In the early 1970s, Ferrari brought its Formula 1 flat-12 engine layout to the streets in its radical, mid-engine 365 GT/4 BB. While the company had long believed that twitchy mid-engined handling and a powerful 12-cylinder powerplant would be an overwhelming combination for regular drivers, arch rival Lamborghini was enjoying too much success with its Miura for Maranello not to respond. Not surprisingly, the resulting Berlinetta Boxer was enthusiastically received by Ferrari fans.
The BB evolved over the years, culminating with the fuel-injected 512 BBi version that was produced from 1981 to ’84. Also in 1984, Ferrari introduced the model’s replacement: the Testarossa. (The name, originally used on 1950s race cars, means red head, and comes from the red-painted cylinder-head covers.) Like the BBs, the TR featured a steel tube chassis and a mid-mounted flat-12 engine, along with independent suspension and the latest disc-brake technology.
In their day, both the Boxer and the Testarossa were considered terrific driver’s cars: They were fast, relatively easy to drive, reliable and very stylish. Looking at the two Ferraris together, it’s immediately obvious that they hail from different generations. The Boxer’s swoopy lines, razor-sharp nose and high-riding rump are distinctly ’70s, while the straked and flattened Testarossa could only have come from the ’80s. Of the two, there’s no denying that the Boxer’s macho but elegant styling wins in the looks department.
Of course, the real test is how they drive. To help gain some insight into the two car’s differences and similarities, Scottsdale, Arizona’s Kirk Axtell offered his 1984 512 BBi (s/n 48505), while Los Angeles resident Peter Batte provided his 1988 Testarossa (s/n 75383). We met in Los Angeles for a day of driving.