[MarkNC]

Secondly, I didn’t even consider the 296 when I bought the Artura because of the relative higher cost. Maybe I should have driven one but was so smitten with the balance, driveability and performance of the Artura that I couldn’t imagine paying a lot more for the 296. The 296 and the Artura are the real entry level competitors in that class, esp with their respective hybrid platforms. Not the 750 to the 296. To me, they in are completely different classes for comparisons sake.

The 296 is not the entry level Ferrari, that's the Roma. The 296 replaces the F8/488/458/etc. It is actually correct to compare the 750S and the 296. They're comparable performance and comparable pricing and aimed at the same buyers. Ferrari doesn't really have a car that compares directly to the Artura. I think it would also be correct to cross shop the Artura against the 296 if you're value-conscious. The Artura is a far better value than the 296, and as I pointed out earlier, an easier car to live with but it won't match it in performance and you can spec a few more comfort features (just driving the price up even more) in the Ferrari like seat cooling, seat massaging, air scarf, digital rearview mirror, etc. The Artura is also much prettier than the 296.

 

[Nu2Mac]

Hybridization is the future. For motorheads such as myself, it’s unfortunate but as the saying “change or die” goes, I’m slowly embracing it. The 296 appears to be a monster in a straight line and probably is faster than the 750S past the 1/2 mile point. By just looking at the pictures of the 296, it definitely has a nicer interior than any McLaren. JMHO. I personally prefer the minimalist cockpit of the 750S. Modern cars have enough gizmos and apps to keep a teenager entertained! I just want a decent sounding stereo in my cars and the Bowers & Wilkins works for me.
As for the exterior, I really can’t get over the 296’s looks. I’ve heard the same comments regarding the McLaren, so it’s just personal preference. Artura is a good looking McLaren and if it had a nice wing, it would be a complete package, IMO.

 

[LMP]

Hybridization is the future. For motorheads such as myself, it’s unfortunate but as the saying “change or die” goes, I’m slowly embracing it. The 296 appears to be a monster in a straight line and probably is faster than the 750S past the 1/2 mile point. By just looking at the pictures of the 296, it definitely has a nicer interior than any McLaren. JMHO. I personally prefer the minimalist cockpit of the 750S. Modern cars have enough gizmos and apps to keep a teenager entertained! I just want a decent sounding stereo in my cars and the Bowers & Wilkins works for me.
As for the exterior, I really can’t get over the 296’s looks. I’ve heard the same comments regarding the McLaren, so it’s just personal preference. Artura is a good looking McLaren and if it had a nice wing, it would be a complete package, IMO.

I agree with what you said, I own a SF90 amazing machine but I also love the fact 750s is the total opposite light weight minimalist cockpit and buttons its in a league of its own…..

 

[Nu2Mac]

I agree with what you said, I own a SF90 amazing machine but I also love the fact 750s is the total opposite light weight minimalist cockpit and buttons its in a league of its own…..

SF90 must be absolutely epic. Congrats! It’s also nice that Ferraris come with 7 years of complimentary service. So many toys, so little time! I owe…. I owe, off to work I go!

 

[LMP]

SF90 must be absolutely epic. Congrats! It’s also nice that Ferraris come with 7 years of complimentary service. So many toys, so little time! I owe…. I owe, off to work I go!

Yes it is! so is the 750s I was smiling when I found out McLaren offered 3yrs ….7yrs is lovely not going to lie lol…..see at coffee break lmao

 

[Kaiser]

I think the 296 looks really cool 😔; much cooler than the Artura. I also like the 250 LM a lot so that may be why. The 750s is better looking than the 296 for me, but they are different looks.

Like @Nu2Mac said, so many cool cars out there

 

[Matt's McLaren]

So what are the top 10 qualities that quantify value to you, other than "it costs less"
Hint: look as the big picture...

 

[Nu2Mac]

Yes it is! so is the 750s I was smiling when I found out McLaren offered 3yrs ….7yrs is lovely not going to lie lol…..see at coffee break lmao

I’m 100% content with my current stable. I’ve learned long ago to be thankful for our blessings. The 750S is a keeper for sure! Ahhh…coffee! 🤙

 

[LMP]

I’m 100% content with my current stable. I’ve learned long ago to be thankful for our blessings. The 750S is a keeper for sure! Ahhh…coffee! 🤙

Well said brother!

 

[MarkNC]

Hybridization is the future. For motorheads such as myself, it’s unfortunate but as the saying “change or die” goes, I’m slowly embracing it. The 296 appears to be a monster in a straight line and probably is faster than the 750S past the 1/2 mile point. By just looking at the pictures of the 296, it definitely has a nicer interior than any McLaren. JMHO. I personally prefer the minimalist cockpit of the 750S. Modern cars have enough gizmos and apps to keep a teenager entertained! I just want a decent sounding stereo in my cars and the Bowers & Wilkins works for me.
As for the exterior, I really can’t get over the 296’s looks. I’ve heard the same comments regarding the McLaren, so it’s just personal preference. Artura is a good looking McLaren and if it had a nice wing, it would be a complete package, IMO.

I own a 296 and a 750S and I think the 750S cockpit is way nicer that the 296. At night the 296 interior lights up like a Christmas tree because most of the controls are awful backlit touch controls with way too much backlighting that you can't turn down enough. Although a few of them on the steering wheel you can turn down completely and then you have to double press when you want to use them again which is even more ridiculous so you never turn them off. Plus there's the idiotic passenger screen that's always on, even when it's "off". The 750S interior also has a more interesting layout and design in my opinion. Plus the B&W stereo is way better than JBL system that Ferrari uses. Outside, I totally agree the 750S is a better shape too. I don't dislike the look of the 296 - it's kind of retro styling - but the front end is not pretty. I get the feeling Ferrari makes ugly front ends in the their regular series cars to make you want to upgrade to the special ones. For example the 458 had those super ugly mustache-like winglets on the front bumper but the Speciale had a more aggressive, beautiful front face without them. Likewise 812 has a pretty "meh" front end but the 812 Competizione has a really big aggressive mouth on the front. Same for the F12 and F12 TDF, and 488 and 488 Pista as well. 296 is no different. The front end is the ugliest part of the car. McLaren did the same thing with the 12C and then the 12C 50th anniversary edition.

 

[rbobby]

So with all the talks about Ferrari, I feel like this is the appropriate thread to post this question to those more experienced/wiser than me.
I always wanted a red Ferrari to experience what it's like. For my usage/budget I was seriously considering adding a 488 spider to the garage along side my beloved orange 12C spider. I think it would look awesome, ketchup and mustard.
Recently I went and test drove two 488's. From a relatively short test drive, I was thoroughly unimpressed. Would someone please tell me what I'm missing? Why is a 488 worth over 2x the price of a 12C? I know if I asked such a dumb question on fchat, I'd probably get an answer like "if you don't get it, you don't get it" type of thing... Below are my thoughts on the 488 vs 12C

• Looks: Completely subjective. I think both cars have great elements of timeless elegance. Never liked the 488 front, but for $100k less than a F8, I can deal with it. To someone who's never had one, that rosso corsa paint sure looks pretty.
• Sound: Different but not that different. 488 did not sound great but not bad for a turbo car. Idle I prefer the 488, but I think 12C is more interesting and dramatic with the turbo waste gate noises.
• Gearbox: 488 is better! I love the Ferrari programming where gear changes are so sharp and you hear the engine rev match instantly. Only aspect that I think 488 is clearly preferred. 12C is more smooth and lazy until it does inertia push on WOT
• Handling/suspension: 12C wins for sure. I'm no race car driver but maybe psychologically, 12C clearly feels stiffer, more nimble, lighter, responsive, direct. Suspension is clearly smoother and less jumpy.
• Performance: even though 488 is rated at 661HP/561 lb-ft, it was disappointing. Definitely did not feel faster than a stock 12C. Traction control was also not that good so rear would spin easily, but that might be due to older/lesser tires on those for sale cars. Compared to my tuned 12C? forget about it. Not even in the same ballpark of thrill. I confirmed my suspicion that I hate the fact that 488 runs out of revs at <7500 rpm. Totally kills the fun for me. That's something a F8 wouldn't fix either.
• Fit and finish: I was expecting Italian passion/flair/refinement. Nope, overall I'd say on par with 12C fit and finish and material selection. Definitely not better. In fact, I got the feeling that 488 is the "budget" car comparing to something like a 812 interior. Felt like they tried to save money and went cheap. Would expect that in a California, but didn't expect that on a $300k+ MSRP car.

So... What am I missing? Why am I wrong? Why is the market willing to pay 2x+ for a 488? I can see if the two cars are the same price (which they were when new), there could be a compelling argument to get the Ferrari given the brand power and history. But at the current prices, I can't justify the purchase.

My 12C is feeling loved, but maybe a bit lonely. Any other options out there? I like variety, but maybe a 750S wrapped in corsa red down the road? Is it really true that once you go McLaren, you can't go back?
Have we reached peak supercar?

 

[Nosferatu]

You're not missing anything. I cross shopped the 488 with a 720S and never looked back. I was coming from an F12 (V12 Ferrari but similar interior) that I put about 7,000 miles on. The interior "looks" nice (I had carbon everywhere) but I don't think overall their cars are that well put together. Mechanically it felt that way (drivetrain) but fit & finish not so much.

It's worth the experience. Ferrari really nails the "experience." The sound, the prancing horse in front of your face, etc etc etc. Look at it as a different flavor of ice cream (McLaren vs Ferrari) rather than competitors if you're looking for that "red Ferrari" experience.

 

[Machiavelli]

488 is boring as hell, 458 is the one you want, speciale if your budget permits, I'm shopping for one currently.

 

[Kaiser]

I liked my 458 a lot. I also think the f8 looks better than any McLaren product out there below the p1 (sue me - the 720/750/765 has a long back like Taylor swift). You didn’t ask about the f8 though. I would take a 720 over a 488 no question.

 

[600LT_purple]

I liked my 458 a lot. I also think the f8 looks better than any McLaren product out there below the p1 (sue me - the 720/750/765 has a long back like Taylor swift). You didn’t ask about the f8 though. I would take a 720 over a 488 no question.

Pista is the best looking mid engine Ferrari.

765LT looks better than any Ferrari ever made

 

[invisiblewave]

Pista is the best looking mid engine Ferrari.

765LT looks better than any Ferrari ever made

Crazy that the 765LT goes for less than a Pista.

 

[Michaelj]

I’ve owned multiple combinations of 488/488 Pista, 720, 765 and now a 750.

the Ferrari is decent but my 720 was better than both my 488 and 488 Pista. The 765 better than them all. 750 is also a great car but I just got it.

Essentially you aren’t missing anything. Ferrari with the aluminum chassis is an inferior car to the carbon tub. It’s not as stiff. It’s not as rigid, the handling not as good. Power wise the 296 and sf90 finally have some serious power but my 2018 720 blew away both the 488 and 488 Pista.

Ferrari is an icon. They make great quality cars. But the drive of every McLaren for me has been better than any Ferrari. This is why in my garage I only have McLaren now.

 

[Kaiser]

Pista is the best looking mid engine Ferrari.

765LT looks better than any Ferrari ever made

Well yeah the Pista is better looking but it’s not even in the ballpark of pricing so I didn’t include it. We disagree that the 765 comes close to the looks though.

 

[rbobby]

Thank you guys for the insightful feedback, especially Michaelj. 458 could be cool but I worry it's getting too retro for me and probably too slow by today's standards. I love the look of a F8 spider. But at $400k+, I'm not rich enough to comfortably drive it around town. It's still too expensive right now for essentially being a 488 with a 50HP tune and a front body kit. I haven't driven one yet.

 

[Michaelj]

Thank you guys for the insightful feedback, especially Michaelj. 458 could be cool but I worry it's getting too retro for me and probably too slow by today's standards. I love the look of a F8 spider. But at $400k+, I'm not rich enough to comfortably drive it around town. It's still too expensive right now for essentially being a 488 with a 50HP tune and a front body kit. I haven't driven one yet.

I think 488 is a very nice car. I enjoyed owning one. But is it “better” than a McLaren? We’ll, I voted with my wallet.