| Author | Message | ||
| peter brinzey (Ferraripete)
Junior Member Username: Ferraripete Post Number: 103 Registered: 11-2002 |
i too love both cars, but own a boxer. before i bought mine i went through similar decision making. the tr is just alot of car for the money but may someday be a 30k car (maybe soon). ...i spent the extra cash for the 512 bbi...even after spending a recent 17k on some service work, will never regret my decision. every time i drive the car i just start laughing...how can any car be this cool? it is almost not fair!!! each time i drive next to a building w/ two way glass , i slow down and laugh again...how can any car be this cool? CAN'T!! buy the bbi and never worry about "do you or don't you own a real ferrari?" | ||
| Dr. I. M. Ibrahim (Coachi)
Member Username: Coachi Post Number: 339 Registered: 5-2002 |
I have a BBi Boxer and a TR. I like them both...but the Boxer is a bit more "primitive" yet its lines are classic. I enjoy driving the TR but the Boxer is by far my favorite. | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 806 Registered: 2-2002 |
Boxer - everytime... Frank said it right - it's just so visceral and such an effort to drive..... it's satisfying just pootling around.... It looks better, sounds literally AWESOME (even without aftermarket bits), and it's just an unforgettable drive... Really does look unmistakebly FERRARI.... (so does the TR but in a more brash and extrovert fashion).... I've promised myself one actually -As soon as I get the damn time as this is actually more pressing than financial considerations regarding purchasing one. err... BB everytime. | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 229 Registered: 4-2002 |
Both are nice cars obviously. If you can afford a 512TR that is the ticket. It would destroy a BB and is quite a bit quicker than a first series TR. I understand that especially for track driving the BB is no where near even the first series TR. I understand this from a former BB/TR owner. As far as visceral appeal the 512TR is pretty hard to beat. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2804 Registered: 9-2001 |
I owned a TR and drove it over 25k miles in 2 years. I now own a BB512i. I would not trade my Boxer for 10 TRs ! While the TR is more modern and is a little faster, it does not have the visceral appeal of the Boxer. I have also noted that the Boxer seems to be built better and has a more hand made feel to it than a TR does. The Boxer looks better too IMHO. | ||
| Joel DeLuca (Trajan)
New member Username: Trajan Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2003 |
In my opinion, and I am biased, the Boxer is more classic looking, has much more mystique and probably more upside as far as resale is concerned. There are maybe 250 Boxers in the US,and no more can be imported, so you wont run into 12 boxers in one place any time soon. Are they hot? Yes..very! Are they fast? Oh yeah! A well sorted Boxr will run no more than a later TR and I think you would find it more satisfying. | ||
| Kelly Hayes (Khayes)
New member Username: Khayes Post Number: 30 Registered: 4-2003 |
Both are pretty neat cars but my money is invested in the Testarossa. I like the interior better on the TR but the main plus would seem to be having the heat from the radiators behind you instead of ahead of you. The BB is classy looking and the TR is outrageous looking. Is it just me or does the new Enzo look like the next evolution of the TR? | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 227 Registered: 4-2003 |
Adrian, TR for sure. Especially a 512TR. But you know me, certain BB's are ugly  | ||
| L. (Testaroja)
Junior Member Username: Testaroja Post Number: 101 Registered: 5-2003 |
Tom, Rijk meant that all boxers are gray market cars. Yes all BBs are euro cars converted to U.S. street legal, so that also means that the conversion plays a big part in the buyers side, some conversions weren't done well. In the last month I felt like selling the Testarossa and maybe buynig a BB. The BBs value will always be much higher in the future as it was in the past. In november of 1991 they sold from $150,000 to as much as $225,000, back then a brand new testarossa factory price was $181,000 at the Ferrari dealerships, but I did see some brand new ones for $325,000! Just like now with the demands of the 360, Enzo, etc. But you have to remember that only 2,323 BBs were built if I'm correct. Ferrari built 5,648 testarossa cars states Cavallino but Ferrari market letter and "Ferrari by Pinifnarina" says it was 7,177 cars. | ||
| Andy Falsetta (Tuttebenne)
Junior Member Username: Tuttebenne Post Number: 229 Registered: 3-2003 |
Thanks for the correct spelling, Andy | ||
| thomas daniels (Castex)
Junior Member Username: Castex Post Number: 73 Registered: 6-2003 |
Cognoscenti It just has to be the Boxer. | ||
| Andy Falsetta (Tuttebenne)
Junior Member Username: Tuttebenne Post Number: 227 Registered: 3-2003 |
Adrian, Here's another opinion. The Testarossa styling is getting a bit dated (just one person's opinon.) The shape of the car has not stood the test of time like the Boxer's has. A carbed Boxer has an awesome sound and a very classic look. Squint your eyes and picture both cars ten years from now - or longer. Which one will be more appealing? Then consider how many were made of each one. You might be able to find a redhead more quickly but you will probably tire of it more quickly as well. Of course, if you're looking for a car that's more up to date, the Testarossa would have to be considered. But if later styling and mechanicals is what you want, a 348 would be in the same ballpark - money wise. But back to my opinion, the Boxer is the way to go and would be worth the wait until you found the right car. For shock value, the Testarossa gets more snapped necks, but the Boxer would be appreciated by the cognicenti(sp?). | ||
| Lashdeep Singh (Lashss)
New member Username: Lashss Post Number: 12 Registered: 7-2003 |
Rijk brings up a good point. In MD, an '83 and older Boxer would qualify for Historic tags where a TR would have to make do with regular registration and all the problems associated with that...EPA equipment, seatbelts, 4 tires, steering wheel, etc. Regarding the cars, TRs make more power. Whether you call Norwood in Dallas to compare rwhp numbers or believe the trap speeds in the various magazines, this is true. In the "all conclusive" magazine tests, TRs have clocked 185mph on radar equipment and gone 111mph through the 1/4 mile. Both sound completely awesome. The Boxer has a raucous rumble like a classic Ferrari. The carbed models are even more amazing...The Boxer sound really is a big deal. TRs also sound terrific, but in a higher pitched, F1 style shriek. Handling could be similar when stock. Both of the early cars (BBi and 85-88.5 TR) will have garbage metric wheels which will condemn an owner to trust his/her life to 93 yr old tire technology, a la TRX. TRs can be upgraded to standard sized wheels in the form of the US Spec 16 inch pieces. They also can fit a full 12 inch wide wheel on the rear. I believe the Boxer would max out at something like 10 inches before modifications, but I'm sure someone could confirm that. Either way, a Boxer would need potentially pricey aftermarket wheels to solve this problem. Unless you drag race only, this should be considered an important issue. I recently had the chance to examine a friend's Boxer and it is beautiful. I really like the front of the Boxer better than the TR, I think the side profiles are about the same. The rear of the Boxer is what I don't care for. The 308GTB was done much more nicely in that respect. The Boxer does have a much sexier and voluptuous look, where the TR would qualify as more Star Wars. Both are stunning in very, very different ways. I also don't care for the interior in the Boxer, the gauge pod is just plain strange...and the TR's stereo cover is genius. Let's face it, most head units are ugly! Also, with front radiators, Boxers are damn hot inside...24/7. But, visibility outwards is much better with two mirrors when compared to a pre-mid '87 TR. I'd say that maint. costs are about the same, with the Boxer specific parts being the only exceptions for repairs. When comparing Ferraris, we rarely make a practical list of things that will make one better than the other. It's usually an emotional decision. When I was a kid, the Boxer and the Countach were the important road cars. But, I also grew up in a period when the TR was the new model (when I was 11), so it seemed like the ultimate. I'm sure some of this translates to their current values also. People who grew up when the Boxer was new are now in financial positions to afford them and increase their value. I think this same phenomenon will happen with the TR, it'll just take more time since they are newer and have higher production numbers...and since some of the kids who have always dreamt of TRs are still...KIDS. So, a carbed 512BB or a Euro TR? Hmm... Lashdeep | ||
| Rijk Rietveld (Rijk365gtb4)
Member Username: Rijk365gtb4 Post Number: 267 Registered: 1-2002 |
I had a 400i 5sp with EPA and DOT, but this car would not pass the new emissions test. In NY a 25 year old car is exempt, so I get a sticker without a test on my Daytona. In NJ you still have to pass, which it won't, so you are limited to Historic plates with all the restrictions that come with that Rijk | ||
| Marvin Balagot (Mdb69)
Junior Member Username: Mdb69 Post Number: 113 Registered: 4-2002 |
As long as it has the DOT and EPA letters it shouldn't be a problem. | ||
| TOM BUCKLEY (Tom_b)
New member Username: Tom_b Post Number: 36 Registered: 6-2003 |
Adrian, I had the opportunity to see both almost side-by-side at my dealer. The TR is too trendy. Too big. Too wide. The 512bb is much more classic and a more attractive car. From a woman's view ----- my wife likes the Boxer better also. Rijk, They come in all the Ferrari colors. Not just gray. Tom | ||
| Rijk Rietveld (Rijk365gtb4)
Member Username: Rijk365gtb4 Post Number: 266 Registered: 1-2002 |
Aren't the Boxers all gray cars? Depending on the state where you live, this can be a huge problem. Rijk | ||
| Darryl - TR&328 (Tr328)
New member Username: Tr328 Post Number: 19 Registered: 6-2003 |
I would take the TR any day of the week. The lines and curves on a TR can't be beat. Everyone knows a TR when you see one. Also, I own one. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 908 Registered: 6-2002 |
512 TR. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Intermediate Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 1050 Registered: 8-2001 |
My opinion: The TR is "WILD" looking, whereas the Boxer is VERY "CLASSIC". My choice: Buy one of each........best of both worlds!!!!!!! | ||
| Jeff Green (Carguy)
Member Username: Carguy Post Number: 428 Registered: 10-2002 |
This topic is sure to stir some emotions since it is highly subjective. Here is my opinion: Testarossas are hard to beat for 12 cyl. reliability and visual impact. But there are many "BEAT" cars out there and you really need to look closely before buying - I know this the hard way. The values are still "in the tank" for TRs and now is a good time to buy. Boxers from what I can tell may be starting on the upswing in value. They are finally getting the appreciation they deserve. The Boxers are more "stylistic" in form than TRs and are really quite beautiful in person. From a comfort standpoint the TR is better. The TR has slightly more power. From a value standpoint the Boxer may be the better choice down the road. (pun intended) I vote for the Testarossa.....cuz I'm a partial, opiniated, and biased owner of one. | ||
| Thomas I (Wax)
Junior Member Username: Wax Post Number: 70 Registered: 7-2003 |
Boxer owners are emphatic about how it offers the closest thing to race car experience in terms of substance, response and feel - call it what you like. Being a night owl, I window-gazed a couple of them along with numerous other Ferrari, primarily 365 2+2's & 330GTC's for 15 minutes at 4:00 a.m. this morning. (Heritage Classics, West Hollywood). If I was wagering, I'd bet on the Boxer. Red-heads have gone down (no pun intended) in value, and I don't think they've bottomed out. Boxers will hold and rise sooner. Speaking of wagering, I'm off to a Poker game. | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 337 Registered: 4-2003 |
Which would you pick assuming roughly similar condition and relative values? The Boxer would be fuel injected, driver condition mechanically and cosmetically. Testarossa is an 88, apparently in excellent condition. I've been toying with a 12 cyl and would love to know your thoughts. Car will be used except for winter/snow. Mostly highway and long drives. I love the lines of the Testa, and the Boxer is growing on me. Is the performance of both cars similar? Is the Boxer much more primal? Reliability of both? Also, I've noticed Testas are easier to resell than Boxers, maybe because of the age. I know some of these questions have been hashed out before but I'd love some current feedback. May be doing something soon. Thanks guys. |