The world's GREATEST supercar: Ferrari 296 GTB versus McLaren 750S

One of these machines is the finest quarter-of-a-million pound supercar on sale today. But is it the Ferrari 296 GTB or McLaren 750S? Does the world's greatest supercar have a twin-turbo V6 with hybrid drive, or a twin-turbo V8? Over two days on the best roads in North Wales, we set about answering those difficult questions.
The Ferrari represents the start of a new era for Maranello. Gone is the V8 that's powered Ferrari's entry-level mid-engined supercar for decades, in its place a downsized V6 with electrical assistance producing 819bhp. Will you miss the V8?
The 750S, meanwhile, is a comprehensive redevelopment of the magnificent 720S. You won't find any hybrid assistance here, just a snorting V8 with turbos producing 740bhp. With carbon fibre construction, the McLaren is lighter than the Ferrari by 200kg.
Read our Ferrari 296 GTB versus McLaren 750S comparison test - www.the-intercooler.com/libra...
0:00 Introduction
0:21 Ferrari 296 GTB
6:40 McLaren 750S
11:55 Conclusion
#ferrari #mclaren #supercar
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[@gentnextdoor]

The V6 in the 296 has won LeMans and 24hrs of Nurburgring, it was designed by a brilliant young engineer in Maranello. It is already an all-time great powertrain.

[@swizzronny8603]

What’s the name of the designer?He did an amazing job 🔥

[@Gutenmorgenside]

The McLaren every time. The Ferrari looks are a bit questionable. Not in the class of 458 or 488

[@Ale55andr082]

@@Gutenmorgenside lol mclaren design basically the same car with same engine again and again since 2014 or so.

[@Gutenmorgenside]

@Ale55andr082 pot kettle black. But better, the 720/750 looks completely different from previously.

[@italianstallion399]

@@Gutenmorgenside You're saying that Ferrari has designed the same car since 2014? The 296 looks nothing like its predecessors.

[@HiddenWen]

296 would be absolute perfection if the interior controls weren't so shit.

[@Cas_anova]

And if it wasn't heavy with hybrid bs, had a v8 and the previous gen Ferarri styling.

[@Maul505]

@@Cas_anova the 296 is much prettier than the f8 and 488 the 458 is untouchable tho

[@dddd-uk4vn]

theyre digital but you have to pretend theyre buttons in terms of how much force you need to apply, after that its fine

[@jugo1944]

The front is gorgeous

[@ant208]

I think it's going to be less reliable than even the McLaren

[@GadgetyMV]

Having to get used to haptic controls in a car as powerful as the 296 should be illegal. I want it to be intuitive right off the bat. How are they allowed to make such interior interface solutions while it's illegal to even fiddle with your mobile phone during driving in many countries?

[@TheIntercooler]

Yeah they can be distracting. The McLaren approach is far better

[@stanmarks3950]

Spot on. What a ridiculous way to spoil otherwise a fantastic package. I could not live this annoying design stupidity.

[@findtomdotcom]

This. I know it shouldn’t matter, but I think the haptic controls ruin a very good car…

[@neilrobson3064]

This idiotic assumption that everything has to somehow replicate an i Phone. All people want/need are buttons, switches and stalks - they work just fine…..

[@simonbishop6041]

If any of you had owned a 488/F8 then the haptics in the 296 are completely intuitive. No issue once used to, in the Roma/SF90 without issue but ohh it's in the 296 arrrgghhh....get over it

[@ScottZ370]

Find it staggering how McLaren and Ferrari makes 2 cars on paper performance wise near enough identical but go about it in completely different ways/driving characteristics etc

[@paulgarrad1581]

The 750S Harry Metcalf drove looks far better in green than the orange one. Very colour dependant.

[@martinaston1715]

Mclaren is nearly 300kg lighter this must make a difference the on road feel,braking, handling and peformance….sorry but sports supercars should not weigh circa 1700 kg to heavy.

[@fjalics]

Cause otherwise every 2 bit $53k Tesla Model 3 performance is going to want to play with you with it's 1800kg and 2.9 second 0-60. Sure, above 100 mph you can pull away, but not much before that.

[@porschebmwchevy654]

296 weights 3200lbs dry. That’s light for a hybrid super car

[@giuseppethesantis]

Sorry but The 296 wight 1.500 kg

[@NGomersall1]

As a Ferrari 296 GTS owner I can only compare it to my old McLaren 650S Spider plus a few drives in the F8. There is more to owning a supercar than driving at 8/10 or more. The 650S was an excellent car in its day but the 296 with hybrid power's ability to completely cover any turbo lag is stunning. I always try and drive through local villages and towns in eDrive and I love the near silent driving. Out on the open road I think the sound of the V6 is better than the outgoing F8 or 650S. The haptic controls do take a long time to learn and I prefer the McLaren approach, luckily it has Apple CarPlay as trying to enter a destination into the navigation system is a nightmare. I 'm very happy with the steering and don't find it over sensitive. The 296 is very comfortable, in my view it's better built and hopefully more reliable than the McLaren. I live most of the time in SW France and my nearest McLaren dealer is 5 hours each way whereas the Ferrari dealer is 50mins. - important as my 650S was back and forth to McLaren Ascot quite often. Money is important unless you are super rich and the McLaren will suffer savage depreciation plus here in France the initial (let's call it) road tax is about €6,000 for the 296 because of the hybrid and €60,000 for the standard petrol McLaren.

[@motorfab7014]

€ 60k 😱 ...Ed io che credevo fosse lo Stato italiano il più ingordo

[@rohitbishoyi9095]

@NGomersall1 how comfortable is it for a roadtrip?

[@NGomersall1]

@@rohitbishoyi9095 Amazingly good. We will use it for European trips to Italy and Spain a well as around France. Boot (frunk) space is also good for this type of car.

[@KUROSHURA]

That Pozzi Blu on the 296 is very reminiscent of the Official Ferrari Photos of the 360 Modena. Absolutely Stunning !!!!!!!

[@harshkumarsingh08]

296 was faster and quicker than 750S on Carwow races. I don't think 296 lacks on performance either.

[@ryanmclaren9873]

Definitely depends on the driver, and surface. Remember car wow is just a drag race.

[@Smzxe]

​@@ryanmclaren9873 750s is slower 296 walked on it literally even 720s walked away from 750s 296 went neck and neck with 1000 HP SF90 296 even beat 765LT 296 is crazy fast car

[@chrisc1742]

@@Smzxeactually no. In their last race 750s vs 296 vs turbo s the McLaren won….

[@Smzxe]

@@chrisc1742 FAKE 720s will walk them both 296 GTB is faster than 750s

[@kishlayverma6622]

Damn, more i look at the 296gtb and 750s the more I appreciate the beautiful 458 and 720s design .

[@chef5590]

I find that the 296 looks way better than the 458

[@neofaktion]

@@chef5590 Absolute insanity.

[@FXM3]

@@chef5590oh hell no

[@dhanu_4539]

​@@neofaktionthey look pretty similar to me since they have the same unfussy styling. They are both the first of their respective design languages. In my opinion this is the successor to the 458 it's a similar jump to what the 458 did to the 430.

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

agreed

[@tomspain6696]

The irony is that you would have thought the car Enzo Ferrari would prefer is not the Ferrari

[@timcasey5835]

I’m watching on KZbin through my phone (like 95% of your viewers) and there no link….

[@dhanu_4539]

Enzo always said that the power train defined the car. The 296 is defined by it's power train and not anything else. Also he named his last V6 after his own son. Are you sure he'd choose the McLaren?

[@tomspain6696]

@@dhanu_4539 I'm saying it due to the fact I think the McLaren is more of an engineers vehicle. The 750S in my mind reminds me of a modern iteration of the F40. Twin turbo V8 and driver focussed

[@dhanu_4539]

@@tomspain6696 but that's not a unique formula to follow. Ultra light carbon chassis+ turbo engine with tons of power. Not to mention the F 40 was insanely lightweight. The McLaren isn't light for a carbon fibre car.

[@tomspain6696]

@@dhanu_4539 the dry weight for the McLaren is only around 100kg more than an F40. That's not bad for a modern day supercar

[@kinosgarage]

I would want the McLaren based on the future alone. Having two McLarens in the last 3 years, I’ve had the most fun, satisfaction and met the greatest people during my ownership. My next car would be the next McLaren.

[@shuaibshariff2797]

296 GTB all day long. It is refined and exciting visually and aurally. Feels much more special to me. Further Mclaren does have a spotty reputation for reliability (not saying it isnt reliable but such is its reputation especially in North America) and the residuals for Ferrari are on another planet.

[@MarcSob22]

The Ferrari 296 is another level!! Amazing gorgeous machine!!!

[@Gutenmorgenside]

Looks like an overpriced Corvette.

[@sysakPL]

That 296 sounds like an exotic Nissan 350Z😂 and i mean it in the best way poasible. It sounds good 👍

[@bamaboy2711]

That awkward moment when you realize the 750s looks worse than the car it replaces. The 720s visually was supercar perfection

[@Evil-La-Poopa]

a common trend nowadays

[@johnnyboy1586]

Hardly see any difference

[@memememine1]

​​@@johnnyboy1586 There isn't really one. They just painted more of the body. The 720s had contrast color around the headlights and front bumper. Edit: Oh I forgot it also gets a slightly bigger rear wing and tweaked rear end kinda like the 765lt.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I'm with you. 720S really grew on me. 750S is too try hard.

[@bamaboy2711]

@@JayEmmOnCars One of the best looking supercars that has come out post-late 2010 imo. I'm a huge fan of your work btw. Sending love from a Malaysian fan Jay ✌🏻You should totally do a video on the 720 at some point

[@mojojojo_BB]

‘On this bumpy road’… what? That road is billiard table smooth!

[@johnnyboyj1929]

Great review style guys snd beautiful camera work.

[@HG504X]

Both are absolutely amazing but something about the 296 is just cooler. The looks, the powertrain, the noise.

[@DPCcars]

The debate around intuitive controls vs. performance specs is fascinating. While @GadgetyMV raises a valid point about the 296's haptic controls, there's also something to be said about the visceral experience cars like the 750s and 296 GTB provide. It's almost like comparing classical art to modern tech; each has its charm and challenges.

[@xkc9689]

296GTB-720-750S

[@JerryCarterJr-kg7hq]

Enjoyed your review. I agree with you on V6 hybrid engine. I have a McLaren Artura and there is zero turbo lag which I greatly appreciate. I recently drove the 750s and I did notice the turbo particularly when accelerating from 70mph in comfort mode; however, I did think the 750s drove smoother on the highway than my Artura. The speed on the 750s is crazy though

[@dabrula]

Both beautiful cars. But how much more power do we really need before manufacturers start to dial it back in favor of lightweight and driving experience? That is what the people want, and Porsche continues to demonstrate this.

[@TheIntercooler]

Completely agree

[@jozefjozefczyk3936]

Porsche is boring

[@gaara4667]

But Porsche is not “sailing back the power”

[@dabrula]

@@jozefjozefczyk3936 I think they're boring to look at, but have you ever driven a manual gt3?

[@dabrula]

@@gaara4667 they stopped adding horsepower to the GT3 and 50% of their naturally aspirated cars are ordered with manual transmission. This is the point I was trying to make

[@matt1081]

Finally a 296 specified that actually looks nice. Really elegant and a great interior / exterior combo. I find the AF pack bloody hideous.

[@cw205mi16]

Yep, actually looks decent here (thought it was black at first) - far better than with the baby blue sticker pack

[@cardude1992]

F8 Tributo is better in every way. I hope its still in production. It's only 4 years old at most. And we haven't got the track focused version yet!

[@JonathanBurn-gz7nv]

Great review Dan. Looking forward to seeing your display at Bicester on Sunday.

[@got_gt3612]

Outstanding video, deep and excellent review

[@Kelveron]

16:50. "even though it's got less power (the 750S)....70hp less power than the Ferrari...". But it doesn't! The 720S has shown to be near 800hp at the crank, on the dyno. So in reality the 750S is well above 800hp, and probably more powerful than the 296 GTB.

[@napalmhotdog4365]

Yes, but in tests the 296 is faster.

[@Gutenmorgenside]

@@napalmhotdog4365 Really ?? The power to weight is inferior.

[@Ale55andr082]

@@Gutenmorgenside better aerodynamics and instant torque from the electric motor...anyway it have 830hp, so is basically the same actual power

[@martinosimone4232]

man the 296 in that color is gorgeous

[@JordanWinning]

Can't help but think that a 296 without the hybrid like the gt3 car and circa 200kg lighter would be the car to have.

[@Fioravanti.80]

296 for me. Stimulates more of the 5/6 senses. The McLaren lacks aesthetic design subtlety and a sonorous engine. (The Artura's design is an improvement though, in fairness) These could be fixed: go to Touring for the exterior design, and get the next V8/V6 unit from Cosworth. But I doubt whether McLaren have either the money or the inspiration to.

[@maxjtj31]

You guys do a bang-up job

[@ir3a11ydontn0]

Stunning film!

[@theironsmith1]

I gotta say this, the SF90 and the 296 GTB are on another level

[@Gorbyrev]

Great test, thank you gentlemen. It would be the McLaren for me but quite possibly the 720S. With the advent of specialist third party support with warranties such as Litchfield and Thorpey it makes it a very attractive all purpose supercar.

[@andrewparker5800]

I know we’re supposed to judge based on capability, but in my eyes the Ferrari is a beautiful car (particularly in that spec). I couldn’t choose the McLaren over it.

[@lastword4316]

Fantastic review 👍

[@LambChopBoys]

I love the headlights of the 750s against popular opinion lol

[@recursion.]

Two of my top 3 cars, Its like comparing your two children you just love them both.

[@trayambakchakravarty]

I read Andrew Frankel's "Dream Cars' as a child and it shaped my entire worldview of cars. The way he wrote poetically about cars inspired me on a short stint as an automotive journalist (intern!!) as well...I love his view of cars so much, and I would love a modern update to that phenomenal book with the Mclaren F1 on its cover. Maybe a Dream Cars 2?

[@BMBShah]

The channel needs more subscribers!

[@davew5167]

Great stuff Dan. Great to see you back on the interweb. McLaren for me in this instance. Love an uncluttered steering wheel!

[@bhunts4]

Great cars. Unfortunately like most British car channels they film in Britain. Terrible weather and road conditions. Kind of a waste of time.

[@drumdone]

Look at the windscreen edge in the in-car shots in the McLaren. Looks like it's rattling away, that famous McLaren build quality.

[@user-ei4wk8yw3v]

Steering is what you interact with and feel, for me it’s the most important thing. Thanks Woking for remembering, I am shocked Ferrari forgot. Great video, thanks.

[@TheCarFan_SA]

Background Music during the McLaren insert is Just next level. Tried shazam but failed. Care to help team?

[@jameswillard1]

Interesting, I read Andrew’s review online and now Dan is also claiming the 750S is quite a bit faster than the 296, but the real world data doesn’t support that claim. Is it possible perhaps that the hybrid powertrain flattens the torque curve compared to the boosty McLaren? I previously owned a 720S Spider and it was like lighting a rocket once the boost came on fully at the top of the rev band. 60-130MPH in the 296 is virtually neck and neck with 765LT/750S and stock 296’s trap at right around 150MPH in the 1/4 mile…..which as fast as the McLaren is, it doesn’t put up any more stout numbers than that 🤔

[@TasimanaOG]

in the real world on road the 750s feels noticeably faster due to the shorter gearing and since you're not going to be full throttling the cars 24/7 the 750s will feel faster day to day esp at 6-8 tenths

[@Ale55andr082]

@@TasimanaOG false. 296 is faster both in 0-60 and in rolling race

[@TasimanaOG]

@@Ale55andr082 carwow doesn't mean anything especially when both cars weren't broken in past 1000 miles. wait for brooks from dragtimes for the real results. the mac has a 9.3 1/4 in it. the 296 has a 9.4-5

[@EnzoNotFerrari21]

@@TasimanaOGI mean you are comparing 1/4 times with a drag strip with a totally different surface than a normal road

[@huss03]

Comparing two cars, when the accelerative push of one is confined to a narrower bandwidth, of course it will feel more ferocious when operating in that bandwidth, because that's what acceleration is: rate of velocity change vs time. When you linearise the accelerative push over a wider bandwidth, you won't necessarily hit the same instantaneous peak G even though over a certain distance you may clock similar or even identical times.

[@jcermak1234567890]

The spec on the 296 👌

[@johnnyboy1586]

The ferarri is beautiful especially whdn you see it in the flesh, but going by a few reviews the over thd top touch screen interface spoils the car ,it should havd been more analog with buttons and knobs

[@institutmorningkiss]

I'd take an F8 over a 296. I just don't want hybrid complication, no matter how "good" it is.

[@mosca3289]

Thank goodness for dark blue.

[@davidputtock1650]

Great video.. but we have to sign up to reveal your winner?

[@cobra1010]

The Ferrari is increadibly beautiful. Just a fantastic car. For me it is clear, which one the winner is.

[@mishumihai223]

Big 👍🏻 for the McLaren

[@rohitbishoyi9095]

Which one is comfier ?

[@gavinsullivan9015]

Thanks for that fellas. I think for my supercar which would be driven sparingly I’d want a “supercar” and the control weights, handling and power makes the McLaren the winner for me. Love it. And 720s would be more than adequate!

[@Realist20]

Both fantastic cars ❤

[@mallorymaina6400]

Great video and commentary on the 2 cars. 20 minutes well spent. However, would it not have been more prudent to compare the 296 GTB to the Artura seeing that they have the same parameters in the powertrain and therefore a better comparison between rivals McLaren and Ferrari?

[@hyena8385]

The price my friend, the price.

[@MrJohndoe996]

Great video. Excellent comparison. Only issue is that you incorrectly stated the 750S is quicker, when in reality the 296 was shown to be the quicker of the two cars during Carwow head-to-head races.

[@neildisley7779]

Just straight line races on CarWow mate, which is subjective, in this case it really depends on the reactions of the driver, the 750S would destroy the 296 on a track or twisty road.

[@Count.Dracula46]

​​@@neildisley7779Lol lol 😅😂 and I'm laughing at your childish assumption that 750s woulf destroy the 296.

[@scottjacobsen2889]

They're Drivers cars. Who cares about drag racing. There only drags in America 😂

[@Count.Dracula46]

@@scottjacobsen2889 yeah, but some skulls are too thick and some necks are too red 😹

[@phachara6608]

Lol 750S isn't quicker than 286GTB, go check Carwow drag race

[@AwesomeBob]

Can y'all post these in 4K, please?

[@FoinixMotorsport]

You should compare it with the McLaren Artura which, like the 296 GTB, has a V6 twin turbo + hybrid system

[@paullong1472]

Is it just me or does anyone else think that McLaren are stuck in a serious design rut. Every model over the last ten years is a slight variation of the other. I only wish I had the money (or even a quarter of it) to spend on a car like these. But another thing that none of the reviewers are talking about is, reliability and residual values, and by any metric McLaren are miles behind Ferrari. I love both marques but I think since Ron Dennis left, quality isn't what it should be with McLaren.

[@kornonacob]

I replaced the electric motor n battery with a supercharger unit on my 296, bolted beside the turbos...its lighter 200kgs n more powerful now.... 910hp at the wheels n 1150nm of torque

[@G-MieInternational]

Fantastic

[@jamesclark4395]

I still think Enzo would be rolling in his grave, 1 The V6 hybrid but most of the rear quarters of the 296 has a GT40 styling que.

[@garyhawkins9246]

I do like a Blue Ferrari, but TDF blue for me with a tan interior please… the 750 looks good in dark green

[@christopherbryjowski2882]

Just a few days ago ....brand new 296 GTB with a few miles on the clock couldn't start the engine. Powerless owner called RAC....they came quickly looked at the car and ....they called for a tow track and that's how the "glorious" and expensive story ended up. These cars should be packaged and sold with a tow track. Now I do understand why there are so many of these cars on second hand market .....If I had spend 280k£ plus on a car and the car would played on my such a nasty trick.....well the very next day you are out for sell as I wouldn't trust it anymore

[@pyetranchy7558]

2 fantastic supercars, but the charm of Ferrari is very strong, Ferrari my favorite

[@garysankes6576]

The 296 is far from the SF90 in looks and performance. So maybe second best. I have owned both!

[@WayApp]

Luxury performance elegance

[@bartoszpiosik1568]

what a video…❤

[@dappergent9422]

Give me a 456GT V12 glued to a manual gearbox over this all day long

[@maartenvanbrakel2570]

Quicker than the ferrari? Carwows drag race would beg to differ.

[@kopanokhumalo4344]

296 gtb and the new astons are so beautiful 😍

[@richardmorris7063]

I'd be happy w/ that 720s. They're both beautiful cars,ones more a GT ones more track focused. To say the Ferrari is more beautiful is not really correct,they're both lovely.

[@oneeleven9832]

A sports car needs to be light so it’s the McLaren for me 👍

[@Gutenmorgenside]

Dynamically better the McLaren. You get all the usual 'but its a Ferrari' crap.

[@RideTheTrack]

The only thing I like about the 296 is the powertrain. I think the 750S has the 296 beat in terms of looks as well, as long as you spec the black eye sockets back and give it a tasteful colour like the lovely green one in harry metcalf's latest 750s video. The spec on that car is stunning and beats any 206 IMO (incidentally, he also compared the 750s to the 296 in the video and preferred the 750s most of the time)

[@francescodamore3393]

Two dream car ❤ I preferer 296 because Is much complete, prestation, design, and trade Ferrari ❤

[@kornonacob]

I bought both if these cars... its not bad

[@tashriquekarriem8865]

Man that Ferrari just looks so good

[@tamasszabo8824]

What color is the Ferrari? Black or very dark blue?

[@peterbennpan7288]

I think Mclaren need to up the anti on there interiors now!

[@johnnyboy1586]

No there perfect 👌

[@markpass4215]

Talk about how lovely the spec is…..of the 296…at what cost?…£50k….70….90……forget familiarity…haptic buttons will never be preferable…

[@ddfann]

You'll be thinking about the weight, not the lack of V8

[@DonLee1980]

The 296 is super unreliable, the dashboard console is a nightmare, but the drive is ecstatic when it's working properly, essentially quintessential Ferrari!

[@peterbennpan7288]

There will be someone watching this and think..... I'll go buy both thank you 😮

[@silv3rArrow]

Shouldn’t the 296 be compared to the Artura?…

[@Luke-cb3ly]

819hp vs 670hp???

[@silv3rArrow]

@@Luke-cb3ly They are both the only hybrid offerings from both brands, that's why they should be head to head.

[@Gutenmorgenside]

Give me the McLaren Atura every time. The Ferrari is overrated.

[@silv3rArrow]

@@Gutenmorgenside before or after the recalls? 😅

[@omidnamin9004]

the design of the 296 does absolutely nothing for me. it's like some guy in his garage tried his best to come up with a retro design.

[@vindevhunta4905]

750s v8,Pista ,Huracan... Over for way less money and better looks and a manual v6-LOTUS EMIRA

[@scottjacobsen2889]

They've fricken Super Cars! They're not meant to be supple and understated. They're not daily drivers. Did I just watch that whole video and not find out which car won!

[@ianwoodvine5558]

The 750s looks immense ( especially on track ) and is far nicer than the Ferrari. The UK has McLaren, Aston Martin and Bentley producing some of the most beautiful, amazing cars yet the press are SO hung up about Ferrari that they are blinkered - come on guys support home grown talent

[@DCPEvo]

I guess I’m getting old. I respect these, but neither particularly interest me. I would love to have a 430 scud or 458 speciale though.

[@DeeCee-nb6ev]

As most Ferrari’s are more a part of an investment portfolio than someone’s driving machine its unlikely that many owners will get to learn those haptic controls.

[@viki6or]

Honda made hybrid twin turbo v6 super car decades ago

[@ryanwaugh1]

No decision after promising.

[@wellw7006]

5:25 bump road ????????? please man, come to Sao Paulo.

[@markdance574]

Instead of 250k Give me an Escort RS Cosworth and a Subaru P1 , a bmw m5 and an Audi rs6 instead of any of those two cars please - or instead of several cool iconic cars I’d possibly have a very nice well spec’d F12

[@that.guy11]

It’s insane how much better the 296 looks in a subtle colour, especially compared to the awful heritage colour scheme. Added to the list of “looks best not in red” Ferraris!

[@Gutenmorgenside]

Better than the baby blue and red two tone. It was as if they didn't want you to buy one.

[@CarMedia-sj6qx]

296❤