Compare the2023 Audi R8VS 2023 Ferrari 296

The Audi R8 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The 296 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The R8 has standard head airbags which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and outboard passenger's upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams and lower side airbags this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The 296 doesn't offer side airbag protection for the head.

The R8 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 296 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The R8 Quattro/GT offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The 296 doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The R8 has standard Parking System Plus to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The 296 doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The R8 has standard Audi Connect CARE, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The 296 doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the R8 and the 296 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The R8 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 296’s 3-year basic warranty expires 1 year sooner.

The R8’s corrosion warranty is 9 years longer than the 296’s (12 vs. 3 years).

There are almost 7 times as many Audi dealers as there are Ferrari dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the R8’s warranty.

The R8 Coupe’s standard fuel tank has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the 296 (19.3 vs. 17.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The R8 Spyder’s standard fuel tank has 3.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the 296 (21.1 vs. 17.8 gallons).

The R8 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The 296 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

All wheel drive, available in the R8, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Ferrari 296 is not available with all wheel drive.

The R8’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 296’s standard 35 series tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the R8’s wheelbase is 1.9 inches longer than on the 296 (104.3 inches vs. 102.4 inches).

The R8 is 5.3 inches shorter than the 296, making the R8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The R8’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 296’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

On a hot day the R8 has a standard remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The 296 doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to enter the car, turn the ignition on and lower the top.

Laser headlights, standard on the R8 Quattro, produce their light by firing blue lasers through phosphorus, a process that uses one-half the power of the 296’s LED headlights. Laser headlights can have double the range of LEDs with a much smaller surface area.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the R8 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The 296 doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The R8’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 296’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

The R8 has standard heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the 296.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi R8 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 296 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.