What is the best 4-seater F-car?

The car in your profile looks like a Mondial 8. The engine may be different but the body is the same. If that is your car, do you think your car is ugly? Just curious.

 

This just in... My dream of a 4 seat F car 360 2+2. Hey we all have dreams

 

Quote: "The car in your profile looks like a Mondial 8. The engine may be different but the body is the same. If that is your car, do you think your car is ugly? Just curious."

Its not an 8, its a 3.2 cabrio. Its the top I dont like on the 8..actually on any mondial. I think it makes it look bulky and out of proportion. Front also looks slightly different. The fact that the mondial 8 is a coupe combined with the different engine aspect is why it would not be MY first choice. Its all a matter of opinion though. Ive talked to a lot of people who say they think my car is ugly but LOVE the 8.

 

"Its all a matter of opinion though."
Of course

 

If it's an 85, it's not a 3.2. You (should) have a 3.0 QV in that car, unless it's been modified. Essentially the same motor as the Mondial 8, just with the extra valves in the head structure. The body detail (bumpers, lights, etc) is virtually identical beween the 8 and the QV. Other than the drop top and a badge, there's nothing to distinguish the cars externally.

 

and the same bumper and front end treatment

 

Casey, not to argue, but your "3.2" and my '88 3.2 look quite different. What gives?
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Quote:"Casey, not to argue, but your "3.2" and my '88 3.2 look quite different. What gives?"

It was modified after a engine rebuild in '95, long before I bought it. I should have been clearer, its just a 3.2 engine. So your right, the body is the same as the 8. As I stated before though, its just the tops I dont like on the mondial. I think the bodies fine.

 

Well, you got quite a few comments on this one. Guess you gotta be prepared for that when you mention that you find someone else's car "ugly" (but I respect your honesty!). But hey, at least Mondial owners can have a polite conversation about it. No flames or silly name calling. Isn't there a Mondial club of some type? If not, there should be. Seems like a good group.
Take care,
Sam

 

If you are truly looking for a 2+2 you really have only 2 choices from the cars you listed...456GT or 456GTA. Even though it would be tough to use a back seat in a 456 for much more than storage or small children, The 308 GT4, Mondials and Maserati have even less space. I would take a real look at all of them you will notice that with a normal (5'8" or taller) driver there is no way a passenger of any size is going to fit in the back with both driver and passenger enjoying any amount of comfort. The older cars have slightly more room 250 GTE, 330GT 2+2, 365 GT 2+2, 365 GT4 2+2, 400....

 

Exactly-360 and E55AMG next year

But the 360 will be the daily driver, and the merc for carting the family around...

 

A Maserati Coupé Cambiocorsa...
A used car with low mileage: best pleasure/price ratio!
Sure it is not a Ferrari but you will not be disappointed at all, you will have a more modern car than a 456 GT and you can save your money for a 360!
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Great combination!.. and safer and more practical for the kids

 

what he said. Audi RS6 cant go wrong there.

 

SHHHHH. I also like the 456!

 

Depends on what you want to do.

The Mondials are good sporty GT cars. The 365/400/412/456 cars are great long distance touring cars. If you want a drop top, the Mondial cab is the only way to go.

All of these present an affordable entry to the Ferrari world and they are all great cars. The PF build quality on the V12s is much better than the same year Scaglietti cars. Remember, these were the most expensive cars minus the supercars when they were new.

Tremendous bang for the buck if you don't buy a basket case.

 

I think you'll be fine with any of those options. You may need to be picky about the car seats you buy, though.

The main issue will not be the baby seat... but rather, which car creates enough passion for you and your wife to justify the issues (like maintenance and inconveniences).


Our 911 cab turned out to be great at carrying babes... while the seats with big fat bases don't fit well... and getting the kid into a permanently mounted rear-facing seat would be a PITA...

A carry-seat works great. Putting it in with the top up is hell... but if you just put the top down, the low-slung car lets you easily just lift the seat over, set it into place, and reach down and buckle it in. Cake. Then put the top back up if needed.


I wish Ferrari (or Maserati) would make a new 2+2 spyder... I'd buy it in a sec.

 

I would try to drive both. They will drive completely differently-- judge4re does a good job of describing the differences, but until you actually go drive one I think it's hard to comprehend how different they actually are.

The Mondial is much more of a sports car with back seats, for better or worse, while the 400/412 is more of a GT car. Very different feel.

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence. But you're right, they are very different cars and until you actually drive them, you can read 15 different opinions and none of us will agree on anything except the fact that they are fun to drive.

 

I have a 208 GT4, and have driven a 3.2 Mondial and a 456MGT.

The GT4 is the most exhilerating due to the noise and lightness. That makes it huge fun on twisty roads, but not so good for long journeys.

The Mondial was larger inside and more refined, better suited to long journeys but ultimately less fun.

The 456 had simply towering performance was very refined indeed and generally deeply impressive in all areas. Also, if it were my children on board, I would be happier with the better crash protection of the 456, but then it is the most expensive option.

 

One more data point, but your milage may vary. Of the three that we have, Spicy and I agree that the 365 is the best of the fleet.

 

I'll have to say the 456 GT although I've never driven one.
A quote from a Swedish car magazine, "Perhaps not the world's greatest family car, but what a family car!"

 

You must have slept through it, they already made that car......30 years ago.
308 GT4

 

Make sure you sit/drive in all of these cars being considered. Extreme example which is now off your list being the 365 GTC/4.
The back seats in those i doubt anyone could fit in.
I have a 3.2 Mondial coupe which is very roomy in the front. However my wife and i cant fit with a child seat as we are both 6' tall.
I thought the Masi coupe had the best room inside when you consider the back seat.
Again You must drive inside all of these.
Whats acceptable to others may not be for you.