Compare the2023 Aston Martin DBSVS 2023 Ferrari 296

The Aston Martin DBS has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps 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 DBS has standard head airbag curtains for front and rear seats 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 DBS has a standard Birds-eye Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The 296 only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

Both the DBS 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 Aston Martin DBS weighs 673 to 1047 pounds more than the Ferrari 296. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The DBS’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the 296’s (10 vs. 3 years).

The 296’s redline is at 8500 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The DBS has a 7200 RPM redline.

The DBS’ 5.2 turbo V12 produces 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 546) than the 296’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the DBS’ fuel efficiency. The 296 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The DBS has 3.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the 296 (21.1 vs. 17.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the DBS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the 296:

For better traction, the DBS has larger front tires than the 296 (F:265/35R21 & R:305/30R21 vs. F:245/35R20 & R:305/35R20).

The DBS’ 305/30R21 rear 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 better ride, handling and brake cooling the DBS has standard 21-inch wheels. Only 20-inch wheels are available on the 296.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the DBS’ wheelbase is 8 inches longer than on the 296 (110.4 inches vs. 102.4 inches).

The DBS’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the 296’s (40.5% to 59.5%). This gives the DBS more stable handling and braking.

The DBS has standard seating for 4 passengers; the 296 can only carry 2.

The DBS has 11 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 296 (72 vs. 61).

The DBS Coupe has a much larger trunk than the 296 GTB (9.5 vs. 5 cubic feet).

The DBS’ 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.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the DBS has a standard remote convertible top that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. On a hot day the DBS 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 run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

The DBS’ 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 DBS 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.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the DBS keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The 296 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the DBS’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The 296 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The DBS’ 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 296 doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The DBS’ Auto Parking can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The 296 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.