Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (314 km/h)
Combined, EPA 1992
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentControversial/uninspired design
Widely criticized as ugly, bland, forgettable, and a departure from iconic Ferrari design language. Specific complaints include wheel design compared to a "2016 Honda Civic" or "stretched out Audi Rotors," and a front end reminiscent of "nail clippers.".
- RecurrentWheel design
A recurrent sub-issue, with wheels described as flat, bland, uninspired, and lacking the iconic, fluid, sexy design of historical Ferrari wheels.
- RecurrentReliance on brand badge
Perception that the car is bought solely for the Ferrari status, not for its design or excitement.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedCumbersome driving dynamics
Described as a "30 year old GT car" that is quite cumbersome to drive compared to more nimble contemporaries.
- IsolatedParts availability concerns
Cited as a reason to refrain from purchasing today, as getting parts is described as a "daunting task.".
- IsolatedPassenger side mirror uselessness
The passenger mirror is noted as being hidden by the A-pillar and cannot actually be seen by the driver.
The version owners recommend
For the classic lineage, the original 1984-1991 Testarossa is specifically mentioned as the version that "stole my heart," valued for its pure, iconic form over the later 512 TR and F512M updates. One owner explicitly states a preference for their 1990 Testarossa over the M/TR variants, emphasizing emotional connection. The F512M is noted as the final evolution but also criticized in owner discussions as potentially the ugliest production Ferrari, with its update ruining the harmony of the original design.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari 348, Ferrari 355, Ferrari 360 and Ferrari 458.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the classic 1984-1996 Testarossa (including 512 TR and F512M variants), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep nostalgia, iconic status, and emotional appeal. It is celebrated as a symbol of 1980s excess, a Wall Street legend, and a childhood dream car, with ownership described as a 40-year dream come true. The driving experience is acknowledged to be more about emotional feel than objective performance, with some owners admitting the joy is "regardless of its objective parameters." In stark contrast, sentiment for the new 849 Testarossa is predominantly negative to mixed. It is heavily criticized for its controversial design, described as ugly, forgettable, and a significant departure from the brand's core principles of being "radical, fun, sexy, and fluid." A recurrent theme is that the Ferrari badge is carrying the sales effort, with purchases driven by brand status rather than the car's design. Isolated comments indicate the design has grown on some viewers, and its appearance is noted to be highly dependent on color and specification.
Positioning vs competitors
The classic Testarossa is positioned as the direct Ferrari response to the Lamborghini Countach, sharing a V12, wide rear-end, and dramatic 1980s supercar ethos. It is frequently compared to its contemporary, the Acura NSX, with owner discussions noting the NSX was often faster, handled better, was more reliable, and significantly cheaper, leaving the Testarossa with primarily badge prestige and emotional appeal. Compared to modern Ferraris, the classic Testarossa is viewed as a cumbersome GT car from a 30-year-old perspective, contrasted with more nimble, track-focused models like the 348. The new 849 Testarossa is positioned within Ferrari's recent design language, pulling cues from 1970s racecars but is widely seen as less exciting and eye-catching than offerings from other manufacturers, including Lamborghini.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific trim or option recommendations. For the classic car, ownership is presented as an emotional choice rather than a logical configuration exercise.
General recommendations
For the classic Testarossa, ownership is recommended as an emotional, dream-fulfilling experience rather than a pursuit of modern performance or logic. It is presented as an appreciating asset, particularly the original model, which has seen values skyrocket after being historically overlooked. Prospective buyers should be prepared for the challenges of owning a 30-year-old GT car, which may be cumbersome to drive by modern standards. For the new 849 Testarossa, no purchase advice is present in the data, reflecting its very recent reveal and lack of owner experiences.
Remarks
The data covers two distinct vehicles: the iconic 1984-1996 Testarossa and the newly announced 849 Testarossa. Discussions about the new car are almost entirely pre-release design critiques based on media images, with no substantive ownership or driving feedback. The criticism of the 849's design is part of a broader, recurrent dissatisfaction with Ferrari's recent design direction under Flavio Manzoni, with multiple models (SF90, F80, 12cilindri, Amalfi) cited as evidence of a problematic trend. The classic car's legacy is powerful, but owner acknowledgments of its objective driving shortcomings compared to peers like the NSX are present. The "Testarossa" name itself originates from red-painted cam covers ("testa rossa") on the 1950s race car, not the side strakes of the 1980s model, a point of clarification noted in owner discussions. Analysis based on approximately 90 substantive owner discussions and comments.
Specifications
4.9 i V12 48V
4.9L 12-cylinder · 428 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1992–1994