M3 vrs. Testarossa

[Ron Katona <ron3b@xxxxxxxx>]

Chris Barton wrote:
> Actually, if memory serves (Stand Back!) I believe the Testarossa ran
> mid to high 12's in the 1/4 mile. Which is a LOT faster than most give
> credit for.

I have no doubt a Testarossa is capable of this with the right gearing.
As my memory serves me (and there's been a lot of beer consumed since
this recollection), a late 80's Testarossa only turns high 13's to low
14's in the 1/4 mile. Before you say it ain't so, remember that 1/4 mile
means nothing to Ferrari - the car is geared for top speed. Although it
was barely faster than some musclecars of the era in the 1/4 mile, it
would smoke everything from 100 on up. The 1/4 mile numbers are
therefore deceptive.

I remember feeling cocky after running high 13's in my 5.0 (before I
became enlightened) and picking up a copy of Road & Track to see that my
car was faster than a Testarossa. The difference was that my car ran
13.9 @ 100 while the Testarossa ran something like 14.1 @ 109.
Obviously, the Testarossa was just getting into it's power band and
would have rocketed past my 'Stang shortly after the 1/4 mile. The tall
gearing, gated shifter, and traction difficulties didn't help 0-60 or
1/4 mile times.

So... I think it's possible that an M Roadster or Coupe could beat a
stock Testarossa in the stop light grand prix. Just don't play with one
at 120.
- -- 
Ron Katona

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