Countach Vs. Testarossa Showdown

"-Amateur" (amateur)
08/27/2013 at 12:38 • Filed to: RIVALS

They are both bonafide poster children and extremely capable exotic super cars. That's cool and all, but which one is better?

The Countach lived a long life from 1974 up until 1990. It is unmistakably iconic with its shin crushing wedge shape and pain in the ass backing up method. Only 2042 of these puppies were built.

The same Bertone studio that did the Miura, did the Countach. It was designed by Marcello Ghandini who had an eye for design, and not so much for ergonomics...which is totally fine by me. Its outrageous and awesome.

The Countach came in five flavors: LP400, LP400s, LP500s, 5000QV, and the 25th Anniversary Edition.

The last and most powerful Countach was equipped with a V12 5.2L DOHC with 455 Bhp and 501 Nm. 0-62 km mph in at 5 seconds flat with a top speed of 183 mph.

The Ferrari Testarossa

This car lived on from 1984-1991 with its 512 TR iteration from 1992-1996. The Countach already had ten years when this little whippersnapper was introduced. Pininfarina was the design studio that sculpted this beauty. It's side louvers are iconic Testarossa. It had a wide engine from the get-go, made wider by the fact that Ferrari crammed two radiators on either side of it. 7200 units were made while it walked this planet.

It had a 4.9L Boxer 12 cylinder engine with 4 valves per cylinder. It gushed out 390 Bhp with 452 Nm and a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds. Top speed came around 180 mph give or take.

The interior definitely looked more "homely" compared to its rivals.

So the question remains. If you could ultimately choose one of these cars. Which one would you take to majestically grace your garage?

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DISCUSSION (100)

liquid_popcorn > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 12:48

Voted! I'd have the Testarossa; the Lamborghini looks wild and amazing, but the Ferrari is a bit less flash, while still exotic. Plus, it'd be easier to live with.

505Turbeaux > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 12:49

that is a tough question. If it was an LP400 there is no question that would be the one. Just such a clean, wild design. I think it got muddled in the 80's. Same thought process for the redhead. Love the understated interior and the rear taillights. Plus you all played this

Kinja'd!!!

Takuro Spirit > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 12:52

I'm a Testarossa fan. And that's a 512TR.

Still would take it over the Lambo, tho.

avens > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 12:58

There are no better gods than others.

If I had to pick one I'd go for the Testarossa, because I've always wanted one and they are affordable (the car is, not the maintenance) and not that rare to find.

mr. idk > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 13:04

I read somewhere that the testarossa actually has a 180 degree V12 and NOT a flat 12 or something like that

RMudkips > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 13:07

I'd take the Testa in white.
And let my zombie French friend drive it once a while.

Kinja'd!!!

Meatcoma > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 13:24

Countach, look at it!

Sparf > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 13:51

Testarossa, no question about it. In red, please.

EL_ULY > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:03

I will never know the answer to that question :(

JoeDapper > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:03

NEITHER! I had a Porsche 911 as my poster growing up. It was all white with the blacked out Fuchs rims. PORSCHE FTW!!!!!

Buckus > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:05

Testarossa.

trexrawrrawr > RMudkips
08/27/2013 at 14:06

San Baban > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:09

Testarossa without a shadow of a doubt

Maxxuman > mr. idk
08/27/2013 at 14:10

Hmmm, 180 degrees - sounds pretty flat to me...

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:11

Kinja'd!!!

Crank windows? On a megadollar (for then) exotic? Combine that with the Lambo's contortionist-friendly seating position and I'll take the 'rossa, thank you. (The Ferarri's ergos aren't perfect either, but easier to live with)

skymonk > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:11

Testarossa, all day. And the first gen, one mirror cars. Those are the best.

monovich > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:11

The Rossa is great but c'mon, There will never be another Countach. It's THE COUNTACH, maaaan. Nobody has even come up with a NAME half as cool since.

Maxxuman > Maxxuman
08/27/2013 at 14:12

Oh, and Countach for me. It's an outrageous and instantly recognisable classic, while the other is a used Ferrari. I'd much rather a Miura though.

TheDW > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:14

Countach... because Cannonball

LowEndZen > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:14

The Countach was one of my boyhood poster cars, so the eleven-year-old in me insists that I vote for it. I'm amazed how obnoxiously good-looking it still is.

CRX-Wing > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:15

512 TR. And the only Ferrari I'd ever order in a color other than red. Fly Yellow, please.

Kinja'd!!!

You can have this one for a mere $147k.

rocor > 505Turbeaux
08/27/2013 at 14:15

If the LP400?, then the Ferrari should be the 365 GT4 BB. Both designs are from the early 1970's, the BB being a much cleaner design than the Testarossa.

Zuzax > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:15

Easy - the Countach. While the Testarossa screams of the '80s, the Countach just screams.

The definitive model styling-wise was the 400s, with just the right amount of exagerated bodywork, but avoiding the 500QV's me-too 80's cliche bodywork slats and fugly bumpers.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:16

I'd take the Countach, but only if it was a 25th Anniversary, or a 5000 quattrovalvole

112358132134 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:17

if all red Testarossa's could be destroyed and mine was black, hands down over the 'tach. im sorry but most ferrari's dont look good in red and the rossa looks pissed off in black

BeauM > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:17

Wow the countach's engine bay looks like a bag of snakes, and not in a good way. No wonder they cost so much to keep running.

chapel976 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:21

This is like asking which is better: an iron maiden or an executioner's axe? Both will kill you, one will make you rather uncomfortable first though.

Jays81DMC > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:21

I can watch this all day...

Patrick Frawley > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:22

I've had the chance to sit in each. Have actually tried about three Countaches on for size.

The Testarossa is uncomfortable. Not enough room, iffy driving position.

The Countach is resolutely inhospitable, almost torturous. I cannot find a workable driving arrangement. Head room, leg room, foot room all lack badly. If you are much over five-six you're out of luck.

The Countach wins as pure sculpture; the TR isn't as evocative. Driving? Leaning towards the Ferrari, but neither really makes me happy.

Bullitt417 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:24

It's a tough choice. I went with the Countach. I had one on my wall, and though I have 1:18 models of both, the Countach still screams "I can go 300mph!" more than the Ferrari ever did.

It would have to be a later Countach though. I need all the wings, inlets, and body kits. That's what made it crazy.

FlyingV > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:25

NEVER DRIVE YOUR HEROES. I would take the Rossa if you pointed a gun to my head, but those days are way over.

aarmel732 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:26

I am not entirely sure this is answerable. One part leans to testarossa. Easier (maybe) to maintain, easier to get in an out of, and still awesome. But then, only one? I had pictures of the lambo on my wall....I still love the look. But those side strakes, and that tail light, the rossa defines "dat ass!". But the wedge and that impossible windshield....

Honestly, I do not know. If I had to commute in it, Testarossa. If I wanted it as a weekend play thing, Countach.

Foo2rama > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:26

Lambo no question... rarity, and ever Testarossa I see has massive build quality issues, fading paint, bad panel gaps...

Foo2rama > 505Turbeaux
08/27/2013 at 14:27

That's an F50 there buddy...

RMudkips > trexrawrrawr
08/27/2013 at 14:29

His music videos are just amazing.

protodad > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:29

Testarossa. Besides the fact that it just looks gorgeous, the dash on the Countach would make me want to hurl every time I got in.

topgunner > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:30

I'll take a 512TR in black.

Nytmare > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
08/27/2013 at 14:34

Only half the side window goes down, and even then it only moves about 3 inches. So I think the crank is only a problem if you want to lower the passenger side for some reason.

JayHova > 505Turbeaux
08/27/2013 at 14:34

Fiat 130 Coupe and the 'unspoiled' LP400...nice to see another person with a taste for clean, crisp and rather angular design!

philipilihp > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:36

I hate you for making me choose. But red countach, gold wheels.

N@tedog > monovich
08/27/2013 at 14:38

Countach really is an awesome name. I'm not a big fan of them, but Corvette has always been another amazing sports car name in my mind. It just sounds like speed, sleek and sex all in one.

jpunk > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:38

Sideswipe was the first transformer I ever had... so I owe my inner child a red Countach to make up for all the crap I ask him to put up with.

505Turbeaux > JayHova
08/27/2013 at 14:38

and of course, the Peugeot 505 wagon. Angular but for the nose

Fdor > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:40

Since neither are every day driving cars, I'd take the Countach for the pure visual porn appeal.

hollanddjw 1 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:42

Countach, but only because I can't get this sound out of my head. It haunts me. I must have it.

Wonk Unit > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:43

I didn't realize the production numbers for the Countach were that low. as for the choice, both because this is America and i don't have to follow rules.

gre12 > RMudkips
08/27/2013 at 14:44

Good musician, worst DJ ever to walk this earth.

Also, I'd take the Testarossa, in yellow. Used to have the diecast when I was a kid. Sort of like my Rosebud. Sort of because I'm extremely poor.

ACCEL_ENG > mr. idk
08/27/2013 at 14:45

Is there a difference? I strongly feel that designation is for block layout not crank shaft design. I will argue to the end of time that crank pin difference between the two is arguing a bunch of semantics! split pin or shared, the bores are 180 degrees apart...

HazeDG13 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:45

Countach all day and twice on Sunday.

JimSlade > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:46

my head says Ferrari...my heart says Lambo...

this question is like asking...would you rather sleep with a supermodel or a 'regular' model...both good...both fun to ride hard...

M3C4N1K > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:50

I'm in the Ferrari camp, however the more important question is would you take the Countach-bodied Fiero or the Testarossa-bodied Fiero? If you answered yes, you deserve neither of their forebears.

Kinja'd!!!

McMike > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:50

Even thought the Ferrari's flat 12 was called a "Boxer" (starting with the BB512, and carried on through the Testarossa) it is not a true boxer.

It's a 180 degree V-12.

Top engine = boxer, since it has two crank pins.

Bottom engine = flat, since they share a crank pin.

Kinja'd!!!

RMudkips > gre12
08/27/2013 at 14:51

He's got good tracks, haven't heard much of his DJ sets. I think most French artists are a lot about production than DJing, but there are gems (RIP Mehdi)

I've never seen a yellow Testa, mostly a fan of the Vice white ones and Rossa red ones. My friend's dad has a white Testarossa (I can't actually confirm this though), and apparently keeps it the way Cameron's dad kept HIS Ferrari in Ferris Bueller.

SuPeRcHaRgER > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
08/27/2013 at 14:52

Lamborghini played it safe and knew that the Italian wired electric windows would breakdown even before they were put together in the factory, duh!

mr_gofast > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 14:54

Kinja'd!!!

because big intake

The Stig's graphic designer cousin > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
08/27/2013 at 14:56

That's weight savings, right there. It's a feature.

Suburban Fart Can > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:00

I have a framed countach poster in my bedroom, I can't not pick the lambo. If you're gonna go all the way in terms of 80's excess, its gotta be the countach, barn door aerodynamics and all.

MaWeiTao > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:03

The Countach because it represents what a supercar is supposed to be. The Testarossa is nice too, but it's a bit too more normal for it's own good.

McMike > mr. idk
08/27/2013 at 15:05

You're correct. Can't blame folks, though.. Even Ferrari called it "boxer" when it was in the BB512.

EAGLE 5 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:05

For the fun and awesomeness my choice is cocaine white Countach LP5000 QV with carbs no wing and no sideskirts.

For a long trip I'd probably have to take a red 512TR

The Stig's graphic designer cousin > hollanddjw 1
08/27/2013 at 15:07

I love that intro, even if the artificial speed increase is handled with fists made of ham, and the lyrics to the song are horrible in addition to inane.

Dogsport2.0 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:07

I've always liked the prancing horse over the bull, but with these two, the Lambo on looks alone.

With that said, could I get a gigantified version of the title photo please??

Kursa > mr. idk
08/27/2013 at 15:13

It is indeed a 180 degree V12.

Source: EVO's new review of the Testarossa.

Kursa > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:14

Without a second's hesitation I would have the Testarossa, especially a 512. And in white.

Ry-bones, FiST pilot > Wonk Unit
08/27/2013 at 15:15

Agreed, I had half that many Hotwheels and Micromachines.

timto82 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:17

That's an easy one. When we were kids, my brother had an 1/10 scale RC Testarossa, while I had a 1/10 scale Countach. I went to do some hot laps in my Lambo one day, only to find that it no longer worked, and there was a big old crack in the front bumper. When I confronted him about it, he absolutely denied his involvement in the demise of my car.

So, I would take the Testarossa, gift it to my brother, and when he wasn't home, borrow it and total it.

Payback is a bitch.

Ry-bones, FiST pilot > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:18

Neither. I could only be disappointed, and couldn't afford to keep either on the road.

DoubleDoublePlease > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
08/27/2013 at 15:20

So you're basing this thing on crank windows, eh? I fear a point has been missed, fella. Just play 'er safe and go with the Camry.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > DoubleDoublePlease
08/27/2013 at 15:23

LOL. I prob should have indicated sarcasm; thought it would be obvious..

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > SuPeRcHaRgER
08/27/2013 at 15:24

Contracted the electrical work out to Lucas, did they? :)

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Nytmare
08/27/2013 at 15:25

Best answer yet!

JayHova > 505Turbeaux
08/27/2013 at 15:28

Either a Dangel-505 wagon or a Turbo.

chriswhotakesphotos > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:33

Kinja'd!!!

Who took this fantastic picture?

redbeaver > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:35

The last and most powerful Countach was equipped with a V12 5.2L DOHC with 455 Bhp and 501 Nm. 0-62 km mph in at 5 seconds flat with a top speed of 183 mph.

0-62 km mph in at 5 seconds

0-62 km mph

0-62 km

mph?

SuPeRcHaRgER > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
08/27/2013 at 15:36

Atleast with Lucas electrics you can use the replaceable "Lucas Electrical Wiring Harness Dust". But there's just no reasoning with Italian electrics of that era lol! And lets not forget about the Italians "fiery" nature ;)

chriswhotakesphotos > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:37

I love the Testarossa to death, and I'd gladly have both, but I say the Countach. It wouldn't be as fast, but it has a great sense of humor.

thatmacfast > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:41

Who cares which? As long as we can agree that we are all some lucky sum-a-ma-bitches to have grown up with both on our walls and in our dreams. You could park either in your living room today, never leave the house again, and be quite happy just looking at them. The really crazy part is today you can have a nice example of either for less than a mildly optioned mid-level BMW or Mercedes. Shoot for the price of a Lexus LS 460L you could buy one AND pay for your first engine out oil change on the Testarossa.

Jumbojeepman > JoeDapper
08/27/2013 at 15:47

If you are going Porsche here, how about a 959?

Squad41 > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 15:48

Countach. Without a doubt, it was the most outrageous supercar of the era.

John Carter > hollanddjw 1
08/27/2013 at 15:50

GET YOUR CAN OF SPRAY PAINT OUT OF MY LAMBORGHINI, WOMAN!!

jamisparker > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
08/27/2013 at 16:00

Before the NSX, exotics were more racecar than luxury. Some of the dashboards are just laughably spartan.

rafkong > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 16:07

This

Kinja'd!!!

is more menacing and imposing

than this

Kinja'd!!!

Squid > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 16:11

I'd take either, preferably in white with an all white interior so I could blast down sunset throwing handful after handful of pure white flower out the window while laughing maniacally and doing burnouts and other obnoxious stuff like revving the piss out of the motor when ever possible. . .

Squid > RMudkips
08/27/2013 at 16:15

I thoroughly enjoy listening to Kavinsky while on a nice drive with the top down. Oh the days when cocaine fueled the rich. . .

RMudkips > Squid
08/27/2013 at 16:17

Ah, it crashed like Tony in that movie. Good times.

Squid > hollanddjw 1
08/27/2013 at 16:18

you have to love the upshift right before the rev-matched downshift. . . That motor makes a glorious noise.

Drift Thunderdome > mr. idk
08/27/2013 at 16:34

A 180 degree V12 and a "Flat" 12 are the same thing, it's just not a "Boxer" 12.

RX > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
08/27/2013 at 16:39

If it's good enough for an Enzo...

Kinja'd!!!

hollanddjw 1 > John Carter
08/27/2013 at 16:44

Indeed! Can't have that getting all over my whale penis leather.

hollanddjw 1 > The Stig's graphic designer cousin
08/27/2013 at 16:45

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU DO, IT'S HOW YOU DO IT

jbmadness > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 16:46

Kinja'd!!!

Countach for sure!

meccapanzer > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 16:50

Countach

I was never a big fan of either but I liked the Testarossa the lesser of the two.

There are other Ferraris I would take over the Countach like the GTO.

Built BMW Tough > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 16:56

Only if it's this one, because otherwise I think they're both hideous:

Kinja'd!!!

TheCraigy > -Amateur
08/27/2013 at 16:59

Totally the Countach. Really the Countach is a hands-down winner here and the market prices back that up. A well sorted Countach is north of $100k while the TR's value continues to depreciate.

Of course both have the tremendously 80s styling, but to me the Testarossa keeps becoming more and more dated while the Countach continues to be. . . unique. (I don't know if "timeless" is really the right word here). The Countach, to me, is a classic and beautiful 80s design a-la the F40, whereas the Testarossa reeks of the 80s a-la the C-4 Vette, albeit to a lesser degree.

5000QV, please

Kinja'd!!!