Ferrari Testarossa or 360 Modena?
Discussion
pidsy said:
360 for me.
I was at my most impressionable "car" age when they were released.
Testarossa (512TR) for me.I was at my most impressionable "car" age when they were released.
I was at an impressionable "car" age when they were new...
Going to one of the early Silverstone Classics (Coys(?)) in the 1990's. Followed one round all the roundabouts and traffic lights on the old Newbury bypass - it was before the "Swampy" A34 bypass. I was in the TVR S, roof down obviously, so was able to hear the car. It disappeared at he last round about before we got to the M4. Yes they are wide and bit Miami Vice, but it might be nice for a weekend.
Although I think I'd go another decade earlier and try for a 512BB, Westover's (Nigel Mansell's TVR dealership) had one for sale when I was picking up bits for the S.
Testarossa.
I am becoming a bit obsessed with them. It is probably a good thing that they have recently flown well past even my "maybe with a major remortgage" limit.
EDIT: If the question had been Testarossa or 456, it would have been a lot tougher for me.
I am becoming a bit obsessed with them. It is probably a good thing that they have recently flown well past even my "maybe with a major remortgage" limit.
EDIT: If the question had been Testarossa or 456, it would have been a lot tougher for me.
Edited by jamesatcandsc on Sunday 13th January 20:42
The testarossa has to be one of very few cars that has got such an iconic status to me that even if you took all the badges of it and it was in any colour and asked someone who isn't even into cars what it was they would still know, same deal with the countach. Driving the testarossa around for the weekend would be like going to dinner with a famous person for me, it would be like a poster coming to life
Testarossa!
I do like 360's and they are a very easy car to drive, make a great noise too, but the Rossa just looks so much more impressive.
Look at those curves and side vents, iconic.
Challenging to drive, but just an amazing car.
I can't see 360's reaching the status that the Rossa has.
I do like 360's and they are a very easy car to drive, make a great noise too, but the Rossa just looks so much more impressive.
Look at those curves and side vents, iconic.
Challenging to drive, but just an amazing car.
I can't see 360's reaching the status that the Rossa has.
Humper said:
Never driven a 360, but id imagine it'd be good. The Testesroaster on the other hand I have driven and it drives like a pig, its w I d e, build quality is a bit suspect here & there but everyone you pass stops and stares. Which if im honest is a lot of the appeal for me 
This.I've driven both the 360 and Testarossa. They are light years apart.
The 360 is a modern car and it drives very well. Feels light, balanced and tight.
The 512 is not. Crap brakes, heavy steering, very wide, dated inside. It does "come alive" at speed though but it feels like you're driving a Transit most of the time.
It depends what you want from a Ferrari. If you want to drive it regularly choose the 360.
I've owned a 360 and currently have a 512TR - the cars couldn't be further apart in experience (neither bad, just very very different ends of the "wonderful" spectrum.
If your weekend is going to involve a drive up the west coast of Scotland and you're looking for a great driving experience with a revvy responsive engine, nimble chassis with a modern feel then go for then the 360.
On the other hand if your weekend involves thumping down through europe and cruising into Monaco then the Testarossa would be ideal.
In terms of overall experience, the 512TR wins out - that flat 12, the iconic shape, the gated dog-leg box, the presence of this car is unbelievable.
If your weekend is going to involve a drive up the west coast of Scotland and you're looking for a great driving experience with a revvy responsive engine, nimble chassis with a modern feel then go for then the 360.
On the other hand if your weekend involves thumping down through europe and cruising into Monaco then the Testarossa would be ideal.
In terms of overall experience, the 512TR wins out - that flat 12, the iconic shape, the gated dog-leg box, the presence of this car is unbelievable.
Neither.
Take the money and buy the best 308GTB in the country. They're old and a bit slow perhaps, but they're what Ferrari were all about. The Testosterone just seems to me to be a never ending money pit that's been hit by the ugly stick and the 360 - no matter how well it drives/goes - just has 'that' unfortunate image and the 308GTB doesn't.
Take the money and buy the best 308GTB in the country. They're old and a bit slow perhaps, but they're what Ferrari were all about. The Testosterone just seems to me to be a never ending money pit that's been hit by the ugly stick and the 360 - no matter how well it drives/goes - just has 'that' unfortunate image and the 308GTB doesn't.
For a weekend? Testarossa. Partly because I want to find out if it is as bad as I suspect. But also because I'm of an age where the Testarossa was one of the iconic cars of the time where the 360 Modena is just another Ferrari. Plus the flat-12 in the Testarossa is a sound of which I could never tire but I dislike the noise of Ferrari's V8 engines.
iSore said:
Neither.
Take the money and buy the best 308GTB in the country. They're old and a bit slow perhaps, but they're what Ferrari were all about. The Testosterone just seems to me to be a never ending money pit that's been hit by the ugly stick and the 360 - no matter how well it drives/goes - just has 'that' unfortunate image and the 308GTB doesn't.
its the first time i have ever heard someone say the testarossa has been hit with the ugly stick, made me laugh though as i think it makes the 308 look like a boxster, its a ferrari but only justTake the money and buy the best 308GTB in the country. They're old and a bit slow perhaps, but they're what Ferrari were all about. The Testosterone just seems to me to be a never ending money pit that's been hit by the ugly stick and the 360 - no matter how well it drives/goes - just has 'that' unfortunate image and the 308GTB doesn't.
fourwheelsteer said:
For a weekend? Testarossa. Partly because I want to find out if it is as bad as I suspect. But also because I'm of an age where the Testarossa was one of the iconic cars of the time where the 360 Modena is just another Ferrari. Plus the flat-12 in the Testarossa is a sound of which I could never tire but I dislike the noise of Ferrari's V8 engines.
The flat 12 sounds epic even when bring swung over on the starter. Ferraris from the 348 onwards don't interest me one jot. Not just the cars (although the 550 and 575 are nice) but all the naff Ferrari merchandise that sprang up in the Schumacher era. Around here they're all driven by balding used car traders. And they sound horrid.I'll have a 512BB please or failing that, a 400 auto.
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff