A drag race between two Ferraris is always a treat, especially when they are both classic. Although CarWow mainly deals in the latest car manufacturers have to offer, they do occasionally do things purely for the fun of it. Such is the case with this video, in which a Ferrari 308 GTS and a Ferrari Testarossa throw down on the track. Essentially, this race is “Magnum PI” versus “Miami Vice,” and normally this race would be an easy win for the Testarossa, but one of these cars is hiding a dirty (also clean) secret.
The Testarossa has a 4.9-liter flat-12 unit with 390 horsepower and 361 pound-feet (480 Nm), while the standard 308 GTS has a 2.9-liter V-8 with 208 horsepower and 181 pound-feet (245 Nm). Not this one, however.
The GTE badge on the back hints at some witchcraft happening under the body.
You can thank the good people at Electric Classic Cars for the seamless conversion. Price-wise the Ferrari Testarossa comes at £125,000, while the Tesla-powered 308 costs £180,000.
The first drag race finishes with an expected and very convincing win for the electric 308. Less weight, no gearbox, and instant torque would give you a decisive win over the 1980s, manual, naturally-aspirated flat-12. Who knew?
In the end, the 308 crossed the line at 12.1 seconds, while the Testarossa took a still dignifying 13.3 seconds for the 1,320 feet.
The second run comes with an interesting twist. Sam wants to do a rolling race from 45 mph (72.4 km/h), from second gear, so we can make use of the gear arrangement on the dog-leg gearbox in the Testarossa. Moreover, the Testarossa goes on “One”, while the 308 has to wait for the “Go”, before mashing the “Gas” pedal (pun intended). We won’t spoil the outcome, but let’s just say that the difference will surprise you more than the actual winner.
The brake test is another story, however, as the Testarossa not only stopped a bit better, but also managed to retain a straight trajectory. The 308, on the other hand, decided to go a bit sideways. Neither car has ABS.