6'3" What sports cars can I fit in? | FerrariChat

6'3" What sports cars can I fit in?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by bounty, Jul 3, 2007.

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  1. bounty

    bounty F1 Veteran

    Feb 18, 2006
    7,769
    San Diego, CA
    I did a search and there are lots of posts about people asking if they can fit in a specific model...but never a broad post asking what sports cars both Ferrari and other makes can someone of my size fit in? Which ones are best for people my size...which ones should not even be considered?

    I'm 6'3" 215 pounds. My knees are cramped in a porsche for reference.
     
  2. David_S

    David_S F1 World Champ
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    Nov 1, 2003
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    You haven't driven a Porsche 928 - try one, you'll have bags of room.

    Ferrari content - I'd give a 550 a shot.
     
  3. LightGuy

    LightGuy Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Oct 4, 2004
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    Theres the famous Wilt Chamberlien Masserati Ghibli.
     
  4. LightGuy

    LightGuy Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Oct 4, 2004
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    I have a longer torso and at 6'1" have similar problems.
    My NSX has seat bottoms which can be removed allowing great headroom.
    Warning; Never get in a Lotus Elise. Only the "jaws of life" will get you out.
     
  5. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    3,565
    Newport Beach, CA
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    Jeffrey
    You can easily fit in a Challenge Stradale. Ask a couple of guys here who had regular 360 Modenas and switched to the CS. Whereas their heads used to touch the roof liner they now have inches to spare! :)
     
  6. bounty

    bounty F1 Veteran

    Feb 18, 2006
    7,769
    San Diego, CA
    The only problem there is that I'm about 100grand shy of being able to buy one :)
     
  7. dsd

    dsd F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 19, 2006
    4,273
    Northern Virginia
    I have found all 12 Cylinder Ferrari's rather large in the cabin.

    Try a TR or 550.

    Best,
    dsd
     
  8. smg2

    smg2 F1 World Champ
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    Apr 1, 2004
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    don't forget the forgotten Mondial, at 6'4" I fit with room to spare.
     
  9. Tobias

    Tobias Formula 3

    May 22, 2004
    1,683
    NY
    Seldom do I hear about people not fitting into 355s. Maybe give one of those a shot?
     
  10. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    3,565
    Newport Beach, CA
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    Jeffrey
    TR??? No way. If you're over 6'1" or thereabouts your knees will be jammed into the steering wheel. TR has NO room for tall guys!
     
  11. Dale_K

    Dale_K Karting

    May 6, 2005
    73
    Arkansas
    You will fit in a 575 or a Corvette. I lost a whole bunch of weight and now I can fit in a TR.
     
  12. sammyb

    sammyb Formula 3

    Jun 23, 2006
    1,857
    Where wife tells me
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    Sam
    As a 6'4" automotive journalist, I've sat in and driven hundreds of sports cars.

    The question is: "Define 'fit'"

    The reason I ask this is because there is a big difference between "fit" and "ergonomically comfortable." One can physically put themselves into a driving position into just about anything, although there have been cars that I simply was unable to operate safely, such as an early Viper with stock seats. I also gave myself a concussion in an NSX by hitting my head against the roof.(It might have been the center brake light, but it was so many years ago, I can't recall exactly.)

    For instance, I have almost 40,000 miles in C5 Corvette convertibles. I "fit" and am comfortable. I cannot wear a racing helmet in one, however, with the top up. Additionally, I cannot drive the C5 coupes comfortably, because the pillar hits me on right turns.

    I "fit" in my 328 GTS, but it is only comfortable with the top off and for drives less than 90 minutes. I drove an '85 TR from Seattle to Vancouver and back, but it was a "Spyder" conversion (targa top.) Without the targa off, I wouldn't have been able to fit.

    I've found the S2000 to be comfortable, as is the Lotus Elise. In both cases, getting in and out with the top up/on is extremely hard.

    I have found Porsche 911, 944, 928 to all offer great amounts of leg and head room. When I tested the Boxster the year it came out, I had a backache for three days after due to bending I had to do to fit and operate the car.

    Driving a Lamborghini Miura for fifteen minutes gave me a cramp in the side of my lower leg for four days due to the floor-hinged pedals. While I fit comfortably (minus head room) in the passenger side, fitting while driving was a chore.

    Ferrari Mondial, 355, 599GTB and 400 have all been somewhat tight, but comfortable.

    Cars not good for over six-footers: Miata (although I own one), Jaguars (flat-floor E-types and XKS are the worst!), Alfas, post-war Bentleys, 93-95 RX7, Ferrari BB series, Maserati Ghibli/Merak/Bora, Lotus Europa, Fox-platform Ford Mustang (not enough seat travel!!!!), Dodge Viper, Bizzarrini, Iso Grifo, Volvo p1800, C1 (1953-1962) Corvettes.

    Cars great for tall guys: Porsches other than Boxster, MGB, Triumph TRs (TR7 and TR8 are best for long hauls,) Lotus Elan, Healey 100/6, 3000, C5 Corvette convertible.
     
  13. potxoli

    potxoli Formula 3

    Mar 22, 2007
    1,716
    Washington DC
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    Eric B.
    I'm 6'3 and fit in a 348 but barely. I've decided to not have the seat all the way back, but 1 notch forward, so I can recline the sit a little more. This gives me head room to not hit the targa top, but does put the knees near the steering wheel. Honestly, I'm having so much fun driving it that it really doesn't bother me.

    Dr348 welded some OMP bucket seats to the floor board and gained 1-2" of head room that way. I might do the same in the future.
     
  14. ricksb

    ricksb F1 Veteran

    Apr 12, 2005
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    Montclair Village
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    I'll be the first to say that at 6'3", his knees will be in the steering wheel on a 355.
     
  15. Razzer92

    Razzer92 F1 Rookie

    Aug 4, 2006
    4,496
    6'3" 215 pounds. your preaty big but not really that big.

    I think you can fit in almost any exotic car.
     
  16. Nicksta

    Nicksta Formula Junior

    Sep 16, 2006
    535
    DC Ranch & NY, NY
    Full Name:
    Nick Ingle
    My best friend is 6'4 and he fits in my F355 fine. I don't even think the seat is all the way back. I'm 6'0 and I know that I have plently of room.
     
  17. Suspence

    Suspence Formula Junior

    May 6, 2006
    401
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Spencer Berke
    I'm 6 foot 2 and I fit in...

    F430 with no problem
    Gallardo and Murcielago no problem

    Elise, many problems lol!
     
  18. Mike J

    Mike J Formula Junior

    May 10, 2005
    570
    Ship Bottom, NJ
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    Michael
    I am 6"4 and 225lbs.

    I fit very well in the new Z06 and have logged plenty of miles. I also fit well in every iteration of the 911 and have owned many.


    The Mercedes SL has always been a little tight for me and I was very happy when my wife decided to get rid of the SL55.
     
  19. rareguitar

    rareguitar Formula Junior

    May 21, 2006
    308
    Virginia Beach, VA
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    Brad King
    I am 6' 4" 300lbs (NFL Type) and fit in my 360 with no trouble.

    Brad
     
  20. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
    4,209
    Austin, TX USA
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    Greg
    I'm 6'3" 225lbs, and I fit in my 1977 308 GTB no problem. I even have a couple inches of headroom!

    I DO NOT fit in a Testarossa, for some reason. I fit in the little V8, but can't fit in the big Flat-12....???

    Also cannot fit in an NSX or Elise..no way...


    Greg
     
  21. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    #21 SonomaRik, Jul 3, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  22. LittleBro

    LittleBro Formula 3

    Jul 7, 2004
    1,790
    Herts, UK
    Full Name:
    Woody
    Agreed. I'm 6' 3"+ and 17 stone (whatever that is in lbs :) )...I can comfortably drive 355 Spider, 360 Spider 550 or a 456. Maserati 4200 is a good fit too (though the seat is fully back). As another poster said, the Elise is a no go! I had to do ten-to-two driving hands, which was a PITA!

    Good luck with your search.
     
  23. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 5, 2002
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    Everybody is different. It also depends on how badly you want to fit.

    I'm 6'4" and I don't fit well in the 3x8, nor the 355. The 360 is great, as are most of the vintage cars. Oddly enough, I fit comfortably in the BB.

    However-- some people are unhappy if their head touches when they sit bolt upright in the car. If you're willing to adjust your seating position a bit and adapt to the car, you can fit in almost anything. If you're not, your choices are much more limited.

    The first time I sat in the BB, I thought it was a bit tight. Over the years, I've adapted to the point where I feel like I have lots of room.
     
  24. dakharris

    dakharris Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 7, 2001
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    #24 dakharris, Jul 4, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Mondial Cab has unlimited headroom on a nice day. Seat goes WAY back and from that distance you might even be able to see the turn indicator lights on the dash.

    Shelby's AC Cobra (not the Mustang).

    Dan Gurney is 6'3''. Try the GT40 (with bubble) or the Gurney Gator.
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  25. KENCO

    KENCO Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2006
    2,396
    FL
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    KJG
    I am 6' 3", and I have a TR and a Lotus Esprit, the lotus is like getting into a kyak, but you get used to it.
     

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