why do people think the LINN LP 12 is so superior to the Thorens (say 165 super)


I don't think LINN people are snobs, but I think they are very passionate about their TTs and are convinced that what they own is the better of the two.

AR invented the 3 point suspension + belt system, Thorens ran with it, then LINN saw it and made their own tweeks in scotland. 

I happen to own a Thorens 160td that I picked up for $50 which freed up some $$ to play with it, A little dampening here, a thicker bottom plate there, Cone feet, Sumuko pearl stylus. To me, it sounds great. 

When my LINN-owning friends visit, they make comments like "when are you going to step up and buy a LINN?"

Now maybe they are just joking around, like the chevy owner razzing the ford owner, but I don't think so. I think they really believe LINN is superior. 

Why?
robvolz
I have a contemporary Linn LP12 with a Koetsu Rosewood Signature replacing my VPI Aries / Van den Hull Frog and it is a tremendous turntable. Any piece of equipment that has been upgraded for many decades is going to get comments about earlier versions. It is a very fine turntable.
We had a Thorens 160 with a Grace 707. It was very nice. The LP12 with Ittok combo was better. But not by much. That was over 30 years ago.
My guess is better made and heavier platter by Linn. I also
owned Thorens 160 ''pro'' but prefer Linn. 
@nandric Indeed. The main bearing and the Jelco jeweled-bearing Ittok and the Valhalla board also contributed.