Ducati 998 vs Ducati 996 R (2003)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Ducati 998stacks up against the Ducati 996 R. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecDucati 998Ducati 996 R
Model year20032001
Price
Engine998 cc998 cc
Horsepower123 hp135 hp
Torque97 Nm105 Nm
Weight198 kg185 kg
Seat height31 mm31 mm
Fuel capacity4.5 L4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed6-speed
Front brakesDouble discDual disc
Rear brakesSingle discSingle disc
Tires120/70-ZR17 / 190/50-ZR17 120/60-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17

Ducati 998 vs Ducati 996 R — which should you buy?

Picking between the Ducati 998 and the Ducati 996 R usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Ducati 998 brings 123 hp in a 198 kg package, while the Ducati 996 R counters with 135 hp at 185 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: