The F8 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 F8 and the GT have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and available rearview cameras.
Ferrari pays for scheduled maintenance on the F8 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 F8’s 3.9 turbo V8 produces 63 more horsepower (710 vs. 647) and 17 lbs.-ft. more torque (567 vs. 550) than the GT’s 3.5 turbo V6.
As tested in Road and Track the Ferrari F8 is faster than the Ford GT:
|
|
F8 |
GT |
| Zero to 60 MPH |
2.8 sec |
3.2 sec |
| Zero to 100 MPH |
5 sec |
6.6 sec |
| Quarter Mile |
10.2 sec |
11.1 sec |
On the EPA test cycle the F8 Tributo gets better fuel mileage than the GT (15 city/19 hwy vs. 12 city/18 hwy).
In heavy traffic or at stoplights the F8’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. The GT doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.
The F8 has 7.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the GT (22.7 vs. 15.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
For better stopping power the F8’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GT:
|
|
F8 |
GT |
| Front Rotors |
15.7 inches |
15.5 inches |
The F8 offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the GT; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.
The front and rear suspension of the F8 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 F8 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.
For better maneuverability, the F8’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the GT’s (38.7 feet vs. 40 feet).
The F8 is 6 inches shorter than the GT, making the F8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
The design of the Ferrari F8 amounts to more than styling. The F8 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .292 Cd. That is significantly lower than the GT (.35). A more efficient exterior helps the F8 go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the F8 get better fuel mileage.
The F8’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 F8 Tributo has a much larger trunk than the GT (7.1 vs. .4 cubic feet).
A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the F8. The GT doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.
The F8 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The GT uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.
A maintenance reminder system is standard on the F8 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Ford doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the GT.
When three different drivers share the F8, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The GT doesn’t offer a memory system.
The F8’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.
In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The F8 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The GT doesn’t offer headlight washers.
To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the F8 offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The GT doesn’t offer cornering lights.
The F8’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The GT doesn’t offer heated side mirrors.
When the F8 with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The GT’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.
The F8’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The GT doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.
The F8’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The GT doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.
The Ferrari F8 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Ford GT isn’t available as a convertible.