door beams this system increases protection from broadside collisions. The GT doesn't offer side-impact airbags.
Both the 296 and the GT have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding and daytime running lights.
Ferrari pays for scheduled maintenance on the 296 for 7 years and unlimited miles. Ferrari will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the GT.
The 296’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid produces 172 more horsepower (819 vs. 647) than the GT’s 3.5 turbo V6.
On the EPA test cycle the 296 running on electricity gets better mileage than the GT (45 city/49 hwy MPGe vs. 12 city/18 hwy).
On the EPA test cycle the 296 running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the GT (15 city/21 hwy vs. 12 city/18 hwy).
The 296 can travel with zero emissions for 7 miles. The GT can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.
Regenerative brakes improve the 296’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GT doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.
In heavy traffic or at stoplights the 296’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The GT doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.
The 296 has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the GT (17.8 vs. 15.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Ferrari 296, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the GT.
For better stopping power the 296’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GT:
|
|
296 |
GT |
| Front Rotors |
15.7 inches |
15.5 inches |
The front and rear suspension of the 296 uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the GT, which uses torsion bars in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.
The 296 has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The GT doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.
The 296 is 7.8 inches shorter than the GT, making the 296 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
The 296’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The GT doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.
The 296 has 18 cubic feet more passenger volume than the GT (61 vs. 43).
The 296 GTB has a much larger trunk than the GT (5 vs. .4 cubic feet).
A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the 296. The GT doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.
When three different drivers share the 296, the memory seats make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The GT doesn’t offer memory seats.
The 296 has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and tachometer readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The GT doesn’t offer a heads-up display.
The 296’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The GT’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.
To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the 296 has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The GT doesn’t offer cornering lights.
The Ferrari 296 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Ford GT isn’t available as a convertible.