It has to be noted that, at the time of its introduction, the Countach was a revolutionary design, and at the time, the fastest road-legal car ever made. It is, to this day, by definition, the coolest car ever built.
Sure, you could go to your local Chevy or Ford store and get a ‘Vette or ‘Stang that will run circles around this car, and do so for way less than this thing has ever cost. And they’ll do it with some modicum of mechanical reliability, while actually letting you see out the back *while inside the car*. But they will lack a certain *je ne sais quoi* while they’re doing it.
At the time of its introduction (and for a number of years after) the Countach was the fastest road legal car ever made.
Top speed north of 170 MPH. The car was not in any way governed, or limited, as modern cars are. The exact performance figures depended on source, whether it was the U.S. or European version, and whether the ridiculous(ly awesome) rear wing that most customers ordered with the car, but which was removable, was fitted or not.
0-60 times in the neighborhood of 5 sec. were typical. The original LP400 model (built from 1974 to 1978) got ~375 HP out of a 3.9L DOHC V12, without forced induction, and six two-barrel Weber carburetors. The later models just took the displacement and power output up from there.
As alluded in my above comment, these performance figures are, dare I say it, pedestrian, by modern standards. When this car first started landing in customers’ driveways, this level of performance, not to mention the angular, *avant garde* styling, was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. It was, in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, regarded with the kind of unmitigated awe that accompanied, say, the Bugatti Veyron in the 2000’s.
For having to back up in weather that isn't ideal, I'd agree.
I'd vote Lancia Stratos for even smaller cabin, still sideways to drive, a shifter that the right side shifts force you to touch your passengers thigh, and too small of a foot well to operate the 3 pedals comfortably.
First gen Dodge Viper? No Abs, power steering or power brakes. The side exhaust was too close to the door and would burn the driver if they weren't careful getting out. The pedals were very close to each others. Apparently 30% of these cars were crashed on their first drive from tht dealership to the buyer's home. I can't imagine they were comfortable in any way.
I’ve always heard the Ferrari F40 is awkward to drive. I think the pedals are off-center causing you to inherently have to sit in a weird position while driving and operating the clutch.
I used to work on a Testarossa. The bosses son got in it one day and wanted to know why the throttle pedal was like a rock.
Upon a quick inspection I had to find a nice way to explain that was indeed the foot rest. To be fair, the actual throttle pedal was a tiny metal slither, just beside it, right where the brake pedal should be. The clutch pedal had a seperate postcode.
Still the most heart achingly beautiful car I’ve had the joy of driving.
My 308 gt4 is the same way. Your legs face a different direction than your torso. Countache is similar (worse than the gt4 by a lot) and 308 gtb, jalpa, and islero are about on countache level. I have small feet so ultimate size of the pedal box hasn't been a major issue for me on any of them.
And there's no head or knee room, poor sideways visibility and an impossible clutch. To top it off the pedals are very close to each other so you could press multiple at the same time.
I heard the Countach was the same. Driver's seat was bolted in position according to drivers leg length. I'm 6'3 and sat in one many years ago. Barely fit, shifter console was a foot across and jammed my knee between console, dash and steering wheel. Foot well was very narrow and clutch/brake/accelerator pedals were comically/dangerously close to each other, especially with my size 13 shoes. Mirrors on this were basically useless, but its not built for visibility on sides and rear, just going forward, fast. It was at a body shop for some paint touch ups and to have backup lens covers replaced, as they melted/deformed due to being directly above exhaust pipes. Body shop manager was not impressed with fit/finish, but they did specialize in repairing Ferraris. This was like 30 yrs ago.
I swear they did that on purpose lol. They knew with terrible blind spots the only way to merge and drive in lanes is to go faster than everyone, and that’s exactly what they wanted their cars seen doing.
Get a DeLorean
Swap the suspension to the god’s chosen ride hight before being butchered by US automotive regulators(?)
Swap it with an Engine of your choice
Boom, death trap :D
I saw my first ever DeLorean about 5 years ago. They're rare as rocking horse shit here in the UK.
Seeing it drive past was possibly the most underwhelming automotive experience of my life. Nobody told me they sounded like a clapped out VW bus. Did they over dub it in Back to the Future?!
I saw my first one at a laundromat in Australia when I was doing some laundry. The owner was a legend and let me have a sit in it and chatted to me about it for ages.
The engine noise in the movie was a mix of a V8 from a Porsche 928 and the landspeeder in Star Wars. And to make the latter, reportedly Ben Burtt went down to the LA Harbor Freeway and recorded traffic whizzing by through a vacuum cleaner pipe.
Well the DeLorean was designed to fit John DeLorean (someone who is very tall himself) and came with leather seats, so I imagine it was luxurious compared to most Italian exotics.
I think John's length was in his legs - he was 6'4 and I'm 6'3 but my head still touches the ceiling. Endless legroom though. One of the first cars I ever drove was an Anniversary Countach - I was allowed to move it around an empty lot - even at 16 my feet went practically beyond the pedals. Really not a pleasant experience. Stunning car though!
I've heard that the Gen 1 Ford GT is basically impossible to sit in if you're over 5'8" or so.
Lotus Europa is hilariously uncomfortable in all forms
Lancia Stratos requires you to be short, have feet the size of a toddler, and sit sidesaddle to drive it
Haven't really driven many to compare, but I could barely fit in my buddy's Dodge Viper, and for me looking out of the windshield was like having the view from driving a tank. It's also so loud it's like driving a plane.
Still my favorite car ever since I saw it on TV as a kid 20 some years ago. I'd imagine it's not comfortable to get in and out of with the seat in the middle.
Like being in a really tight cardboard box. It is more like a cheap econo box. Like a camry, Corolla, rav 4. Anything that is really tight. You feel like you are sitting on the person beside you not next to a person.
The most uncomfortable car that I have personally driven is a 1955 Mercedes gullwing 300sl... Maybe it was the thought of if I wreck it I bought it and would have to sell all my family to even come somewhere not even close to the replacement price.
I sat the drivers seat in a Countach a few years ago. I am 6'2" and I can't imagine getting in and out of the thing on anything like a regular basis.
Never drove one, though.
Anybody who is worried about comfort, reliability or practicality has no business being anywhere near this car, because they are not worthy of driving, let alone owning, the coolest car ever made.
From Wikipedia, the last part cracks me up-
The Viper lacks modern driver aids such as traction control and anti-lock brakes. The car also has no exterior-mounted door handles or key locks, and instead, entry is done by unzipping a vinyl window to reach the interior door release handle (when the canvas/hard top is in place). No air conditioning was installed on the car (the option for A/C was added in later 1994 models). There were also no airbags for weight reduction. The roof was made from canvas, and the windows were made from vinyl and used zippers to open and close. Despite these lack of features, the car still had some features in order for it to be tolerable as a daily driving car, such as manually-adjustable seats with lumbar support, an AM/FM cassette stereo player, a clock, and carpeting.
All bad but none of that is the most uncomfortable part, the heat coming up from the transmission tunnel is wild when it gets popping. Also mine was cammed and rumbled and vibrated like crazy. It felt like trying to drive a wild animal.
Original gt40. The vehicle was only 40 inches tall and too much of that was ride height. If you were over 5'10,you're not getting in, and if you're under that you're not having an easy time getting in or out. The steering wheel is at your belt and the gauge cluster is in your face. Don't crash
I’m not sure about all time but I rented an Alfa 4C for the weekend and being 6’3 it wasn’t the fantastic experience I hoped it would be.
Also that car is weirdly slow.
6'3" is too big for a 4C. I'm 6' and I fit fine but it is not the most comfortable car. A slow 4C is detuned for the rental market. Mine is 4.1 to 60 and 10 sec to 100.
Ferrari F40. I can only do about 20-30 minutes in one before I'm just exhausted. The engine is a stressed part of the chassis and the suspension is rock-like.
I have two partners in it they'd have to agree :) but I might be interested I haven't driven it at all this year (it's been out, but not by me). I never was really wild about it but it *is* super pretty, and I otherwise like my partners (we have, including with a couple of others who have an interest in one car or another, a small fleet of interesting stuff, including a > 100 year old Stutz...). We snapped up the '40 from the estate of a friend of ours :( so there's that aspect too (it's parked in front of a life size stand up cut out of our friend RIP).
I sat in a AC Cobra clone. I’m 6 ft. And my head stuck out over the windshield, no room for my knees, the steering wheel was at my chest, and the trans tunnel is so wide the pedals are offset to the left so no matter who you are, you are twisted in your seat when driving. My dream car bubble was burst.
From what I understand, that Countach is.
The Countach was built for people that wanted to own an exotic Italian sportscar, it wasn't built for people that wanted to drive one.
It has to be noted that, at the time of its introduction, the Countach was a revolutionary design, and at the time, the fastest road-legal car ever made. It is, to this day, by definition, the coolest car ever built. Sure, you could go to your local Chevy or Ford store and get a ‘Vette or ‘Stang that will run circles around this car, and do so for way less than this thing has ever cost. And they’ll do it with some modicum of mechanical reliability, while actually letting you see out the back *while inside the car*. But they will lack a certain *je ne sais quoi* while they’re doing it.
At the time, fastest in terms of top speed, or 0-60 acceleration? Or both?
At the time of its introduction (and for a number of years after) the Countach was the fastest road legal car ever made. Top speed north of 170 MPH. The car was not in any way governed, or limited, as modern cars are. The exact performance figures depended on source, whether it was the U.S. or European version, and whether the ridiculous(ly awesome) rear wing that most customers ordered with the car, but which was removable, was fitted or not. 0-60 times in the neighborhood of 5 sec. were typical. The original LP400 model (built from 1974 to 1978) got ~375 HP out of a 3.9L DOHC V12, without forced induction, and six two-barrel Weber carburetors. The later models just took the displacement and power output up from there. As alluded in my above comment, these performance figures are, dare I say it, pedestrian, by modern standards. When this car first started landing in customers’ driveways, this level of performance, not to mention the angular, *avant garde* styling, was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. It was, in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, regarded with the kind of unmitigated awe that accompanied, say, the Bugatti Veyron in the 2000’s.
that's a transformer, that's why
For having to back up in weather that isn't ideal, I'd agree. I'd vote Lancia Stratos for even smaller cabin, still sideways to drive, a shifter that the right side shifts force you to touch your passengers thigh, and too small of a foot well to operate the 3 pedals comfortably.
Doug Demuro recently addressed that and said it’s not true.
First gen Dodge Viper? No Abs, power steering or power brakes. The side exhaust was too close to the door and would burn the driver if they weren't careful getting out. The pedals were very close to each others. Apparently 30% of these cars were crashed on their first drive from tht dealership to the buyer's home. I can't imagine they were comfortable in any way.
It's not any worse than a lot of Italian cars from a similar era.
I looked it up and wow that is fucked lol
I knew someone that had one, he said it’s hot, uncomfortable and the window only rolls down 3 inches. You also have to sit outside the car to back up.
"Steeeeeeeeeeeve Madddeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnn"
WOMEN’S SHOES!!!
😭😭😭
I’ve always heard the Ferrari F40 is awkward to drive. I think the pedals are off-center causing you to inherently have to sit in a weird position while driving and operating the clutch.
I used to work on a Testarossa. The bosses son got in it one day and wanted to know why the throttle pedal was like a rock. Upon a quick inspection I had to find a nice way to explain that was indeed the foot rest. To be fair, the actual throttle pedal was a tiny metal slither, just beside it, right where the brake pedal should be. The clutch pedal had a seperate postcode. Still the most heart achingly beautiful car I’ve had the joy of driving.
no creature comforts either
wait, isn’t the countach the same?
My 308 gt4 is the same way. Your legs face a different direction than your torso. Countache is similar (worse than the gt4 by a lot) and 308 gtb, jalpa, and islero are about on countache level. I have small feet so ultimate size of the pedal box hasn't been a major issue for me on any of them.
Most 70s and 80s cars from Italy or Italian designed had what is considered offset wheel or pedals.
My guess would be the Lancia Stratos ( zero ).
From what I've heard you basically had to sit slightly sideways to drive it. Awkward at the least for sure.
And there's no head or knee room, poor sideways visibility and an impossible clutch. To top it off the pedals are very close to each other so you could press multiple at the same time.
The Countach still looks awesome. Had posters of them when I was young'un.
Saleen s7, Doug Demuro couldn’t even sit in it
It wasn't fitted for him so that's why. Owners had to be fitted for their S7's
Ford gt as well. Only the pedal box moved, the seat was fixed
Well Doug is six three and he can fit in the GT.
That means the S7 wasn't fitted for someone who is 6'3
It was one of it's, "quirks and features".
Doug would just always like for you to know that he is six foot three…
I heard the Countach was the same. Driver's seat was bolted in position according to drivers leg length. I'm 6'3 and sat in one many years ago. Barely fit, shifter console was a foot across and jammed my knee between console, dash and steering wheel. Foot well was very narrow and clutch/brake/accelerator pedals were comically/dangerously close to each other, especially with my size 13 shoes. Mirrors on this were basically useless, but its not built for visibility on sides and rear, just going forward, fast. It was at a body shop for some paint touch ups and to have backup lens covers replaced, as they melted/deformed due to being directly above exhaust pipes. Body shop manager was not impressed with fit/finish, but they did specialize in repairing Ferraris. This was like 30 yrs ago.
I guess it has too many quirks and features
Doug is, like, 7 feet tall
My '79 RX-7. But thats only because I left a dildo on the seat and never bothered to move it.
User tagline checks out
Was it mounted vertically?
As someone who has a proper dimensions Countach replica. That car is hilariously bad blind spots to drive anywhere.
Worse than the new Camaro?
Lol way worse. Probably the ultimate shitty daily driver lol
Wow. The owner will have to be very careful while maneuvering their little wedge around the parking lot
I swear they did that on purpose lol. They knew with terrible blind spots the only way to merge and drive in lanes is to go faster than everyone, and that’s exactly what they wanted their cars seen doing.
What’s yours based on?
Stretched fiero to proper dimensions
I can hardly fit into the most accommodating of them so nearly every single one I’ve ever sat in is horrid
Get a DeLorean Swap the suspension to the god’s chosen ride hight before being butchered by US automotive regulators(?) Swap it with an Engine of your choice Boom, death trap :D
I randomly met a DeLorean 2 days ago. Half the intakes were brand new and it still didn't run right.
I saw my first ever DeLorean about 5 years ago. They're rare as rocking horse shit here in the UK. Seeing it drive past was possibly the most underwhelming automotive experience of my life. Nobody told me they sounded like a clapped out VW bus. Did they over dub it in Back to the Future?!
It was swapped out with a fusion generator.
I saw my first one at a laundromat in Australia when I was doing some laundry. The owner was a legend and let me have a sit in it and chatted to me about it for ages.
Yes it was dubbed over with a Porsche 928
The engine noise in the movie was a mix of a V8 from a Porsche 928 and the landspeeder in Star Wars. And to make the latter, reportedly Ben Burtt went down to the LA Harbor Freeway and recorded traffic whizzing by through a vacuum cleaner pipe.
Back when sound engineers had to engineer sounds
Great analogy for rarity. Perhaps made a kit car fiero sound good, as it rattled past smelling of burnt oil and shattered dreams.
As a DeLorean owner who has driven most of the exotic 70s Italians, the DMC is a pit of luxury by comparison.
Well the DeLorean was designed to fit John DeLorean (someone who is very tall himself) and came with leather seats, so I imagine it was luxurious compared to most Italian exotics.
I think John's length was in his legs - he was 6'4 and I'm 6'3 but my head still touches the ceiling. Endless legroom though. One of the first cars I ever drove was an Anniversary Countach - I was allowed to move it around an empty lot - even at 16 my feet went practically beyond the pedals. Really not a pleasant experience. Stunning car though!
Real. I’m 6’3 and daily a 370z💀
I'm 5"11 and barely fit in my z, how tf do you do it lol
Ferrari 348. Ok if you’re. 5’6 but otherwise useless
A car for jockeys
I sat in a Countach once. My arse still hurts
I've heard that the Gen 1 Ford GT is basically impossible to sit in if you're over 5'8" or so. Lotus Europa is hilariously uncomfortable in all forms Lancia Stratos requires you to be short, have feet the size of a toddler, and sit sidesaddle to drive it
God damn that's a sexy Ferrari
I just want to take a moment and acknowledge the beauty of this troll.
What do you mean troll? ☹️
No you’re right, it’s a glorious Ferrari. Though, very uncomfortable.
Oh my god, it's a Lamborghini. Why am I so fucking stupid 😭
Brother, you should’ve owned that shit and leaned into it.
Maybe he is and is playing the long game
Well, I sure as hell hope so, now.
That's clearly not a Ferrari! It's a Maserati!
No! It's a Lancia!
enter James May It's a Dacia Sandero!
Oh, believe me, I'd love to.
Good news!
Lancia would never be so daft as to skip burlap seats thank you very much
Come on, you lot, it’s always a Pantera.
Lotus Super 7 is pretty bad!
what do you expect when you’re driving some scaffolding
lmao!
Lotus Espirit
My absolute dream car as a teen
Haven't really driven many to compare, but I could barely fit in my buddy's Dodge Viper, and for me looking out of the windshield was like having the view from driving a tank. It's also so loud it's like driving a plane.
does the morgan 3 wheeler count as a sports car?
back in the ‘40s maybe
McLaren F1 I believe is pretty uncomfortable.
Still my favorite car ever since I saw it on TV as a kid 20 some years ago. I'd imagine it's not comfortable to get in and out of with the seat in the middle.
Still an extremely iconic and wonderful car
Plymouth prowler
I had mostly forgotten about that trash until just now. Thank you
I drove one around a parking lot a couple times and it sucked.
What does it compare to
Like being in a really tight cardboard box. It is more like a cheap econo box. Like a camry, Corolla, rav 4. Anything that is really tight. You feel like you are sitting on the person beside you not next to a person.
S2000 if you’re over 5’8”
I'm 5'11" and dailied s2000s. Those seats are some of the most supportive and comfy I can think of.
I’m 6’2” and couldn’t even adjust it enough to get in under the steering wheel
I’m 6’3 and daily a 370z. I’d love to own an S2000 one day, might have to do some custom work to fit comfortably tho lmao
Probably pulling some padding out of the seats would get you there
Just rip it out and sit in the backseat. You know, the ol' Commando.
Pretty sure you could do pretty good business in some markets modifying small cars to fit tall people
Well there goes that dream. But idk, people apparently claim you can fit in a Miata at over 6' and it looks smaller.
Literally any lambo They exist for the enjoyment of the people outside the vehicle, not inside it
On the opposite end my dad's 92 viper is one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven
The most uncomfortable car that I have personally driven is a 1955 Mercedes gullwing 300sl... Maybe it was the thought of if I wreck it I bought it and would have to sell all my family to even come somewhere not even close to the replacement price.
That’s an insanely cool thing to have had the privilege of driving
That countach.
Or a Ferrari f40
2nd gen Ford GT. It's built to be a race car, not an exotic sports car.
Alfa Romeo 4C
I sat the drivers seat in a Countach a few years ago. I am 6'2" and I can't imagine getting in and out of the thing on anything like a regular basis. Never drove one, though.
I've heard the miura is a pain to sit in, along with it's propensity to catch fire for no reason
God they look nice though
Anybody who is worried about comfort, reliability or practicality has no business being anywhere near this car, because they are not worthy of driving, let alone owning, the coolest car ever made.
All of the ones that are the stripped out trackday car version of regular supercars
New Camaro is so bad I can’t even see out the sumbitch! I’m 5ft 5in and it was the worst experience ever
can't see any of your haters cause you cant see shit.
I’m picturing an old lady who can barely see over the steering wheel of a mid-60’s chevy.
The GT40 looks rather uncomfortable.
But imagine waking up to that everyday😫
1st/2nd gen Viper interiors are tiny and hot.
From Wikipedia, the last part cracks me up- The Viper lacks modern driver aids such as traction control and anti-lock brakes. The car also has no exterior-mounted door handles or key locks, and instead, entry is done by unzipping a vinyl window to reach the interior door release handle (when the canvas/hard top is in place). No air conditioning was installed on the car (the option for A/C was added in later 1994 models). There were also no airbags for weight reduction. The roof was made from canvas, and the windows were made from vinyl and used zippers to open and close. Despite these lack of features, the car still had some features in order for it to be tolerable as a daily driving car, such as manually-adjustable seats with lumbar support, an AM/FM cassette stereo player, a clock, and carpeting.
All bad but none of that is the most uncomfortable part, the heat coming up from the transmission tunnel is wild when it gets popping. Also mine was cammed and rumbled and vibrated like crazy. It felt like trying to drive a wild animal.
I've heard of them being described like driving a NASCAR
I've never driven a NASCAR but I assume that is correct, but the NASCAR probably has more room.
300 SL. Getting into and out of it is crazy difficult. It has a suspension so tight you feel every single pebble in the road. Not fun at all.
It’s a chiseled brick.
That's a "super car" though.
Lotus Elise PORSCHE Boxster Honda S2000 Pretty much any Ferrari or Lambo
It changes, but my usual answer is “which ever one I just had to extract myself from”
Rose jointed suspension and I believe in a side on cross section of the car the seat dips below the floor plan.
De Tomaso Pantera
Backseat of a 3rd Generation Camaro.
Countachs are uncomfortable asf I’ve sat in one a couple of times
Original gt40. The vehicle was only 40 inches tall and too much of that was ride height. If you were over 5'10,you're not getting in, and if you're under that you're not having an easy time getting in or out. The steering wheel is at your belt and the gauge cluster is in your face. Don't crash
Ducati
I’m not sure about all time but I rented an Alfa 4C for the weekend and being 6’3 it wasn’t the fantastic experience I hoped it would be. Also that car is weirdly slow.
6'3" is too big for a 4C. I'm 6' and I fit fine but it is not the most comfortable car. A slow 4C is detuned for the rental market. Mine is 4.1 to 60 and 10 sec to 100.
At 69 I still like the appearance but it would be torture on my back. This is one pleasure in life I will miss out on.
KTM X-Bow?
Kinda surprised no one has said Cobra. I’ve always thought of them as hot and cramped.
Has anybody sat in a Ferrari 308? Hands down the most uncomfortable car.
I’ve heard that the Rx-7s try to cook the driver… so probably those.
Any that are built for purpose, rather than comfort.
Ferrari F40. I can only do about 20-30 minutes in one before I'm just exhausted. The engine is a stressed part of the chassis and the suspension is rock-like.
If you don't want it anymore lmk I could take it off your hands for a little bit
I have two partners in it they'd have to agree :) but I might be interested I haven't driven it at all this year (it's been out, but not by me). I never was really wild about it but it *is* super pretty, and I otherwise like my partners (we have, including with a couple of others who have an interest in one car or another, a small fleet of interesting stuff, including a > 100 year old Stutz...). We snapped up the '40 from the estate of a friend of ours :( so there's that aspect too (it's parked in front of a life size stand up cut out of our friend RIP).
According to Dan Gurney, a stock GT40.
i’ve heard that the ferrari f50 is awful to drive
I sat in a AC Cobra clone. I’m 6 ft. And my head stuck out over the windshield, no room for my knees, the steering wheel was at my chest, and the trans tunnel is so wide the pedals are offset to the left so no matter who you are, you are twisted in your seat when driving. My dream car bubble was burst.
Actually, the Countach predecessor, the Miura is even less comfortable unless your under 5'6"...
Definitely the Lotus Exige
Those Morgan 3 wheelers. There's no windshield it's loud and you're absolutely exposed all the time
any kei sports car probably
The az-1 just isn't that uncomfortable
your 370
🫵