The Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 vs Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 measures 41,7 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 20,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 at 21,3 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 tips the scales at 17 489 lbs — 14 040 lbs less than the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 at 3 449 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 280 hp, the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 has a 130-hp advantage over the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 carries 172 gallons versus 36 gallons in the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 2020 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 41,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Beneteau Antares 6.80 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.