Best V12 3 Pedal For The $

Stunning.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I would never consider the AUTO (GTA) versions of the 456 or 456M, that come with the 4-speed GM Hydra-Matic system. I know Ferrari did a decent job tweaking it for the 456, but it is no F1, DCT, or manual.

For me, the Manual is the only way to go on the 456 (and older) 2+2 series cars.

Since you mentioned they are in the shop frequently, can you disclose the issues you've been facing?

Thanks.

 

I have interest in following this thread as well.

So, subscribed!!!



PDG

 

550

550

550

I was going to say 575, because I am guessing that the ASR is not as intrusive. Plus it has a bit of extra horsepower, that is always attractive.

But it will not be had for 100.

So. It must be a 550. Which is an awesome car BTW. No real disappointments.

Docile enough in traffic. And marvelous on the open roads.

 

Its a 180 degree V12.

 

That is illogical, as it is not possible for a "V" to be 180 degrees. There is no such thing.

The term "Flat 12" is accurate.

Boxer engines are a subset of Flat Engines, however Ferrari Flat 12 engines are not Boxer design.

 

Foolish consistancy, hobgoblin, small minds.



Ferrari designated it as a 180 V because of the crank throws not the geometry.

FerrariEdit

Flat-12 engines are generally not true horizontally opposed engines (boxer), but rather 180° V-engines. A true boxer has one crank pin per piston, while in the 180° V-engine, two opposing pistons share the same crank pin. The flat design was used in Formula One and Endurance racing. However, when wing-cars requiring air-flow venturis came along in the late 1970s, the wide, flat layout obstructed the airflow and became obsolete. In 1964-65, at the end of the 1.5 litre F1 era, Ferrari introduced a flat-12 on the Ferrari 1512 F1, but a more classical V12 was chosen for the new 3 litre F1. The Ferrari flat-12 design was successful and influential especially on Italian manufacturers, including Alfa Romeo, who were also successful in endurance racing with a flat-12. The Tecno Formula One flat-12 was a failure, however. A 4.4-5.0 L 180° flat-12 was later introduced by Ferrari in some of their production models, including the Berlinetta Boxer and Testarossa.

 

I don't care what you pasted out of Wkiipedia, the term "180° V" is improper terminology, as it is not possible. If something is 180°, then it is flat; not curved or angled in any way.

Call it whatever you want, but do not call it something that, by definition, cannot exist.

 

A, Are you new to the interweb?
And
2, You expect logical consistancy from Ferrari?

 

If the Ferrari market continues to rise in general they won't be going much lower.
With 308s bringing serious prices, 550s are going to look like a lot of Ferrari for the money.

 

I know Im going to be shown out for this but I take pride in it.... the 400 is the most affordable classy and suave V12 classic ferrari.

I think it is a standout classic. It is unlike any other model Ferrari built and I think to more people then we may realise it doesn't have the of showy ostentatious and the now somewhat gauche connotations attached to Ferrari today.

It is in many ways a standout and super cool unusual design. understated yet is still undoubtedly Ferrari. It is rejected by the Ferrari community yet I dare say if it wore a mercedes benz or other prestige brand badge it would be quite different.

Im ready to be lambasted here but the 400 is a sensational car!! it requires different thinking and understanding I know im not the only one!

 

A 400 (or 412 my preference) looks great next to a 308 or 328.

Like peanut butter and chocolate.

Not all will agree but I like them just fine.

Robb

 

Er, sorry to go back to this point but it's quite fun. One of the tech guys at Ferrari in Maranello referred to my Testa's engine as a V12 in an email to me. Delighted to catch him out I told him I was amazed he of all people didn't know it was a Flat, not a V. He replied at length - similarly to the quotes in this thread - that it was a V12, full stop. I wouldn't know a crank from a bank but I can testify that if you speak Official Ferrari, the BB/TR engine is a V12.

Official Ferrari is of course also a language that contains the word 'Speciale'..

As to the original question, the Testa is a pretty hardcore car for a first V12, very 'speciale', but for a daily drive I'd take my friend's 550. A 575 is for me even less 'speciale' but even better as a comfortable, fast, sleek car. I didn't love driving the 599 in any of its incarnations, not involving at all and just plain dull unless you are maxing out, though they are getting cheap.

So it depends what you want it for. For a weekend workout of joy, the Testa is glorious. For a commute, though...And I doubt 550s will get much cheaper in the current climate.

 

550, Tr, 612.

I hear the 612 is great to drive, really great, but you have to like the size and looks.
TR more of a classic car experience and you have to liek the looks.
550 hits all the right points except being more of a comfort Gt, but for value speed and looks they hit the sweetspot.

love the looks of the 456, classic classic styling, but they are really bland to drive, justa fast sedan type car, and really expensive to keep.

The TR and 550 will appreciate.

 

+100 !

 

612, awesome car. 550 awesome car. TR, bit of an old boat compaired to the previous.

575 with a 6 gear..king.

 

Going back to the OP...best 3 pedal for the money (not coolest, or best classic, or best looking): it has to be a 612 with HGTC. Four seats, great fun to drive. I drove 612s and 575s at some length for magazine reviews and enjoyed both but the 612 was both more fun and more practical. Not quite as fast. But even if you have no need for back seats, it's more fun thus equipped than the 575. IMHO.
But a) you have to find a 3 pedal b) you have to like the way it looks, which I personally do not.
And I speak as a Testarossa owner.