Why did you upgrade to a Testarossa?

1 -- 308GTS
2 -- Wanted the most powerful (and still beautiful) F 2-seater possible (that's still my goal ) -- the $ set my limit.
3 -- 308s are definitely "prettier" and don't seem to threaten people as much (see the "reaction" thread -- IME, too, people seem to be much more comfortable approaching a 308/328 rather than an "evil" TR), and I'm more cramped in the TR cockpit
4 -- low end torque, ~10lb/hp, and its wonderful exotic mechanica (dry sump, pressure lubricated gearbox, resonant intake tracts, etc.)
5 -- it's too big and heavy; the cockpit is too well protected from NVH; the final drive gear ratio (2.9:1) is too d*mn tall (or perhaps the speed limits are too low ); the thermal inertia of the powerplant is huge (no quick warm-up), and the seats are atrocious.
6 -- Yes, still happy, but be prepared for some maintenance pain -- it's a lot of complexity and the age isn't helping; however, this is why the buying price is so affordable. It's quite a different beast than the V8s -- I may go back to the V8s, but will never regret having a chance to have one of the big 12s.

 

Every single thing he said plus. The 328 was better around town, more user friendly in that enviornment. The TR is better out on the road cruising (fast) through open country. Depending on what happens with the market I can see a 360 (F1) in the future.

 

1) 328 GTS
2) More POWER! Love the exotic looks of the TR also.
3) Easier to throw the car around
4) Everything. I absolutely love the car. Lots of torque, very comfortable, great to cruise in. Nothing like the sound of the flat 12 through the Tubi.
5) Pretty big.
6) Love it. Would consider a 430 after they have depreciated quite a bit. Maybe in 4-5 years.

 

While the TR interior is more roomy than the 328, the driver is a little bit more wedged into a TR. I'm only 5' 8", so it doesn't matter to me at all.

The other thing I liked about the 328 was it felt a bit like a go Kart.

 

I'm 5-11 and I like to sit more upright than some, my hair brushes the headliner.

 

It's got a lot of room in directions that you don't need (if you're tall). The Rear Shelf is a killer because it limits the combination of how far back and how much tilt the seat can have at the same time -- the 308 (without the roof behind the seats) had/has a much bigger envelope for possible seat position.

I'd also say ingress/egress is more difficult/wiggly on a (US) TR than a 308.

 

For getting over the bumps and valleys at normal speeds, I would have to say "no" if you mean compared to a stock 328 (and my impression, without actually checking it, is that the TR/512TR Owners have reported front coachwork mishaps here much more often than the 328 Owners). For the "high-speed-fully-compress-to-the-bump-stops" kind of scrape you described -- I haven't done one yet, but it's something I try to avoid (and overall ride height on a TR is not super-super-low). But the front overhang distance on a TR is near ridiculous -- compared to my ex-308 with the deep front spoiler + front lowered ~30mm, it's about the same in terms of successfully navigating the terrain with too much contact.

 

TR is IME worse. Lots of front overhang so you need to be very careful of the spoiler. The bottom is low, pulling off on an unpaved highway shoulder needs to be done carefully. Bottoming while just driving around, never had that happen in either 328 or TR, only F40.

 

For sure the front spoiler is lower on a TR.

 

I just got my front spoiler back from one summer's worth of scraping....it is absolutely inevitable IMO. I will say this does get old. One of the reasons I'm thinking about a 355 as I hate driving on pins & needles all the time. I would not however, go back to a 308 or 328. As cool as these cars are, I just need a newer feeling ride at this point.

 

My first Ferrari was a 328 GTS. Loved the car except for the lack of power. Bought an 86 TR with 4,250 3 years ago. Reasons; looks, comfort, and power. Did a Twin Turbo upgrade last year, car now has 14,000 miles- although everyone talks about how expensive TR's are to maintain, except for the TT upgrade maintenance cost have been very reasonable.

 

1. Previously owned a 328 gts.
2. Got the TR because of more horsepower and it was an absolutely stunning care in perfect condition. Oh ya, it was a 12 cylinder. Incredible performance. BTW my wife loves it and she did not particularly care for the 328.
3. I do miss the open top - but not so much in the winter!
4. see #2.
5. Top does not come off, otherwise no downsides yet.
6. Overall, love the car. Will keep it for quite some time.

 

I had my 512tr before I bought my 328gts
I am still in love with the classic lines of a 328
The car fit me like a glove. much better for zipping around town etc.
I may buy another one. To Keep.
A Testarossa/512tr on the other hand is a completely different experience.
I tell people when asked about charachterising driving it, It's very unforgiving to the unskilled and very rewarding to the proficient.( Don't worry I know I'm no F1 driver) : ) It requires you to be proactive. Forcing you to improve yourself. Not settling for anything less. giving you a sense of accomplishment.
I personally enjoy the challenge. Blipping the throttle on downshifts etc.
The steering and clutch are heavy. Other TR owners who have parallel parked you know what I mean lol. they have Immense street presence.
As far as the design it's romantic, sensual and menacing (especially from the rear) the Femme Nikita of Ferrari's.
12 Cyl torque, Downshifting is just an option for passing on highway.
You could shift at 1200rpms up to 5th, engine says no problem, whatever.
And the absolute symphonic mix of intake/exhaust sounds produced by a flat 12 with a tubi creates a delicious heroic roar approaching the surreal.
A totally unique experience, even among other cavallino's
Sex and violence on four wheels.
Tuco

 

i had the same issue when i bought my 308. soon after i bought it i started thinking about the next car up the ladder. but it dawned on me that the 308 has been my dream car since high school, so yes there are faster and more modern cars, but better, i'm not sure. the 308 as it is, is excactly what i've always wanted it to be. the 308 is a keeper for me, if i decide on a TR or 348/355, it will be as a second ferrari. keep the ones you love, that's what it boils down to for me.

john

 

I always wanted a TR but I settled for a 308QV bcus TR prices were too high in 90. Good thing I waited since I am very happy w my 512TRs.
I think the TR is easily 1 of the best looking cars in history. I own 3 now so I really love TRs
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My....William, is that a chopped 512M or converted TR? Interesting option in black & gold.

I'm about to change from my 348 to a TR as well. Hopefully it works out soon.

 

348's don't seem quite as bad.

 

I originally bought a 328GTS and I loved the car. It was a lot of fun to drive. Then I bought a 355 and still own it, but I don't like the power steering-makes the car a little goosey at high speed. Then I bought a 512 and thought I had died and gone to Heaven!! Jeez the car is fabulous at any speed and has gobs of torque whenever you want it-and that is from a former Viper owner.