Compare the2025 Ferrari 296VS 2024 Aston Martin DBS

Both the 296 and the DBS 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.

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. Aston Martin doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the DBS.

The 296’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid produces 104 more horsepower (819 vs. 715) than the DBS’ standard 5.2 turbo V12. The 296’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid produces 59 more horsepower (819 vs. 760) than the DBS 770 Ultimate Edition’s standard 5.2 turbo V12.

As tested in Motor Trend the Ferrari 296 is faster than the Aston Martin DBS (base engine):

On the EPA test cycle the 296 GTB running on electricity gets better mileage than the DBS 5.2 turbo V12 (45 city/49 hwy MPGe vs. 14 city/22 hwy).

On the EPA test cycle the 296 GTB running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the DBS 5.2 turbo V12 (16 city/22 hwy vs. 14 city/22 hwy).

On the EPA test cycle the 296 GTS running on electricity gets better mileage than the DBS 5.2 turbo V12 (48 city/48 hwy MPGe vs. 14 city/22 hwy).

The 296 GTB can travel with zero emissions for 8 miles. The DBS can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

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

The 296 offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The DBS doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The 296’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s at 3000 in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The DBS doesn’t offer launch control.

The 296 stops shorter than the DBS:

The 296 Assetto Fiorano GTB handles at 1.15 G’s, while the DBS Superleggera Coupe pulls only 1.02 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The 296 Assetto Fiorano GTB executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the DBS Superleggera Coupe (21.7 seconds @ 1.04 average G’s vs. 23.6 seconds @ .89 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the 296’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the DBS’ (39.1 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The Ferrari 296 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 900 pounds less than the Aston Martin DBS.

The 296 is 5.8 inches shorter than the DBS, making the 296 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces. The 296 is 5.9 inches shorter than the DBS 770 Ultimate Edition.

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

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the 296. The DBS doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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 DBS 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 DBS doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The 296’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The DBS’ visors are fixed into the windshield header.