New Member - Debating on switching from 997 Turbo to F355

Hello Ferrari Chat. New member here. First post is going to be on the F355 boards. Lately, I have been debating selling my prize possession 997.1 Turbo Coupe/Manual that I have had for the last 4 years so that I can get into a three-pedal F355. I have lusted after the F355 since I was 16 and now I am finally able to get into one. The problem I have is that I have never driven one or even ridden in one and there are no local examples for sale that I might have the opportunity to test drive one (there's one example but no test drives permitted for whatever reason- dealer rating is 2.8 stars). I am a very strong believer of the saying "Never drive your heroes"; and so I always do all my homework on every car I'm considering to buy prior to actually buying it. That process usually involves me actually driving my hero.

A little bit about myself: I am a Master Automotive Service Technician and Shop Foreman for a luxury dealership in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area. I have been in the field for two decades and love to wrench on cars. A big reason why I chose to get into PORSCHE 997 Turbo's 6 years ago is because of the challenging aspect of working on the car. I knew right off the bat that I would have to do the "BIG THREE" items on the 997 Turbo to give me peace of mind (coolant pipes, camshafts and clutch). I'll admit that I do enjoy wrenching on cars more than I do driving them. Enter the F355. What's appealing to me about this car aside from the beautiful and timeless design is the maintenance work that comes along with it. I'm drooling at looking at all of these F355 engines out of the car and taken apart. I'm itching to actually dive into one and do it.

I do however, need to know that I'll be 100% happy with the acquisition of one if it comes to that point. The thing that pushed me into the PORSCHE camp from the NSX camp was that I actually got to drive a different range of 997's from GT3's to Turbo's and everything in between to help make my decision and commitment to the car that much easier. I don't have that same luxury with the F355 because they're so few and far between and I don't really want to fly to another state just to test drive one.

I love my PORSCHE and it has been a labor of love bringing it to its current state. It is quite honestly my best build to date. There's tons of sweat equity and money I put into it and I get offers from people constantly trying to buy it. It would be tough to let it go, but I have the Warren Buffett mindset of "Only sell stock when something better comes along".

That being said, the option of keeping the 911 and acquiring an F355 is not in the cards for several reasons. ONE- Dry powder would be wiped out completely; and I can't own two liabilities.
TWO- No storage space for two cars (one car garage).
THREE- I have found that owning two sports car becomes a chore, and like to dedicate my time to just one.

The way I use the 911 is just on weekends in nice weather. I would use the F355 in the same manner. Curious to hear people's feedback who have owned or currently own BOTH cars mentioned above and what they have to say.

 

I had a manual 997 turbo and A 964 turbo. 964 turbo was my favorite car ever. When I got the 997 turbo it was pretty and fast but I found it kinda boring when I wasn’t on the throttle. I still love 911 turbos and hope to have another air cooled one someday but all the Ferraris I’ve owned are more fun than my 997 even though a couple are not considered fast.


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I haven't owned a 997 turbo but I did have a 997.2 Carrera and currently have a 993 C4S. I think that Porsche are great cars but still prefer the F355. For me it's perfect but I also really like short gearing and high rpm.

(or opposite characteristic of most turbo cars)

 

You can come take mine for a spin if you find yourself near Richmond. I've driven a couple of 944's, a 951, 996 and a 992. No turbo or GT3 911's, both were automatic Carrera 2's. They are very different cars. If you like to wrench, the 355 is great for that. Here's some motivation from my last major.
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AWESOME! Thats the stuff I love to see!! I'll definitely message you if I am around RVA.

The photo you posted reminds me of my project from last year.
View attachment 3677124 View attachment 3677125

 

Challenging question and decision. I own and drive a 997.1 Turbo manual and an F355 Berlinetta 2.7 manual. The 997 is a lot faster and more competent but the F355 is a lot more fun to drive. The 997 costs me about 1000 Euro every two years. I have invested 25000 Euro into the F355 during the last 18 months, whereof 15000 were must-dos. Now it’s perfect and I love it. For a fun car the F355 is the way to go. If running cost is a criteria, the 997 wins hands down.

 

I own a 992 Touring and a '95 355. My pops owned a 997 manual turbo cab, which I drove for years. Loved the car. Porsche is my favorite brand, the 355 is my favorite car. I drive it almost daily and it never gets old.

If you're anywhere near Houston you're welcome to drive mine

 

I had both, there are great in different ways. I think the 997 series will go down in history as one of the best modern porsche. The size, steering, simple interior is spot on. It reflects in there pricing of manual cars from an NA to turbo. I unfortunately was going through health problems when I had my 355 I never was able to get it properly sorted.

I have a 348 now that is just a wonderful car. Sorted and very well cared for, I drove it the last 3 days. Good luck, tough call. Also, it's incredible what a conversation piece these older Ferraris are. From young kids to older people of all generations it's non stop at gas stations. All positive responses.

 

If you really prefer a high torque type of car, the Ferrari V8 series (pre-488) might not be for you…….so you NEED to drive one. Even driving a 360 would help you determine if you would like a lower torque higher revving car.

My favorite cars I’ve owned (V6 turbo, V8 supercharged, and V-12) were all high torque cars…..hell, even my daily driver (Wrangler 392) is a high torque V8.

 

Bought a dream car 930; couldn’t wait to sell fast enough after giving it a go for weeks. I really tried to like it.

Bought another dream car 355; still have one and find it hard to replace unless I spend 7-digits.

Driving your heroes is like living without regret. Try it; otherwise, you’ll always think about it.

For reference: I did drive other 911 Turbos - 964T, 996TT, 997TT. Bought 996TT - more raw yet daily driveable, which I did for a couple of years.

 

Looks like you got very consistent responses, so just make sure you post a pic of your 355 when you get it . The color on that dark green one on BAT right now is WOW.

 

I currently have a 348ts, F355b, 997.1 Turbo, 993 C2S, 3 early NSX and a McLaren 12c (all manual except 12c). Can be a headache especially in CA with smog every 2 years! Out of all of them the F355 is by far the most fun and rewarding to drive but it’s really slow compared to the turbo and McLaren. You definitely need to drive one somehow before you buy. Go to Virginia and drive the yellow one!

 

Quick pics

 

Mine
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Nice combo

 

I reckon the F355 might change your mind.

 

I have a 07 997 4s and you will definitely miss the stick in that car for sure.. 997 stick is addicting!!!..

 

Witch is the funner stick ????. I think already know your answer

 

This is the correct answer!!

 

An opposite Cost to Keep Perspective, soon to change tho

No Porsche experience here (cannot get past the VW headlights) I know it's weird, but we like what we like
But I do have a lot of Car experience.
Previously owned several Vettes, still own the 2020 Vettes a 64 & a 68
Also currently Own a 458 Spoder, 430 Spider, 612 & my 355 Spider
The 458, 430 & 612 are light years faster, but the 355 is just a fun car to drive & not just because it's my only Gated Manual Ferrari.
I've owned it for 5 years now & have only spent under $1000 by necessity & another $2000 because I found nicer Rims to replace the 2 that were a bit dirty inside & scuffed up in some small parts. Now everything on my 355 has been in perfect working order.......

But yes, I'm at 5 years so a Major Engine out is coming up for mine. So that number is due to go up.

 

I own both as well. 997.1 manual turbo.

As someone else stated, the 997 is much more capable all-round, but the 355 is way more fun.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. The 355 would be my pick if I could only have one though.

The hydraulic clutch on the 997 sucks. I'm considering doing the GT2 clutch slave upgrade...

 

Just imagine where Porsche would be if it made cars with F355 styling !!