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512 TR VS. TR

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by ginoBBi512, Oct 18, 2023.

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  1. ginoBBi512

    ginoBBi512 F1 Rookie
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    #1 ginoBBi512, Oct 18, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2023
    I have to say, after watching a few You Tube videos, I finally learned what the diff is between the 512 TR, and the TR. I think I might be starting to get the Ferrari flat 12 Mid Mounted itch. My question, is why, why the **** didnt Ferrari design the first Testarossa with the gear box behind the motor, instead of beneath ??? . This kind of **** really pisses me off. They new that the car would be top heavy, and not handle as well with this design. I get it with the 512 BBi, I love that car, so theres that. The 512 TR are insanely priced at the moment. The the BBi had to be like that, because of the design, I get it. When they came out with the first Testarossa, thats how it should have been, a child would know for Gods sake...Im not sure at the moment as to whether or not to sell my 328, its just a thought at the moment. Ive always been the kind of person that wants the best of anything that I buy. I could see myself getting rid of the 328 , if and when the 512 TR became something I could afford. As nice is my car is, and the time that its been in my life, the 512 TR would be a another dream come true, and a proper replacement. A Ferrari 12 cylinder ? Hell yes !!! Rip out the exhaust, Tubi and Test pipes, oh my !!! Ripping down the FWY at full song baby...Ive got one more question : Who was the crack smoking imbecile that designed the 512 M ? You know, with the clear headlights, good grief Charlie Brown.

    Big G
     
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  2. 05F430F1

    05F430F1 F1 Rookie
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    #2 05F430F1, Oct 19, 2023
    So there’s that.


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  3. bernieb

    bernieb Karting

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    #3 bernieb, Oct 19, 2023
    In my very questionable opinion, the Testarossa is one of the prettiest cars Ferrari ever made, and the 512M is about the homeliest thing they ever put on wheels. Go figure, lol. Again my opinion only but the Testarossa is just not peppy enough, while the 512M motor is literally a Testarossa unchained.
     
  4. ginoBBi512

    ginoBBi512 F1 Rookie
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    #4 ginoBBi512, Oct 19, 2023
    The 512 TR is what I really like, the M has a great look other than the front headlights.

    G
     
  5. 350MH83

    350MH83 Formula 3

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    #5 350MH83, Oct 20, 2023
    Agreed on the 512TR. To me that's the perfected Testarossa body. The front grill does look really dated on the Testarossa, so do the wheels. Both are taken care of by the 512.
    For the 512M, Im not a huge fan of the headlights (or rear lights for that matter) but the thing I really hate are the wheels.
     
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  6. sixcarbs

    sixcarbs F1 World Champ
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    #6 sixcarbs, Oct 20, 2023
    An factory option on the M was the old 512 TR wheels.

    https://red-headed.com/f512m_versions.html

    Me, I like the M just fine. I like them all!
     
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  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #7 Rifledriver, Oct 20, 2023
    By the standards of 1985 the TR was one of the fastest cars around. When I was test driving them in 1985-86 nearly every stoplight I was challenged to a drag race so people could watch it for themselves. By the standards of today the 512 or 512M is very Ho Hum in performance. Performance comparisons are really only fair when judged by the standards of when they were built. No one buying one today or enthusiastically owning one today does so for its cutting edge performance. All versions are good looking cars and the differences are favored differently by different people.

    We own a 1990 and my Ford Lightning will beat it stoplight to stoplight. BFD.
    I have a friend who is a professional sommelier. He has a saying about wine I apply to cars. If you like it and I hate it we are both right.
     
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  8. ginoBBi512

    ginoBBi512 F1 Rookie
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    #8 ginoBBi512, Oct 20, 2023
    As with my 328, Im not really concerned about the power. I just love the motor in the Testarossa . I also like the fact that its a GT type of car, and in my opinion, its more of an every day driver than my 328 . I dont think I would be disappointed with the original TR, its the fact that the 512 TR, is just a better version. At this point in time, its just a thought for me. Its nice to have options, even though the 512 TR is not viable at this moment as far as my budget goes.

    G
     
  9. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 Bullfighter, Oct 20, 2023
    The 328 is a special car, one that Ferrari got right by upgrading many of the 308’s weak spots. As a child of the 1980s, I’m a TR admirer because it’s certainly iconic, and the later 512 TR is better sorted — just a lot pricier. The earlier gearboxes don’t take well to stoplight burnouts, but if you launch it properly your checkbook will thank you.

    Having had a 328, I’d say it’s very capable of being a daily driver in warmer climates. I had low expectations of Ferrari reliability and usability when I bought the car, and the 328 proved me wrong. I would put it on par with my 911/964 of the same era: reliable, but not a drive-it-and-forget-it type of car.


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  10. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #10 Rifledriver, Oct 20, 2023
    They never fixed this. All these are from 512 TR. It was and always will be a fragile transmission. The differential is the only thing they fixed.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
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  11. ross

    ross Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 ross, Oct 20, 2023
    my 512tr is about to undergo surgery for just such parts failures....

    that being said (and i have said this many times....) i have had a few ferraris and experienced a few more, and my favorite car of all time is my 512tr.
     
  12. ginoBBi512

    ginoBBi512 F1 Rookie
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    #12 ginoBBi512, Oct 21, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2023
    Well, thats a shame when it comes to the transmission. One Ferrari for me in this lifetime is really starting to be enough. I think keeping the 328 forever, and buying a Porsche to park next to it is the wise decision. When I see the above pics, all I can say is, Good Grief Charlie Brown...lol Oh my.When I pass onto the next phase of my existence, God may have a 512 TR for me to drive around ! lol He has to have a thing for 12 cylinder Ferraris I would imagine.

    Big G
     
  13. bernieb

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    #13 bernieb, Oct 21, 2023
    In the bottom left photo, is the twisted spline from a few too many stoplight launches, or is it a gradual thing from mostly civil use?
     
  14. SVanDyck

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    #14 SVanDyck, Oct 24, 2023
    I would not be so hot for a GT Ferrari. From my experience, I don’t use my Ferrari for basic transportation. I use it for fun a few hours a week at most. So jumping into a Ferrari that feels easy and comfortable just doesn’t do it for me.

    With that said, the original TR is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. I would love to have one just to look at it. I wouldn’t be too excited about driving it and think I could probably have more fun in a 328.
     
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