Power Steering Question

Hey guys-

I am trying to become learned on a few different models. I notice when speaking of 348s, there is talk of no power steering.

First of all, that sounds like a huge drag. But is it really not?....Because of the size and weight of the car? I have not had the pleasure of driving one yet.

Also, do the 308/328/Mondial/400/etc have power steering?


When did Ferrari include it and exclude it, etc?


Come on, guys.....my brain is like a sponge!

 

I can only speak from experience regarding the 348. It doesn't have power steering, and I'm glad it doesn't have power steering. It only carries about 40% of its weight on the front end. I suppose it might be a little heavy for a small woman to steer, but it certainly isn't a strain.

 

The 308 and 328 don't have power steering, and IMO the 328 steering is just about perfection. Unless you plan to spend all your time winding through mall parking lots, it lightens up nicely even at side-street speeds.

You really need to drive these cars to know.

In fact, the big gripe automotive journalists have with the steering on most modern cars is that it numbs you to what's going on at the road. If your daily driver is a Buick, where the steering is ridiculously overboosted, you'll find the 3x8 cars a handful. Coming from another European sports car, it won't be quite as shocking.

 

+1, power steering is for hairdressers

 

I am not a hairdresser but you clearly have not driven a TR without Power Steering at low speed before making an all embracing statement like that

 

LOL I have driven a TR w/o power steering at parking lot maneuvering speeds so I know what you mean, but yes once they get moving they aren't bad, however I do prefer heavier steering so I have no idea how ‘hairdressers’ would feel about it. I would venture as far as to say the standard Audi’s (A4, A6) that I have driven are too assisted. JMHO

 

I agree you loose the feel of the car with PS but most of the driving now adays for the average owner is suburbsn or city before you get to roads where you can get the car moving its a pity like traction control you couldnt switch it off when not required

Martin

 

Putting in power steering allowed Ferrari to go to far more aggresive front end geometry and and faster steering to improve handling. Modern variable rate assist made that attractive for them. Pre power steering cars and non power steering 355's have to suffer decreased capabilities. Race cars with only a few hundred pounds on the front tires like in F1 don't need it, besides ability to park isn't a factor. If you really don't believe it was done to improve handling ask yourself why 355 Challenge cars had power when non power was available?

 

Changed the Avatar I see I would not disagree that it made the car for the average driver probably safer and more accurate in its driving capability its like the discussion on various other handling or performance upgrades or developments there are a group who like the basic seat of the pants feel ( I am not one ) I remember what a pain it was rebuilding and balancing carbs and dealing with Lucas Electrics and have no wish for the good old days.

 

*Sigh*...........I have not driven one. But I have heard 1000 times now, about how "hard" they are to turn at low speeds!
Toughen and stop whinging I reckon! Guys who buy Testarossa's KNOW that before they purchase, as they test drive the car and get a feel for the 'oh so heavy' steering.
My 348 has powersteering...........its all in my muscles!!

 

I am crushed and off to the gym with my can of spinnach to get with the program I will think of you when I am driving my whimpy 360 this weekend.

Martin

 

Have fun Popeye.

 

Thanks for the replies.

It is interesting to me that the models in question do not come with power steering. I am guessing that it was an option on the 355. Honestly, I like the sound of it. "The feel of the road and the feel of the car" is what driving a Ferrari is all about.

I can't wait to drive a few of these models to really determine which one I would like to purchase. Just when I think I have made up my mind, something about a different model catches my eye.

It is true that you can't shop by photos alone. By driving them, I will definitely find the right car for me.

Then and only then will the search be on!

 

Wait a minute.

All my cars have power steering, and I am not a hairdresser!

 

I got mats with my 360 Power Steering option its a popular combo!!!! By the way have not received the red set yet maybe today

 

Its the 'hairdresser' deep within!

 

I personaly prefer mine the way it is, without P/S. I get so much feedback from the road it makes driving a new experience from driving my other cars. The whole car just feels so solid, gears are hard, clutch and the steering. I drive a 348.

 

As a TR owner I can attest to the brute force needed to parallel park. Of course the only time I do that is to put it in front of the hotel lobby under the porte-cochere. Once you get any speed at all, it's not bad.

 

Having just gotten off track in my 512, I can say I understand the dilemma better now. The 512 steering is tough but not unbearable at slow speed, but is great on the road. On the track, the ratio is pretty bad, and it requires a lot of motion to get the car to turn in to tight slower turns. If you quickened the ratio, you'd never be able to turn the thing in a parking lot, so you are stuck. Variable assist power steering lets the car be driveable and have a quick ratio for fun places like the track.

I used to think power steering was for hairdressers, but you could say it is for people who like to drive their cars fast on the track.

BTW, I like the non-power steering thing, sorta like I like a true manual. I bought the car to do a little work

 

I agree it is a wonderful car at speed but you get used to finding the easy straight in and out parking spots

 

My 328 doesn't have it. My Miata does. Go figure. I thought most 348s had it but I could be wrong. The thing is you have to be moving to turn a car w/out PS easily. PS can feel sloppy once you are used to direct.

 

Bad PS will; the really sophisticated systems will improve handling, as previously stated. My car is 3.5 turns lock to lock which isn't much. It's fun because at 60 MPH it takes the same steering wheel movement most cars have at 120. You just think about a lane change and the car is there!

Ken

 

Not to mention the geometry changes that can be taken advantage of with P.S. some of which would make a heavy, non P.S. car almost undrivable.

 

Which Fcars had power steering?

2+2: 365GT and later had power steering standard.
V8: introduced on the 355, and later
mid 12: none
front 12: 550 and later.

Not sure about the modern supercar. I'm pretty sure the 288GTO and F40 didn't. F50, Enzo?

The car that comes under fire the most for heavy steering is the Daytona. It may drive like a truck in parking lots, but on the road the steering feel is just fine. I would rather have good feel at 100+ MPH than ease of parking. Besides, it keeps my wife from driving it!

-steve

 

I guess my racing experience is w/ cars having no PS. I like the feeling of the wheel on the track that seems to be lost w/ PS. Working the power curve in a turn is still alchemy.