"Ford vs. Ferrari - great film with a Studie in it.

[plee4139]

I watched it last night and it was terrific! Question: I know we're all Studie-starstruck, but in your opinion, which was the better 289ci engine: Ford or Stude?

[yeti]

In the first scene featuring Miles in that movie, he tells his customer to switch from a sporty MG to a Plymouth or a Studebaker because he drives like a "school teacher." First, what does driving like a school teacher mean? And was this a general attitude towards Studebakers in the early 60's or is it the movie team using their artistic license?

[Commander Eddie]

Question one: I would direct you to Bob Palma's excellent article in Hemmings about the Studebaker V8 engine. I believe there is a link here on the Forum.
Question two: It is true that by the late 50's early 60's Studebakers were getting little respect from those who had never owned one. Those who did or had, really liked them. I was prowling the roads in my '55 Commander by '66 and honestly took advantage of the public attitude towards my favorite car. It was easy to get a race for gas money because everybody was sure they could beat you. Of course, once word got out the races and the money dried up. So, they were seen as slow mobiles by many.

[PackardV8]

in your opinion, which was the better 289ci engine: Ford or Stude?

Define "better". The Ford is smaller in every exterior dimension; no possibility of a Studebaker fitting in a Cobra or GT. The Ford is almost 200# lighter than the Studebaker. In severe duty, such as truck use, the Studebaker will be the more durable.The Ford costs much less to produce. Stock-for-stock, they make about the same horsepower. The Studebaker brings $1 more at the scrap yard.

jack vines

[bensherb]

That's PERFECT Jack! Exactly, the answer that came to my mind.

[Bob Caser]

Studebaker. School teacher . I drive a Studebaker and also other hi performance cars even the red Cobra from the movie Ford versus Ferrari. This photo was taken from the white Cobra depicted in the movie as the Peter Miles car . The red car that I am driving is the Dave Macdonald car from the movie after a local car show in southern California.


Bob Caser

[J_Cole]

I've dreamt of owning a '53 since I was just over a year old. But seeing Ford V Ferrari is what really inspired me to finally pull the plug and get one. I couldn't be happier.

And the movie was fantastic; took some liberties with the story to create additional drama that drove me crazy. But overall, probably the best car movie I've ever seen. I think i've seen it 3-4 times already.

[Stude Shoo-wop!]

"Ford vs. Ferrari" is truly one of the modern greats as far as movies go. I plan to get the disc of it soon. However, Commander Eddie was right in that Studebakers got little to no respect from people who never owned one. The Studebaker 289 cu. V8 was a better engine than the Ford unit by a Kansas mile on account of its horsepower potential, (relative) fuel economy, and very loose operating tolerances. It is nothing short of remarkable how much punishment it will take with only basic maintenance done to it.

[Chris Pile]

Apparently, there were 4 Studebakers in this outstanding flick.

[t walgamuth]

Only two things wrong with the Stude 289...it is big and heavy. Otherwise in every way a lovely engine.

[raprice]

I thought the movie was terrific. I do remember that Henry Ford II was obsessive about beating Ferrari in a race after Ferrari refused Ford's offer to buy his company. The movie does point this out. I know that movies add stuff to build up suspense and interest, but this movie gets the premise right.
I'd like to watch it again.
Rog