296 GTS vs DB12 Volante

[Stark999]

So having had our DB12 for 14 months - Swindon Ferrari lent us a 296 for 4 days.

Things we don’t like.

The wipers on show on windscreen
Classic seat with some electric movement and no height. We need to look at seat options
No centre armrest - can’t believe it
Very very technical dash etc

Loved

Hybrid performance
Cool looks
Amazing sound


So here we are - what do we keep?

It’s a tough one



Or



It’s really tough plus I’m 58 and getting in and out isn’t easy!!

[AB]

That is a tough one.

2 cars I have also been looking at as possible alternatives to my Bentley. The DB12 was an obvious choice as it's a bit more hardcore/sporty but still classy and comfortable.

At the other end of the spectrum I started looking at the F8.

Then I came across the 296 and it's now right in the mix having seen a couple up close at Beaulieu last week.

DB12 is absolutely beautiful and they've sorted the interior out. Maybe all you need is to change the wheel colour on yours...

I'm only 40 so getting in and out of any of them shouldn't be a problem for a few years yet.

Interested to hear where you end up with this. Did it feel cramped inside? Especially passenger side?

[Stark999]

Yes the passenger area is more cramped as there is a butting out bit by your left foot which comes into the cabin. There isn’t much of a gulf between passenger and driver which I am used to and like in the DB12

[XMA Simon]

Stark999 said:

No centre armrest - can t believe it

It s a tough one

I feel your pain. If arm rests are a "I can't believe it" priority then you know they do Ferraris that actually do have arm rests, right? For example the GTC4 Lusso which is terrific value in the pre-owned market.

This is like complaining that your supermodel wife doesn't enjoy going to "all you can eat" buffets. Are you sure that the sales person is pointing you to the correct category of Ferrari? Just because the dealer wants to move 296s does not mean that they are the right car for you. And there might well be better Ferraris from which you to chose something to suit your values and circumstances. The 296 is at heart a bit of a mental headbanger. Albeit one that is surprisingly civilised and comfortable for when you want to cruise. But it still isn't a GT, now matter how well it does the mooching stuff.

Edited by XMA Simon on Sunday 9th August 13:14

[Stark999]

The stupid thing is that Swindon say they don’t have them on 296’s and I have seen them on other ones advertised.

Everyone on here driving an auto loves an armrest for your left arm/elbow.

Just makes it very uncomfortable resting it on a plastic cubby hole

[DeejRC]

I know I can be a bit random in some of my opinions on likes/dislikes…but window wipers on show is definately an out there one!!

[XMA Simon]

1) I've never seen a 296 with an arm rest. Do you have a photograph of a 296 with an arm rest?

2) I think the idea with a mid engine sports car like this is that you have both hands on the wheel with thumbs in position at "09h30" and "2h30" all the time and you are actively driving the car all the time. This explains part of more modern Ferrari's stubborn persistence with having almost all the car controls on the steering wheel itself. This is optimal for the track, but speaking from experience it is far less optimal for road use.

3) The 296 is a sports car that can cruise surprisingly well. It is not a GT that crosses into sports car usage. Have you tried a Roma / Amalfi? Have you tried a GTC4? Or an 812? These might be less of a jump from the DB12 while still scratching the Ferrari itch. Just a few alternative thoughts... of course I expect you to choose whatever works best for you. (BTW... I have an 296. For me it is the right car given my subjective tastes. I just mention these alternatives because of the points of critique you offered on the 296).

[Stark999]

One of the ones I have seen with an armrest and some others on Autotrader too

[Stark999]

Lots we love about the car truthfully but tbh o was ready to take the car back after 12 hours and get our DB12 back. But we have it until tomorrow now so let’s see if they can find us a car we like with comfy height adjustable seats and not classic ones

[Grant3]

I have been down the same route, love Astons having owned 7, looked at DB12 which is fabulous, then decided I needed something different for a change and looked at 296, then came across the McLaren Artura and found it to be the perfect middle ground and am now the proud owner of one. Loving it. Test drive a Spider Artura before deciding.Edited to add....although you can get great comfort seats, the carbon tob and wide sills mean that it isn't as easy to get in/out as a 13, but those door are fab

Edited by Grant3 on Sunday 9th August 16:15

[Stark999]

Thinking we will see once we get our DB12 Volante back first and see what we think. Yes first thing I will miss is the engine sound as it’s amazing. Even for a V6 Hybrid

[is-uk]

The 296 GTB does not have an armrest but the 296 GTS does.

[ANOpax]

Armrests? Utterly superfluous in a Ferrari as you need your hands on the steering wheel at all times since the controls are all there.

[LondonCarGuy]

Stark999 said:

So having had our DB12 for 14 months - Swindon Ferrari lent us a 296 for 4 days.

Things we don t like.

The wipers on show on windscreen
Classic seat with some electric movement and no height. We need to look at seat options
No centre armrest - can t believe it
Very very technical dash etc

Loved

Hybrid performance
Cool looks
Amazing sound


So here we are - what do we keep?

It s a tough one



Or



It s really tough plus I m 58 and getting in and out isn t easy!!

You guys look great in the Aston! Was that a car meet in Hyde Park?

[MingtheMerciless]

I had not noticed that my 296GTS had no armrest! Never occurred to me.

These are two very different cars although I think the 296 can play GT reasonably well.

I think you should try an F12 or 812 before you decide. Maybe even a Roma or an Amalfi.

But if you are down to those two only it would be 296 for me. And I'm older than you. Get one with the carbon race seats though.

[Stark999]

Yes that was the SW1 meet in Hyde Park.

So we took the 296 back today AND basked in the luxury of the DB12. Yes the 296 is a great car but some things just don’t work. I need it to be more comfortable, they need to hide the wipers from the windscreen and the internal build quality lags being Aston Martin by a mile. Yes it is a GT car but an uncomfortable one at that. Sorry

[bennno]

We drove our 296 down to Italy to watch the Mille Miglia last year - was magic, with the suspension set to the softest setting it just glides.

The carbon backed sports seats look uncomfortable but proved to be quite the opposite - plus it’s stupendously fast.

To be fair it’s it a bit like choosing the right tool from the toolbox, we had a Portofino in the garage as an alternative which is a drop drop cruiser that’s much more similar to the db12….. plus a 4.0 vantage for a blat.

[Calculator]

That DB12 looks fantastic. I hadn’t appreciated what great value they are.

[AB]

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20522782

Maybe you need to look at one of these?

Hard to look past the DB12 though, DBS Superleggera Volante?

[Stark999]

I like the new Bentley a lot but today was also considering a Spectre - now that’s a change from the norm!!