Gearbox location on 4200 GT and Cambiocorsa

[Parptoot]

I'm looking at getting a 4200 or possibly a QP shortly but during my research I've come across a stumbling block.

Do the 4200 GT and the Cambiocorsa both have the gearbox at the rear, attached to the differential or is the GT gearbox in the conventional position directly behind the engine and therefore affecting the weight distribution?

Those of you that have the GT and have driven the Cambiocorsa or vice-versa, did you notice a difference at all between the two, handling,dynamics-wise?

Just trying to keep my options open. Thanks,

Mike.

 

[philw696]

Cambio Corsa is at the rear for sure and I think the same for the GT but can't confirm.

 

[nfm]

Same position in both cc and GT 4200s.

 

[Parptoot]

Ah, good. Thank you.
So, adding to that, what is the general consensus on the manual versus the (sort of) auto CC?

I'd pretty much fixed my mind on the CC, not really realising there WAS a manual option. Can someone in the know give some pros and cons for each?

 

[mjheathcote]

Yes correct both at the rear.
Both dry sumpted too, so although a 4 seater coupe, and with adjustable suspension on spring platforms, is very much a supercar underneath.
The quattroporte, and a think the GranTourismo too, when they offered the traditional automatic gearbox, went back to wet sump and gearbox behind the engine.
The 4200/GS is really quite special underneath!

 

[philw696]

My first proper experience of a F1 box was in my 2002 4200 which many people are critical of but I love it just keep her in Sport mode and drive as intended.
My 360 is a different animal in that its bang bang in and out of gear really quickly and you feel it again I love it when on my own its as close as I will get to a race car on the road.
Fact is you can't change gear in a manual box as quickly as you can in a F1 box but its not to everyone's taste.
Phil.

 

[mjheathcote]

The cambiocorsa is more common than the manual, and once driven, you won't want the manual! In my humble opinion of course!

 

[Parptoot]

This is the first potential car that I'd be happy with either really. I'm not normally an auto fan, although it seems this isn't really an auto box as such in the CC.

 

[philw696]

Mike after driving a MG your going to love it.
Cambio corsa any day for me you have changed gear before you have even thought about depressing the clutch pedal on a manual box car.

 

[nfm]

Usual advice is try to drive both and then decide. Manual is fine so long as cables not out of adjustment. Never had any issues with mine.

 

[Parptoot]

Mike after driving a MG your going to love it.

Of all the cars I've owned, it's the MG that has managed to secure a permanent space in my garage. It makes no sense at all.

 

[Contigo]

Drive em both is my take on it then make your mind up. A 4200 manual is a rare beast

 

[Grinzzz]

CC is definitely NOT a slushbox. I'd never have one - whole point of buying the maser for me was a manual box but didn't have to stick stir (was recovering from a crushed left hand at that point). I'd heard the horror stories from Clarkson but 5 minutes behind the wheel and a reverse into a tight space exposed it for his usual BS.

Get in the driver seat for half an hour. No dealer is going to worry that you've not "made your mind up". I was very honest with Nareman at Nuvola - told him I really didn't expect to buy one because of the box, but needed to cross it off the list; he just smiled knowing I'd be like 80% of people and totally hooked after a drive.

Dont understand going for a GT. Never owned one but a quick google or search on here will show they're really not any better in terms of maintenance. Yes the F1 has it's faults - clutch and not as smooth as a double clutch thingy - but its certainly more than liveable with. Only time I wished for a manual was crawling in very heavy traffic when you can leave it in gear but drop the clutch to match speeds a little better.

 

[alfatwo]

For me I bought a lovely late manual 3200GT, there not the easiest of cars to drive and take time to learn but when you get it right there just fantastic..
Early Lamborghini's and Ferrari's are even worse to live with....
But thats just part of the challenge of driving old school Super Cars!

Dave

 

[Grinzzz]

For me I bought a late manual 3200GT, there not the easiest of cars to drive but when you get it right there just fantastic..
But thats just part of the challange of driving old school super cars!

Dave

Or indeed old school not-so-super cars

 

[Grinzzz]

Actually the thing that had me hooked about the F1 box was totally unexpected. On track it felt totally natural to use, mid corner gear changes in particular, and going down the box without upsetting balance was much easier than i thought it would be. It got me to a whole new level with left foot braking too, now just as accurate with either foot. Really glad I owned one and will probably go back when Miles sells his

It may have a tendency to go through clutches but for it's day it's a very remarkable bit of elastic trickery that appears to be ideally matched to the car.

 

[alfatwo]

If you won't easy peasy go for an Aston Martin or a new Jag..there both very good
You should try left foot braking in a 570 bhp Lamborghini Diablo!

Dave

 

[Grinzzz]

You should try left foot braking in a 570 bhp Lamborghini Diablo!

Dave

no thanks, having enough difficulty just heel and toeing the Marcos. Clever pedal arrangement but I think it's going to have to be modified. The lack of space and several inches offset when the brake is down mean the designer must have had really odd feet or knee joints!

 

[alfatwo]

no thanks, having enough difficulty just heel and toeing the Marcos. Clever pedal arrangement but I think it's going to have to be modified. The lack of space and several inches offset when the brake is down mean the designer must have had really odd feet or knee joints!

Does your car have an old Rover V8..

Dave

 

[allandwf]

Wasn't the seat fixed in the Marcos and the pedal assemby moved? I tried a 3.0l Volvo one once, in orange/gold metal flake!