Compare the2026 Ford Mustang GTD VS 2026 Ferrari 296

The Ford Mustang GTD has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The 296 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Mustang GTD has standard head airbag curtains, which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and outboard passenger's upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams and lower side airbags this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The 296 doesn't offer side airbag protection for the head.

The Mustang GTD has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 296 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Mustang GTD’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 296 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Mustang GTD and the 296 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, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

The Ford Mustang GTD weighs 948 to 1234 pounds more than the Ferrari 296. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Ford’s powertrain warranty covers the Mustang GTD 2 years longer than Ferrari covers the 296. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 296 ends after only 3 years.

The Mustang GTD’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the 296’s (5 vs. 3 years).

There are almost 67 times as many Ford dealers as there are Ferrari dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Mustang GTD’s warranty.

The Mustang GTD has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The 296 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the car’s engine.

The Mustang GTD’s 5.2 supercharged V8 produces 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 546) than the 296’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid. The Mustang GTD’s 5.2 supercharged V8 produces 107 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 557) than the 296 Speciale’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid.

The Mustang GTD has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The 296 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better stopping power the Mustang GTD’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 296:

	Mustang GTD	296
Front Rotors	16.5 inches	15.7 inches
Rear Rotors	14.6 inches	14.2 inches

For better traction, the Mustang GTD has larger tires than the 296 (F:325/30R20 & R:345/30R20 vs. F:245/35R20 & R:305/35R20).

The Mustang GTD’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 296’s standard 35 series tires.

The Mustang GTD has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The 296 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Mustang GTD’s wheelbase is 4.7 inches longer than on the 296 (107.1 inches vs. 102.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Mustang GTD is 2.3 inches wider in the front and 4.1 inches wider in the rear than on the 296.

The Mustang GTD’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the 296’s (40.5% to 59.5%). This gives the Mustang GTD more stable handling and braking.

The Mustang GTD handles at 1.17 G’s, while the 296 GTB pulls only 1.12 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Mustang GTD’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the 296’s (37.8 feet vs. 39.1 feet).

The Mustang GTD has a much larger trunk than the 296 GTB (13 vs. 6 cubic feet).

The Mustang GTD has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The 296 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Mustang GTD’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 296’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

The Mustang GTD’s standard Intelligent Access allows you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from pocket or purse. Keyless Entry and Ignition standard on the 296 doesn’t offer a sensor on the trunk.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the Mustang GTD detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The 296 doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Mustang GTD has standard extendable sun visors. The 296 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Mustang GTD’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 296’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

The Ford Mustang GTD has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the driver’s visor. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Ferrari charges extra for Homelink® on the 296.

Compared to the Ferrari 296’s traditional radio, the Ford Mustang GTD equipped with standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks.