Porsche 992 GTS vs Ferrari 296 GTB

[AndreB]

I am considering the 296 as my first super car. Prides in the UK have fallen fast. The reasons why I fancy it over other cars is the design, good things said about agility and most importantly cabin there not too noisy when you want to cruise. So not like a 911 gt3 that cruises on the motorway at 4k rpm!

I have the same thoughts, next year to get a super car. So it may be the 992.1 Turbo S or 296 GTB. I will drive the Turbo S soon when a friend receives his cabrio next week. The Porsche I know is very reliable and there's not much to worry about but the road noise is annoying.

I like the 296 because its a new car with more technology and hopefully more comfortable. Only concern is the reliability of hybrid drivetrain at higher mileage, I'll drive the car, not look at it. Reason why I excluded the 720S.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I have the same thoughts, next year to get a super car. So it may be the 992.1 Turbo S or 296 GTB. I will drive the Turbo S soon when a friend receives his cabrio next week. The Porsche I know is very reliable and there's not much to worry about but the road noise is annoying.

I like the 296 because its a new car with more technology and hopefully more comfortable. Only concern is the reliability of hybrid drivetrain at higher mileage, I'll drive the car, not look at it. Reason why I excluded the 720S.

The 296 is notably more comfortable and refined than the 911 GTS, but I can't comment on the Turbo S unfortunately, as my experience with the 992.1 is limited and I havent driven a 992.2.

The suspension is uncannily refined. In fact, it deals with sharp ridges like train tracks with disdain. Gliding over ridges that send a brief but noticeble thump in our airmatic equipped S.

The Ui with the touch buttons on the steering wheel is infuriating, but if you forgot about that, the rest of the package is sublime. It doesnt deliver the ultimate visceral experience that that GTS does in terms of suspension or steering feedback, but it followd steering and throttle inputs with absolute precision. The porsche delights with drama, the Ferrari astonishes with absolute ability. The updated steering wheel going into production post February 26 should resolve most of my concerns regarding the UI, but dont expect MBUX levels of responsiveness, connectivity and flexibility. Expect the basics from the Ui and just revel in the driving experience.

If Ferrari could package the driving experience of the 296 in a sleek 4 seat coupe that was a bit more discreet (if a Ferrari can be discreet), I would be running to the dealership for a new daily tbh. As @Monster has mentioned, you can completely forget you're in a car with the performance capabilities of the 296. Its more than happy to play the part of a beautifully refined sports coupe, but when you do decide rapid progress is needed, the 296 delivers with bullet like precision as the V6 sings its glorious symphony. A piccolo 12 it is.

 

[AndreB]

@Mr. Mercedes Excellent write up, thank you for sharing! Look forward to hearing more over time.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Your welcome Andre. I'm pretty sure @Monster is putting together a comprehensive write up which will answer everything. Further to that happy to answer anything else, or give you my alternate take.

 

[Centurion]

I have the same thoughts, next year to get a super car. So it may be the 992.1 Turbo S or 296 GTB. I will drive the Turbo S soon when a friend receives his cabrio next week. The Porsche I know is very reliable and there's not much to worry about but the road noise is annoying.

I like the 296 because its a new car with more technology and hopefully more comfortable. Only concern is the reliability of hybrid drivetrain at higher mileage, I'll drive the car, not look at it. Reason why I excluded the 720S.

The turbo and turbo would be a waste in the south East of English. Too much traffic and too tight of roads to exploit all that power. Plus It might edge a little bit too close ot a grand tourer for me. Last Porsche I drove was a 991 Carrera S. Engineering wise it was perfect and precis but didn't excite enough in proportions to how much it cost.

I will want to use a car for long distance driving and touring. GT3 would be too tiring for that. So maybe I should try the GTS. It could be a sweet spot. However the 206 prices are close to bottoming out and on finance and considering depreciation, the Ferrari is unlikely going to be materially more expensive than the gts which is not cheap.

Thrilling handling and engine response is fab. However it's nice that the 296 can kick back and chill when I am on start and stop traffic or want to enjoy some music and let the mind wonder.