Is The Ferrari 488 GTB Better Than The Legendary Enzo?

The latest Ferrari 488 GTB is the first turbocharged mid-engine V8 sports car from the Maranello factory since the Italian builder ended production of the Ferrari F40 more than two decades ago. Obviously, media outlets will compare the new 458 successor to the classic Ferrari icon. But what if we stacked the 488 GTB against something slightly more contemporary?

To this date, the Ferrari Enzo is still considered one of the greatest modern hypercars on the planet. In fact, its top speed still bests the current Lamborghini Aventador. Call us crazy, but we are about to put the specs of the latest turbocharged Ferrari 488 GTB up against one of the greatest naturally aspirated V12 machines Ferrari ever built.

Let’s begin at the very heart of the two Ferraris: the legendary Ferrari Enzo boasts a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 660 horsepower and 485 lb.-ft. of torque. The Enzo can rocket from 0-62mph (100 km/h) in just 3.3 seconds, continue to 124 mph within mid-9 seconds, before finally reach a top speed of 218 mph (351km/h).

The numbers from the Enzo are cosmic, but the latest entry-level mid-engine Ferrari introduces a brand new turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine that delivers 661 horsepower and 561 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s exactly 1 more pony and a heck of a lot more twist. The power unit is mated to a refined seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that delivers all the power to the rear wheel.

According to Ferrari, the new 488 GTB is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3 seconds flat, 124 mph (200km/h) in 8.3 seconds, and finally reach a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

As for physical dimensions, the Ferrari 488 GTB may look similar to the 458 Italia, but its body is 1.6 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, and identical in height. According to Ferrari, the 488 GTB only weights 3,020 pounds (1,370kg) dry, 22 pounds less than the outgoing 458 Italia. However, the V12 Enzo still manages to slot just under the GTB’s weight at 3,009 pounds (1,365kg).

While the numerical figures can offer a general idea of where the old king and the young prince stand, it takes a race track to truly reveal the intangible nuances that shed light on how well each car performs.

According to the latest test figures from Ferrari, the 488 GTB can lap the Fiorano test track in just 1:23.0. Shockingly, the mighty Ferrari Enzo only clocked a 1:24.9 during a test in 2002, nearly two whole seconds slower behind the 488 GTB.

The results are rather unexpected, but the underlying truth is clear: the deeply passionate Ferrari company will still place technology and performance far above its illustrious history and heritage. Ten years is all it takes for an entry Ferrari V8 sports car to surpass what was once the greatest Ferrari ever built.

We now know that the Ferrari 488 GTB is quicker than the Ferrari Enzo, but is it better?

In the eyes of the Tifosi, the Enzo is not only a Ferrari that bears the name of the company’s founder, but it is also an embodiment of one of the must successful eras at Ferrari. Under the leadership of Formula 1 technical director Ross Brawn and the immense talent of racing driver Michael Schumacher, Ferrari enjoyed winning consecutive constructor championships from 1999 through 2004 and driver’s championships from 2000 through 2004. The Enzo was born during a time when Ferrari dominated the pinnacle of motor racing and was absolutely untouchable.

There are only 400 examples in total of the Ferrari Enzo and each were sold at $660,000 when new. Today, the Enzo enjoys steady appreciation and an immaculate example can now command as much as $2.8 million, more than four times its original price tag. Despite the 488 GTB’s modern performance, one simply cannot deny the pure emotions associated with the vicious V12 beast. There will always be a faster Ferrari, but there will never be another Enzo.

Danny Choy