Compare the2024 Ferrari 296VS 2023 Audi R8

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

Ferrari pays for scheduled maintenance on the 296 for 7 years and unlimited miles. Ferrari will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the R8.

The 296’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid produces 257 more horsepower (819 vs. 562) and 140 lbs.-ft. more torque (546 vs. 406) than the R8 RWD Performance’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10. The 296’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid produces 217 more horsepower (819 vs. 602) and 133 lbs.-ft. more torque (546 vs. 413) than the R8 Quattro/GT’s standard 5.2 DOHC V10.

On the EPA test cycle the 296 running on electricity gets better mileage than the R8:

On the EPA test cycle the 296 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the R8:

The 296 can travel with zero emissions for 7 miles. The R8 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 R8 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

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 R8.

For better stopping power the 296’s brake rotors are larger than those on the R8:

The 296 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The R8’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 296 is .8 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than on the R8.

The Ferrari 296 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 500 pounds less than the Audi R8.

The 296’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The R8 doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The 296 has 11 cubic feet more passenger volume than the R8 (61 vs. 50).

The 296 GTB has a larger trunk than the R8 Coupe (5 vs. 4 cubic feet).

The 296’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The R8 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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 R8 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The R8’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The 296’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.