Can someone please post driving impressions of the 288 GTO

While i can't add much since i haven't driven one (yet!) or driven any ferraris actually i was in one this past weekend for over 3 hours (1.5 hours each way) and can say the following:

- Once the turbos are spooled up, you can let off the gas for a bit and still get on it afterwards (not too long though) and it will just keep on going

- Ride is quite nice. We went over several pot holes (not craters but average sized) and barely noticed the bump. My daily driver Chryser Sebring is A LOT worse

- Its quite comfy but not for the long legged. I should note that i'm 6'1/6'2 and kinda thin. I larger person may not be as comfortable since the bolsters on the side and bottom of the seat don't "give" too much

- The sound is cool. Its not deafening but its not quiet by a long way. Step on the gas, and you'll hear it. I would imagine something like an F50 would be a lot better because its NA compared to forced induction but thats a guess

- It seems like an easy car to drive. The owner of the one i got a ride in drives it quite regularly and loves it

- Coolest part about it? Well, not many people know what it is, but you still get some hilarious looks from people. "The blank stare complete with open mouth". But i'd have to say the coolest part is when the turbos kick in. Usually when people say that the acceleration of a car pushes you back into your seat, i usually dismiss it but this car does it! The first time i went out in it, i **** you not, i hurt my neck. My head got pushed back into the headrest and my neck cracked and hurt for a few days

It really is an awesome car. I think i'd have to say that it probably is the best road car of them all (and i LOVE the F50). Its comfy, its got awesome looks, its got the speed and the ride is good.

I should also note that with the fitted luggage in place in the front bonnet, there is NO room whatsoever for anything apart from behind the seat (most you'll get behind there is a cell phone, wallet, keys etc and maybe a magazine with a squeeze)


Hope that helps



Chris

 

You're welcome

 

It is a very light, nimble, docile car to drive. Very good power to weight ratio and minimal lag on the turbos. I like it in every way except for those goofy side view mirrors. Not only do they block a considerable area of your vision to the forward corners they will not adjust to any position that allows me to see any thing of any use unless I move my head and kink my neck.

Except for the mirrors it is a 10. One of my favorite Ferraris ever to drive.


F50 interior noise level is much, much higher. The fact that the power unit is a stressed member (no rubber mounts) and the trans is very noisy combines to make a car that requires you to yell to the person next to you. With the roof on the noise level is so high it gets uncomfortable in a very short time.

The 288 is reasonably quiet inside.

 

wow......my favorite part.

 

I find it interesting that my wife is of the opinion that if I have only 1 sports car it would be my 288 GTO. She likes my Carrera GT but she loves the GTO. My other sports cars are not even contenders in her books - F40, 550, Daytona and 430 Challenge. She thinks the GTO has all of the charm of the old cars but some real performance. The engine note with the mega-phone exhaust is gauranteed to bring a big grin in a tunnel (the CGT is no slouch in this area). The car just feels great. It is perfect for a spirited blast on real roads. And it is so beautiful from every angle inside and out. I agree with her. I always thought that the F40 would be the number 1 on my list but it is not - the GTO is the ultimate.

 

Are you the person with the only GTO in HK?? I was following your car once in central and I even snapped a pic of it If you are indeed that owner, welcome aboard!

 

Very OT and without turning this into a question thread for you, just a quick ask. Do you take your CGT out to Luk Keng for a drive sometimes on Sunday mornings. I went over to LK with a friend when I was in Hong Kong and he told me of a CGT that often attends the drives. Superb car collection you have by the way

 

There are at least 2 GTO's in HK but it is likely me that you saw driving in Central. I use the car when the weather is good. As I recall I was probably going grocery shopping at City Super.

There are many CGT's in HK. I don't do morning drive very often as I much prefer the track. It is possible that you saw my CGT at Luk Geng but it is more likely to be another car.

 

Ahh I didn't know that. Respect to you for using the car so often! Yes I'm sure it was you then as I saw you whilst I was going to IFC (I was the crazy man following you tightly behind in a merc SL with a camera phone on hand at the lights!). Anyhow, awesome collection and hope to see your GTO some time again

 

Here's me caught daydreaming by the snappy from next door who spied the car while in for service and snuck a cheap shot off...... which he then shopped to have the "tyre smoke" !!

These cars inspire all kinds!!
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last year i managed to get a ride as a passenger in a 288 GTO , F40 + F50 , they all stick in my mind for very different reasons , the 288 GTO stuck out as a favourite , yes the F50 + F40 are both fabulous cars but from talking to the owners they seemed hard work , the F50 was that loud i struggled to hear the driver , (it was fitted with a full tubi style exhaust) , and it does take its toll after a while. the F40 was the raw racer everyone says it is , a great car but too crazy!!!the 288 GTO on the other hand seemed as if you could drive it all day long with no problems , as soon as it was started up it sounded magnificent , this car was fitted with the mega-phone style exhaust that was factory fit , the seats are a little small for me , i,m 5'10" and 16 stone ! , as you move off i agree with chris its very smooth once you get going , when the turbos arrive it shoots off and really pins you back into the seat , fantastic acceleration, the brakes are good and steering gives good feedback ,it handles brilliantly and sticks to the road like glue ,the owner did say that changing gear is like cutting through a piece of rubber with a blunt knife! the engine does run very warm and had an in-built fire extinguisher in the engine compartment just in case.. considering this car is 20 years old is unbelievable , a real treat for any car fan and i guarantee you wont stop smiling after you,ve been in one , hope this helps , Andy.

 

More like pushing a golf club through a bucket of bricks....

 

The gear change descriptions are too funny. I always thought of it as agricultural.

 

They are like that bog standard. LOTS of mechanical noise rather than exhaust and it is amplified with the hard top in place.