This is my first post as I am looking for an F355 Spider. I never drove one so I am wondering how is the F1 is compared to the 6 speed tranny? I am sure I am going to have a lot of questions before I am going to make my decision. Any tips on how to find a bad one compared to a good one? Thanks for all your help. Tal from AZ.
Welcome to Ferrarichat mate!! Best of luck with the 355 Spider search. I prefer 6 speeds, but the F1 owners swear by the F1's. I recommend driving both and go with whichever gearbox you liked best.
F1 It just adds to a unique driving experience. It's not for everyone but after getting it, it's hard to go back to a 6spd.
I'm with Pap.... old school 6 speed. I can go my whole life without even trying an F1 and it wouldn't bother me.
I also agree with Pap. Check them both out before deciding. I did and chose the 6-speed. But I have to say I was skeptical about the F1, and it surprised me. It was very impressive. If you have any questions about how to tell a good one from a bad one, see Alex at Scuderia Sportiva in Scottsdale. He is very knowlegable about 355s.
Thanks for all the great information. I guess I will have to test drive both and see which one I like the best. I will also stop and talk to Alex and see if he has any bit of good information about weeding out the dogs from the rest of the pack Thanks again, Tal.
Welcome to Ferrari chat. I have owned both(F355 and 355F1), F1 has its place, but (IMO) that place is not on the road, they are a great track car, they are great on a deserted country road, but in every day life it is not as usable as a 6spd. 6spd is more involving to drive even on the track. That said, you will enjoy both, they are both great, nether 6spd or F1 would be a "deal breaker" if it were my coin. A search here on F-chat will allow you to form an educated decision on which will best suit your needs.
Have owned both and I like having a 6 speed better....And like everyone else has said get some seat time in both and go for what you like better.
6 speed for me... that and being that this is my first ferrari... i wanted the shift gate. Its too classic not to have... plus... the better clutch wear etc is nice too!
Gonna have to drive both to see. I went with the F1 because the shifter in the 3 pedal car hits my knee in 1st and 2nd gear.. wouldn't have been fun to drive. Nothing to worry about if you're a shorter dude though. No regrets about getting the F1 either. -R
Not to change the subject and sound dumb, but who will let me have some will time with their Ferrari. I know I would not let anyone touch my baby when I get her. Maybe you guys know how I can get a little drive time with both tranny? Tal.
To throw a little ice water on the humping dogs...A little food for thought Most wives can't drive six speeds but do just fine with F1's. Hmmm...you come home from work. She greets you at the door with her gardening clothes on. "Hi Honey, can you help me get the potting soil out of the Ferrari. Its hard to reach in that front boot."
I dont know?? Perhaps go to a dealer and see if they have an F1 and 6 speed on the floor. Tell them you are interested in buying, but dont know which one. I am sure they will let you drive both to see which one you like best.
The only thing about test driving a car from a dealership is they might require a deposit before you take it out.
My 2 cents. The 6 speed is for people who really enjoy the interaction with the car and don't mind the extra work. I love my 6 speed but it's a learning curve to figure out a Ferrari 6 speed. It's different than any other manuals out there, but once you figure it out it's amazing. If you want to do a lot of casual driving and you sit in traffic a lot than the F1 is for you. I would only want an F1 for daily driving in traffic.
It's a matter of personal preference. I would say that if you plan on doing some serious (or maybe not even that serious) tracking of the car then go for the F1 transmission. If you like to interact with the car and want to feel like you, the driver, are an integral part of the car then go for the 6-speed. I personally prefer the 6-speed because it makes me feel like I am a part of a process instead of an afterthought. Plus with a 6-speed you don't have to worry about replacing that F1 pump, which can be rather pricey or so I am told.
In my opinion F1 is an expensive gimmick. Sitting in traffic at a red light it will frequently drop into NEUTRAL just before the light changes. This means foot on the brake, complete stop, click into "1", then you can go. Meanwhile everyone is wondering about the dork in the Ferrari not knowing how to drive.
Perhaps? I am not too sure what its like over there test driving cars from Ferrari dealerships? Although, I guess if you are in the market for a Ferrari, you would have some sort of cash for the purchase or a cash deposit for finance for the car??
I guess i can always put some money down before I take the car for a test drive. I am just want to make sure that I get the "right" one for me. The only reason that I am thinking about the F1 is for the wife to be able to drive it. Since this one will be my first Ferrari and I love the 355 spider since the first time I saw the car, I just want to make sure I get a car that will be with me for a long time. Tal
