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
| Spec | Ducati 998 | Ducati 996 R |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2003 | 2001 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 998 cc | 998 cc |
| Horsepower | 123 hp | 135 hp |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Weight | 198 kg | 185 kg |
| Seat height | 31 mm | 31 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Front brakes | Double disc | Dual disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc |
| Tires | 120/70-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:

