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Discussion in '348/355' started by markcoznottz, Feb 10, 2008.

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  1. markcoznottz

    markcoznottz Rookie

    Jan 29, 2005
    43
    england
    #1 markcoznottz, Feb 10, 2008
    Just been looking at autocars review of the f355, dated 19/10/ 1994, amazing how little the 355 has dated really, I have always loved the car, and i am looking at this very time time for a black on black car, manual. i havnt been able to test drive either car i viewed, once due to applaing weather, the other time the car was flat/ unable to jump start. The cars i viewed wernt my colour of choice, i was just interested to actually try out an example. What puzzles me slightly is the lack of ownership information on the net, i mean what a 355 is actually like to drive, not just discussions about the engine. I can only be told that the ferrari f355 has a flat plane crank and 5 valves per cylinder so many times! (not that im not in love with the engine because i am). The front brakes are only 300mm dics, thats not so big by todays standards, do they perform ok?. The other kind of questions im thinkin of are... how bigs the fuel tank, ie range, how heavy are the controls ie steering and brake pedal and clutch, does the gearbox select all gears easily when its cold, how good are the headlights, how goods the aircon, how comfortable are the seats, whats the steering lock like. As i understand it the position of the pedals on the rhd model are quite offset to the centre of the car, but offset far less on a lhd car? i havnt sat in a lhd car and never considered purchasing one, but i mite be tempted if the driving positions better. thanks for everyones time
     
  2. Gershwin

    Gershwin F1 Veteran

    Feb 21, 2005
    6,415
    Kentucky
    #2 Gershwin, Feb 10, 2008
    I understand your points. I often enjoy reading driving impressions myself.

    When I first started looking for my first Ferrari, I wanted to get into a 'user" friendly model, if there is such a thing. I think the F355 is a perfect fit for a first timer. It is easy to drive, easy to park, easy to pick up over more brutal models of that era. The brakes and clutch are not heavy. The steer is light (power assist) and the controls are practical and work good. The best part about the F355 for me is the uncompromising sound that comes w/ the experience. It is by far not the fastest Ferrari but that doesn't matter for this car. Its single greatest attribute is the sound aside of the beautiful lines. I enjoy the experience and time involved climbing through the gears. More specifically, if the car boosted you to redline with one big thump- it would be like premature ejaculation. No owner will contest the best part of ownership is a nimble, quick car w/ an intoxicating sound. More over many owners, like me pursue the purity of the engine and equip aftermarket exhausts, headers and cats to take it to a whole-nother-level.

    The car typically likes to hum north of 3500rpm and the torque can be best felt north of 4500rpm.

    The brakes are good but not great.

    The car feels light above 100 in the front and I frankly don't look for what this car can do north of that as much as I enjoying it from 0-70mph and any tunnel I can find.

    The seats are tight and firm but uncomfortably for me after a couple hours.

    The interior can be bad w/ sticky door handles and center console buttons, dash leather shrinkage and seat bolsters that don't hold up all that well. But lets face it, when one is engaged with the road - the very last thing you give a damn about is a door handle and/or center console buttons. It all can be corrected but it is no consideration for the pure fun of being exposed to all the elements especially with a spider model.

    It is truly the only car I have ever owned for the sheer fun of finding an excuse to drive and burn fuel.

    Hope this helps,
     
  3. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
    10,244
    U.S.A.
    Full Name:
    goth
    #3 gothspeed, Feb 10, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  4. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    #4 DriveAfterDark, Feb 10, 2008


    You're noth goth enough if you don't have black wheels :)
     
  5. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    Dec 7, 2003
    16,448
    Winston Salem, NC
    #5 Ricambi America, Feb 10, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  6. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    #6 DriveAfterDark, Feb 10, 2008

    Amen right back at 'ya!
     
  7. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
    10,244
    U.S.A.
    Full Name:
    goth
    #7 gothspeed, Feb 10, 2008
    I have had plenty of quadruple black cars...... I have nothing to prove..... :cool:
     
  8. Kingair33

    Kingair33 Formula Junior

    Aug 28, 2006
    941
    San Francisco, CA
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #8 Kingair33, Feb 10, 2008
    WOW!
     
  9. jakermc

    jakermc Formula 3
    Owner

    Jan 17, 2004
    1,804
    Palm Beach, FL
    Full Name:
    Rob
    #9 jakermc, Feb 11, 2008
    Excellent, balanced review. My impressions have been similar.

    With regards to seating position on the LHD model, the pedal box is still offset enough to makes things uncomfortable on very long (4+ hour) drives. I drive the car with my knees angled to each side and after a few hours in this position it can get painful. This year I drove from Arkansas to TX in a straight shot and could not walk when I got out of the car. In day to day driving though I don't notice the issue.

    The A/C blows very cold when its working correctly. Many have had issues with the flapper that controls fresh vs. recirculated air and the 'brain' that controls fan speed and temp has failed on more than a few.
     

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