CarExpert lined up the Ferrari 296 GTB against the Maserati MC20 Cielo for a series of quarter-mile runs on an unprepared regional airport runway, where low traction made clean launches difficult. Despite similar performance claims on paper, the results quickly showed a clear advantage for the hybrid Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB pairs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for a combined 819 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ferrari claims 0–100 km/h in about 2.9 seconds and a quarter mile in the low-10-second range.
The Maserati MC20 Cielo uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 without hybrid assistance, producing 621 hp and 538 lb-ft through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with a claimed 0–100 km/h time of around 3.0 seconds and a quarter mile in the mid-10-second range.
From the first standing start, the Ferrari’s electric assistance delivered instant torque and a decisive launch, quickly opening a gap that continued to grow through the quarter mile. A second run with launch control produced the same outcome, with the 296 GTB pulling far ahead despite similar traction conditions. Even when the Maserati attempted to close the gap in a run without launch control, the Ferrari still finished comfortably in front.
A rolling start from roughly 30 km/h did little to change the result. Once both cars accelerated at full throttle, the Ferrari steadily extended its lead, its hybrid system providing stronger mid-range acceleration than the Maserati’s combustion-only setup. Across every run, the 296 GTB proved significantly quicker in real-world conditions, demonstrating a clear performance advantage over the MC20 Cielo.
Source: CarExpert
