The Ferrari Mondial T: A Practical and Unique Entry-Level Four-Seater
- Authors
- Published on
- Published on
- Name
- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
The 1989 Ferrari Mondial T, a car that has often been the target of criticism from Ferrari purists, is actually quite impressive. This practical, entry-level four-seater was a bold move by Ferrari, aiming to make their brand more accessible to a wider audience. The Mondial T replaced the Dino GT4 and was available as both a coupe and a convertible. However, its unconventional design, stretched to accommodate the four seats, resulted in a less striking appearance compared to other iconic Ferraris.
The performance of the earlier Mondial models left much to be desired, but Ferrari addressed this with the Mondial 3.2 and the Mondial T. The latter, in particular, boasted a larger engine and around 300 horsepower, making it a more formidable contender. Despite the initial criticism, the Mondial T proved to be a success for Ferrari, with approximately 6,100 units sold. The most sought-after version of the Mondial T is the one equipped with the gated manual transmission, adding an extra touch of excitement to the driving experience.
Now, let's delve into the quirks and features of this intriguing machine. The key itself is a peculiar piece, as the top half folds in half for knee protection in case of an accident. Getting inside the car can be a bit of a squeeze, thanks to the design of the seats and windshield frame. The center control stack is home to some truly bizarre buttons, including two switches that open the rear trunk. Yes, you heard that right, two separate switches for the same trunk. It's a puzzling choice, but it turns out there are actually two rear trunks—one for the engine cover and one for the actual storage space.
The steering wheel, a classic Ferrari feature, is adorned with the prancing horse emblem and doubles as the horn button, emitting a distinctively Ferrari-esque sound. The gauges, with their bold and blocky 80s font, evoke a sense of nostalgia. The pedal placement is a bit off-center, which may not be the most ergonomic choice, but it's a characteristic shared by many Italian cars of that era. The parking brake operates through a FlyAway mechanism, allowing it to be put down even when engaged, providing a touch of convenience. The center console is a mishmash of buttons, with the climate control buttons playing a game of whack-a-mole, popping up when others are pressed. Storage space is limited, with no glove box and a small compartment that can barely hold anything.
In the rear, the Mondial T offers two small seats, adding a touch of practicality to this Ferrari. However, they are not the most comfortable or spacious, and the legroom is rather limited. The convertible top, while manual, is relatively easy to operate, requiring a simple lift and latch process. Finally, the car boasts two trunks, with the front trunk providing ample space for storage. All in all, the Mondial T may have faced its fair share of criticism, but it remains an intriguing and unique entry in Ferrari's lineup, offering a blend of practicality and performance.
Image copyright Youtube
Image copyright Youtube
Image copyright Youtube
Image copyright Youtube
Watch The Ferrari Mondial Really Isn’t So Bad on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for The Ferrari Mondial Really Isn’t So Bad
Some viewers miss Doug's short previews of upcoming reviews
Some viewers find the "entry level" Ferrari's (California, Portofino, Mondial) more interesting than the supercars because they are more practical
There is a debate about the design and attractiveness of the Ferrari Mondial, with some viewers liking it and others not
Some viewers own or have owned a Mondial and express their love for the car
The Mondial is praised for its handling and being the only mid-engined four-seater convertible ever made
Maintenance costs and the automatic transmission are discussed
Some viewers express their desire to own a Mondial or their appreciation for the car's design
There are comments about other cars with adjustable suspension and the Mondial's affordability
Some viewers share their personal experiences with the Mondial or their thoughts on the car's design
There are comments about Doug's popularity and financial success on YouTube
Related Articles
Exploring the Unique 2013 Honda CRZ: A Manual Hybrid with Quirky Features
The 2013 Honda CRZ is a unique hybrid car with a manual transmission, quirky interior features, and a cool design. Despite its modest performance, the CRZ stands out for its individuality and rare combination of features.
2025 Mercedes Maybach GLS600: Ultimate Luxury SUV Review
Experience the ultimate luxury in the 2025 Mercedes Maybach GLS600, a $250,000 SUV with 550 horsepower. Indulge in private jet-like rear seats, massage functions, and a built-in workout feature. Revel in opulence with heated/cooled cup holders, champagne flute holders, and a rear entertainment system.
Car Sound Challenge: Filippo Kenan vs. Redline Raphael on Doug DeMuro's Channel
Car enthusiasts Filippo Kenan and Redline Raphael compete in a thrilling challenge on Doug DeMuro's channel, attempting to identify cars based on engine and exhaust sounds. The competition showcases the difficulty of distinguishing vehicles by sound alone in a humorous and entertaining showdown.
Revving Up: Aston Martin's Apple CarPlay, Nissan's Cuts, & Wienermobile Race!
Explore the latest in automotive tech with Aston Martin's Apple CarPlay Ultra and Nissan's cost-cutting measures. Plus, get ready for a unique race at the Indy500 featuring Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles!