512BBi questions...

i've been doing some research on these beasts.

why are they so heavy?

the 365 GT4/BB weighed in at 2,724lbs. the 512 BB hit the scales at 3,084lbs. but the 512 BBi clocks in at an impressively-higher 3,800lbs. these are "dry" weights off of FNA's site.

why? that's a 13% increase from the 365 GT4/BB to the 512 BB; and then an additional 23% weight increase from the 512 BB to the 512 BBi.

as you look at the three Testarossa evolutions, the car models get lighter as time goes on, not heavier .

a 512 BBi is a few hundred pounds heavier than a 550.

obviously we've got different materials, etc. etc., but the numbers seem anomalously all over the map.

doody.

 

I'd be willing to wager the first two are just typos/conversion errors/optimism , and 3,800 lbs for a BB512i sounds more like a US-converted curb weight (not a dry weight) if a US-version TR is ~3,660 lbs dry.

 

interesting - there was never a US version so I don't think its us versus europe comparision thing. as far a the 365 bb is concerned maybe since it came close to racing that they used extra light parts that probably were replaced with heavier stuff later???

 

The early Boxers must have the wrong weight as the accleration times are all close throughout the series. Horsepower changed slightly but a 1000 lbs would be a huge gain in 0-60 times.

 

lord knows that FNA's web site has contained erroneous data before!

so i downloaded the PDF user manuals off the owners site.

the 365 GT4/BB manual lists "dry weight" as 2,722 lbs.

the 512 BBi manual lists "kerb weight" as 3,484 lbs.

in theory* the difference here (aside from changes to the car itself) would be a full tank of gas and all fluids topped up, all tools, spare, etc. the BBi tank is purportedly 110 litres, which comes to 183 lbs (just trust me - don't make me repeat what i just did to get that number!).

so net-net, the delta is probably more like 400 lbs. still notable at a 15% increase given that you'd hope weight decreased over time, not increased.

doody.

* in 1995 the EC put in place a new official definition of "kerb weight" that includes a 90% full gas tank, all tools, spare, etc. 7kg of luggage and a 68kg peson - so be careful comparing "kerb weight" of cars from 1995 on to "kerb weight" of cars before that. sheesh.

 

Doody, I recently purchased a 1984 512BBi. According to the DOT/EPA papers that came with my car, Amerispec Inc. listed the "vehicle curb weight" as 3,460 with all of the emissions equipment already installed.

 

From what I've read, the BB512i was quicker in acceleration than both the 365GT4BB and BB512 due to lower gearing . The 365GT4BB had a higher top end though.

 

Doody,

You see the powers at work that are out to confuse you? ... Yes...just you!

--Dan

 

Well, it took us ~2 years to figure out what was needed to put 328 non-abs wheels on a 308 -- think we can weigh an actual 365GT4/BB in less than a year?

 

Correction: I just noticed the Amerispec sticker on the drivers side door frame. It states: "Altered by Amerispec," Gross vehicle weight: 3,260 pounds. Front: 1,420 Rear: 1,840

I'm really curious about what my car "really" weighs, since it's been on a strict European diet..... I may have to stop by one of those truck scales and see if they will weigh it for me.