330 GTC vs 275 GTB

I used to own a 330 GTC and have ridden in a 275 (thanks Malcom). Main impression is the cabin on a 275 is a LOT smaller than the GTC. It reminded of the time, I tried, and failed, to sit in a 250 GTO. Dem Italian boys musta been a lot smaller than us fat whisky tango guys.

Dale

 

Steve,

I just had 10767 out for some exercise today. What a gem....started on the button, no smoke ever, the brakes and steering have benefited tremendously from the magic touch of Al Roberts, and she pulls to the redline and asks for more....what a car! To me, it performs with a GTB and is far more comfortable for an old guy like me. There's nothing like an old Ferrari that has never been apart for "restoration".

I know this is non-responsive to your questions, but I just had to share the afterglow!

Jack.

 

There's obviously more torque in the 330, while the 275 wants to rev more.

I think that the 4-liter is the better engine.
I also think that the 275 GTB is a prettier car.

Does anyone know why the 4-liter was never in the 275 GTB body?
Or, more interestingly, why there wasn't a similar twin-cam 4-liter?
That would have been a powerful car!

 

My experience with driving 40+ year old Ferraris is that there is a huge difference in many of the SAME models First none of the claims of horsepower or weight made at the time by Ferrari are reliable (some were grossly inflated - the 365GTB 4 perhaps the most grevious case) Then with todays survivors vast differences often occur - sometimes it's the burden of hundreds of pounds of bondo and cobbled body work hidden under a seemingly nice paint job, other times its wear or tune of engines, and of course the condition and tune of the suspension and brakes make a huge difference I was recently with a very nice appearing and very rare verion of one of the two memtioned models The car was scarey to the owner to drive once the XWXs were tossed and a complete redo of the suspension bushings etc and a good alignment - the car was transformed.
Bottom line it is tough to get apples to apples comparisons

 

I think the 365 Boxer is the most dodgy Ferrari in that sense.

I do agree that it's very hard to get apple/apple comparisons. I remember the 1990 review of a 330GTC of a magazine I purchased last year on eBay and the description of driving it, particularly the clutch, did not match my own car at all!

I have no experience of the 275, but in my head it seems the comparison is similar to the 365BB/512BB comparison. The 365 engine wants to rev much more, it is rawer, has less torque, and it gives an overall more racy character. The 512 is more GT like with more torque. Nonetheless, the differences are fairly small. I have a feeling (based on nothing but reading) that it is similar for the 275GTB/330GTC. I hope other people with more experience can comment whether I'm on the right track in my thinking.

That said (275 being more sporty), the 330GTC is not a luxury limousine! Here's a pic of mine that I received this week (in the hands of the son of the previous owner about 9 years ago).


Onno
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Onno, that is a great Hotrod photo. Can you send a high res. one?
Congrats on the lovely car!

Regards, Alberto

 

I had a 275gtb/4 which was a high point restored car. I didn't love driving it as more of a gt car and as someone taller it was tight. Looked pretty. I prefer it's looks to a 330 but would take a swb over it. Or a gts as I like the open cars. I also think the 2 cam 275 is a better car for the street.

 

The combination of better torque, quieter engine and transmission, much better sound proofing, and "luxurious" interior (A/C, shelves, electric windows, big trunk, practical luggage shelf) make the GTC a much easier, comfortable and more relaxing drive.

I suspect that the 275's significantly lower weight would give it a clear edge, particularly on a curvy track. I have tracked my GTC (I love Jarama) a few times with great enjoyment, and not too shabby times (relatively). On dry ground the GTC's stability and balance are striking. In the wet, on the other hand, it's a disaster, but that's probably my fault.

 

Sorry Alberto, I don't even know who took the photo. But I'll do some investigating, if I find a high res version I'll send it to you.


Onno

 

Road & Track tested a 330GTS curb weight 3105 lbs. and a 275GTS/4 NART curb weight
2455 lbs.
Regards,
Terry W. Phillips

 

Wow quite a difference.


Onno

 

This is what I got:

275 GTB: 1100 kg

275 GTB/4: ?

330 GTC: 1300 kg

200 kg difference converts to 535 pounds.

That is a lot!

Now imagine this: Take a 330GTC, then remove the electric windows, A/C, and soundproofing. Lower and tweek the suspension, use lower profile tires... It would be blasphemous but the car would probably fly. More than a 275GTB. Perhaps even more than a Daytona?

 

I seem to remember that the Car & Driver test (1967) reported a higher weight for the 330GTC. But I'm not sure and I can't look it up as my books are 900kms away. Does anyone know? Or perhaps I'm getting confused and it was the R&T test that Terry mentioned.


Onno

 

Having owned both a 275GTB as well as a 330 GTC, they are vastly different cars. The GTC is more refinded with much better visibility and creature comforts. The engine is more refined and torque is greater. There is also little "on the cam feel." The 275 is more sporting in feel and seems both older and more primitive. The visibility is not as great. The idea of which is better on the track is to me silly. Neither possess decent brakes nor power by today's standards and are "undertired." Additionally, in my experience, the GTC has a propensity to overheat. If tracking an older car is your aim, a Daytona is more fun especially if you upgrade the brakes and tires. Gobs of torque and power by standards of the day. FWIW all would be outrun by any modern sedan. One last thought is that the 275 is so darn good looking especially in long nose configuration.

 

By the way, the weights listed by Ferrari on these cars is about as truthful and honest as our average Washinton political figure. The cost of repair for track damage would also be off the charts since virtually all body panels and trim as well as transmission parts are unavailable.

 

I think if we were all required to use our old Ferraris as our only transportation every day, 275GTBs would be $300K and 330GTCs would be $700K.....or maybe they'd both be about $20K!!

 

I certainly wasn't thinking of serious tracking. I don't think anybody was. And of course my wife in her Audi would probably outrun me...

Alberto, thank you for the correction. My converter must be confused...

 

A 275 gtb should be around 2700-2800 with a C competition car coming in around 2500.