There are some car companies that many gearheads consider untouchable. The automakers who consistently churn out impeccable vehicles that we swoon over. Most car enthusiasts would put Ferrari in this camp. Admired by just about every gearhead, Ferrari's line of luxury sports cars never fails to make an impact. Until, it does.
Ferrari produced over 6,000 Mondials during the 13 years in which they sold this snoozefest. But, the Mondial unfortunately proves that commercial success doesn't always equal greatness. Though the public gave Ferrari a stern talking to regarding the Mondial, Ferrari's fixes came too little, too late. Ferrari's improvements just couldn't save the Mondial from itself.
Even though the Mondial has received Ferrari's stamp of approval by way of their prancing horse logo, the Ferrari Mondial will forever go down in history as one of the worst vehicles that this Italian automaker ever produced. If you see a Ferrari for sale at a price that is cheap enough to make you do a double take, chances are, it's a Mondial - and you won't want to touch one with a 10-foot pole.
Here's why the Mondial is a black mark on Ferrari's otherwise spotless record, and why gearheads would do well to avoid this 1980s grand tourer.
What Is It About The Ferrari Mondial That Makes It So Bad?
Ferrari is synonymous with luxury, performance, and style. The company was started in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari, an entrepreneur and race car driver who began his career in the automotive world with Alfa Romeo. Ferrari’s pedigree is world renowned and the cars they have produced are household names within any car-centric family. The Ferrari F40, Daytona, and GTO will go down in history as some of the world's most iconic and coveted vehicles!
The Ferrari Mondial, produced from 1980 to 1993, is a rear mid-engine V8 luxury sports car. It was available as a 2+2 coupe, or a 2+2 convertible with 4 iterations:
- The Mondial 8, which had 703 cars produced between 1980 and 1982.
- Mondial QV, which had 1,145 coupes and 629 convertibles produced between 1983 and 1985.
- The Mondial 3.2 had 987 coupes and 810 convertibles produced between 1986 and 1988.
- Mondial T had 858 coupes and 1,017 convertibles produced between 1988 and 1993.
Be warned that the Ferrari Mondial has a track record for being one of the worst of Ferrari’s offerings. The Mondial 8’s V8 engine only produces 214 horsepower, is quite heavy, and is one of the slowest Ferraris with a 0 to 60 mph time in the 7.5 seconds range. Ferrari created the Mondial line to be an affordable version of one of their cars that would be easier to maintain with more accessibility for maintenance, which would be handy because when things go wrong (and unfortunately, they likely will) you’ll need easy access.
How Ferrari Messed Up With The Mondial
Ferrari's cars receive admiration from those who appreciate beauty and know what efforts go into designing luxury Italian automobiles. With the Mondial, the public quickly changed their tune. Many felt that the Mondial's bumpers were unnecessarily clunky, and that the Mondial didn't appear as elegant and classy as most other Ferrari cars.
Fewer horsepower in the Mondial compared to other cars in Ferrari's lineup, plus a heavier chassis, is a recipe for disaster. To get from 0-60 mph, the Mondial takes an excruciatingly long 8.2 seconds.
The Ferrari Mondial is neither powerful nor reliable, as we touch upon some of the issues you may face with this disappointing car.
The Ferrari Mondial will need routine servicing that to some may come as a surprise. Outside the regular oil changes, you will need to service the AC and keep an eye on the electric windows, as they could become non-operational without care. Some of the more extreme issues that are worth noting are electrical component failures, transmission issues, and even engine fires.
Why Is The Ferrari Mondial So Cheap?
If you’re looking to get a Ferrari, you may have seen the prices of the Mondial are actually quite reasonable. Some iterations of this sleepy sports car are available for under $45,000. Considering brand-new Ferraris can range from $200,000 to $400,000, and used ones from the same time period as the Mondial go for closer to $60,000, the Mondial's price sounds like a bargain. But don't let that fool you - there is a good reason for its cheap price tag. We'll give you a hint: true gearheads know to stay away.
Coupling the Mondial's problems with the general expensive cost of caring for a vintage luxury sports car means your low purchase price of around $30,000 may be significantly higher once you get it up to snuff.
With the more well maintained Ferrari Mondials, you will find the later year models going for closer to the $75,000 to $90,000 range. Toward the end of their lifespan, Ferrari began to iron out some of the kinks from the early iterations. But if you’re going to fork out over $70,000 for a 1980s luxury sports car, you could easily get a Porsche that will outpace its Ferrari counterpart of the Mondial.
Other Ferrari Models That Are Better Than The Mondial
If you still have your heart set on a vintage Ferrari, you're not alone. But, there are many other options to get the best bang for your buck, instead of a Mondial money pit.
For a macho classic car, consider the Ferrari Daytona. This beauty turns heads effortlessly, in all the best ways. The Daytona is truly timeless - unlike the Mondial.
Everyone wanted a Ferrari Testarossa back in the day, so why not get your hands on one now? Catapulted into the public eye thanks to Miami Vice, the Ferrari Testarossa belongs in every gearhead's driveway the same way it belonged on a poster on your bedroom wall.
The Mondial? Sorry to say that no one will be hanging up a picture of that car.
Sources: Hagerty, All Foreign, Mecum