Subtle Difference Between The TR and 512...

Friend took this pic some time ago. Thought I'd share. Notice how the C pillar really stretches out on the 512!?
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Yes that is one of the reasons I prefer the TR over the 512.

 

The way it is curved always looked like a hunch back to me.

Thought the TR was a better looking car.

 

Me as well, I also liked the black engine vent cut out on the TR over the 512 as well.

The bumper integration on the 512 TR in the back was beautifully done from a design point. It really shaped the car to look more complete. Overall the design changes were nicely done from model to model.

 

I like them both.

 

Both are nice but the flying buttress on the 512TR is unique, the Testarossa style was later implemented on the 348 & 355(which also looks terrific)

 

I think both are great, but I think (maybe some would think this an abomination...) but the TR with 512 wheels and front bumper would be my favourite mashup of the two. That's just my personal opinion (and no black side skirts, of course).

 

The lack of black rocker panels was a major contributor to making the 512 look like a fat pig.

 

You feel the vertical dimension is visually too tall without it?

 

Yes and is why so many models have black rocker panels and why the BB style paint scheme was so popular. A BB with the half black paint scheme looks like an arrow in motion. The TR, any generation with body colored rockers looks like an over weight old pig to me. The 512 is a great car but aesthetically like most cars the original iteration looked best. The face lift to give it a new look to attract new buyers was not a success either financially or aesthetically.

 

Interesting perspective. Thank you!

 

Don't forget the miata grill work 😁
Cheers,
Vincenzo

 

I'm shocked. No one is defending the 512's honor. I guess car guys aren't made of the same stuff they used to be. I haven't even been able to use my "We ain't got no sticky parts" line.

Guys used to get Bow Tie and Blue Oval tattoos. Now they can't even speak up.

Snowflakes.

 

I'll bite. I do like the 512 better, but it has more to do with the front bumper/grill design than anything. I was always bothered by the fact that the top of the black chin spoiler on the front of the Testarossa is at a higher elevation than the top of the black rockers. To me it is a visual disconnect that makes the front overhang look strange and overly long. The 512 rectifies that in my eyes, but I do agree it also make the car look heavier in the mid section.

 

Someone will chime in and speak of how much more the 512s are worth. That is where it is at these days. Battle of the bank accounts.

 

And it made it a hell of a lot easier to get in and out of a driveway. Of all Feraris only an F40 is worse.

 

Overall, I prefer the exterior (and interior) design of the 512TR over the TR. Although, I do agree with those above that the flying buttress design of the TR looks better than that of the 512. Both cars look great and each has its pluses and minuses, but the 512 looks better IMHO.

HAHA

It took me a minute to get this...I guess I really am more of a fan of European sports cars. BTW, I'd get the stallion, not the bull.

 

I would throw a Testarossa in the ocean to get a 512TR. Its so much better in every way. Feel better?

 

Love them both..
I think the shortened c pillars of the original testa accentuate the ducktail..
Kinda like what Koenig did to the boxer..

We can always hope for this though
The Testarossa 2
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X2

 

At least someone has an opinion.

 

Tell us how you really feel Brian.

I personally prefer the 512TR. I've driven both many times, have bought and sold both, and have owned a 512TR for an extended period. The 512TR is, in my opinion, just a better car in almost every way. From the more attractive interior, to the more integrated exterior, to the engine, just everything.

Having said the above, I've been jonesing for a Testarossa lately. Don't know why. It just defines the 1980s exotic car, and I want to own one for a while.

Don't get me started on the F512M though.

 

You couldn't be more right (and for what its worth Fioravanti feels the same way). The front end needs to be the way it was originally to be coherent with the rest of the design. The c-pillars add a sort of thinness -- from top to bottom -- to the rear instead of being too thick (or, pig-like! Hehe). And the interior of the TR is just so much better than on the 512, which looks like any other 90's interior and has no stylistic relationship to the rest of the exterior design.

G

 

I think its the exact opposite. Sitting in a testarossa with my knees hitting the dash and steering wheel vs comfort in a 512TR with leg room makes it a loser right there. Add the mouse seat belts and funky controls on the console and its a fail. I had an 89 and as cool as it was I would still take a 512TR any day. The CIS can be a drag too. Give me EFI. The only thing a 512TR shares with a testarossa is its overall exterior shape and that it has an engine.

 

Well since I'm the first who commented about why I prefer the TR and probably started that opinion war I want to clarify my comment. I was only talking about the exterior look not the entire car. I have no doubt the 512tr is a much better car but I never drove one and I trust those who did.

But for me the BEST LOOKING are the 87-88.5