Which would you buy ? '99 355F1 or '91 Testarossa (both in perfect shape) | FerrariChat

Which would you buy ? '99 355F1 or '91 Testarossa (both in perfect shape)

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by gary308gtb, May 2, 2004.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. gary308gtb

    gary308gtb Rookie

    Oct 9, 2003
    41
    If you had a budget of 70-80 thousand dollars, which would be a greater
    car to buy, a 99 F1 355 or a 91 Testarossa ? Does an older 12 cylinder Ferrari seem a better drive than a newer 8 cylinder ?
     
  2. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
    13,477
    Never home
    Full Name:
    Dr. Dumb Ass
    Two totally different cars. Drive each, figure out which one you like better.
     
  3. Wildwarrior

    Wildwarrior Formula Junior

    Mar 26, 2003
    280
    PA
    Full Name:
    Glen Winters
    #3 Wildwarrior, May 2, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Other than the Ferrari badge, these guy's are two completely different animals .I myself prefer the looks and the larger feel of the TR, you really need to drive them both ,not only to compare performance etc,but also to see how you physically fit in them both, if you are 6' plus it may be an issue it is for me, good luck!
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  4. Tomf-1

    Tomf-1 F1 Rookie

    Jan 17, 2004
    4,528
    Leawood KS/ South FL
    Full Name:
    Thomas
    First of all, 80 grands is way too much to pay for a 91TR (yes, even a nice one). I just sold my 92 512TR for around that price....As some had eluded to earlier, these are two different cars from two different generations....Test drive them and let your preference drives your decision. Good luck.
     
  5. ronsupercar

    ronsupercar Formula 3

    May 2, 2002
    1,576
    Orlando Fla.
    Full Name:
    4RE-Ron
    I thought 70-80 grand would be too little for a 355 F1..

    If your looking for a bit more user friendly and less maintance cost, get the 355 F1. If your looking for one of the most exotic looking cars on the road with excellent torque get the TR..

    Either way I think you will not be disappointed..

    Good luck with your decision..

    Ron
     
  6. FL 355

    FL 355 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2002
    1,665
    Ft Laud
    Full Name:
    Frank Lipinski
    Yes, drive both and decide.

    I like the TR for it's classic look. Agressive, Bold and Wide - shouts Ferrari.
    Don't like the interior, but that's me.

    355 - one of the best examples of Pininarina, offers a spider and can be driven daily without concern.

    Both are excellent cars...I think (IMHO) the TR will hold value better because of the 12... I also think you are going to have to dig deeper in your pockets if you want a clean 99 F1... these cars are still holding strong due to last year of production and the F1...
     
  7. gary308gtb

    gary308gtb Rookie

    Oct 9, 2003
    41
    Thanks a lot guys for your opinions about the 355 and TR. Will test drive the 355 F1 first. I've never tried paddle shifting.
     
  8. BWS550

    BWS550 Wants to be a mod

    Apr 1, 2002
    8,933
    NEW JERSEY
    Full Name:
    BRUCE WELLINGTON
    GARY

    LIKE THE OTHERS HAVE SAID, BOTH COMPLETE DIFFERENT ANIMALS...I HAVE A 88TR WITH TUBIS AND YOU CANT DUPLICATE THE SOUND,,SIMPLY AMAZING AND THE TORQUE WHEN SHIFTING , LIKE NO OTHER..

    THE 355 IS A BEAUTIFUL CAR TOO BUT NOT LIKE A MONSTER TR

    IF YOU HAD TO SPEND 70-80K, I WOULD INCREASE IT BY ABOUT 10K OR MORE (90K OR SO) AND BUY A 512TR...YOU WILL NEVER REGRET BUYING IT AND NEVER LOOK BACK..........

    IM NOT BIASED TO TRS, AM I?

    GOOD LUCK IN ANY DECISION YOU MAKE,,

    BRUCE
     
  9. matkat

    matkat Formula 3

    Mar 18, 2003
    1,840
    Scotland
    Full Name:
    Dave McGuire
    It"s personal preference but having driven both(and having a "99" 335 GTS F1)the 355 is my prefered.
     
  10. BWS550

    BWS550 Wants to be a mod

    Apr 1, 2002
    8,933
    NEW JERSEY
    Full Name:
    BRUCE WELLINGTON
    HEY DAVE

    YOU JUST KILLED MY SALES PITCH!! :)

    BRUCE
     
  11. racerdj

    racerdj F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Jan 19, 2003
    6,952
    Indianapolis
    Full Name:
    DJS
    Very well said!!
     
  12. sparta49

    sparta49 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Mar 3, 2001
    7,802
    LA
    Full Name:
    Frank
  13. zjpj

    zjpj F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    6,124
    USA
    But yours had damage history. 512TRs seem to be holding in the 90s, even 100 for perfect and low miles.
     
  14. robert biscan

    robert biscan F1 Veteran

    Jan 17, 2003
    5,066
    Nashville and Palm b
    Full Name:
    robert s biscan
    I have owned both a 90 tr and a 98 355F1. The tr has low headroom and no power steering and is quite a complex car with higher maintenance costs. The 355 is not as exotic looking but is a more modern car with better brakes and handling. Both cars are fun to own and drive. The tr in my opinion is just beautiful but the 355 just is a great sports car.
     
  15. Mickey

    Mickey Formula Junior

    Jan 20, 2004
    414
    Linnet Drive
    Full Name:
    Mike
    I have a 355. I like the 355. It's V8 just sounds fantastic.

    But I am sure the TR's V12 is great fun to drive, it has exotic and agressive look, plus it has no "power-steering" which is how a Ferrari should be.

    try both and find out which fits you best.
     
  16. robiferretti

    robiferretti F1 Rookie

    Oct 31, 2003
    3,299
    NYC area
    Full Name:
    rob ferretti
    355 with a tubi is the best sounding car on the road, i'ld buy that. What are your plans for usage of the car?
     
  17. David_S

    David_S F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2003
    11,260
    Mountains of WNC...
    Full Name:
    David S.
    I'm a little odd, in that I don't like the looks of the 355. It always looks OK from a distance, but once I get up close to one it just doesn't seems off somehow. Didn't like the TR looks when it came out, but its form has grown on me quite a bit. As for the F1 tranny: wouldn't want one unless maybe the seller deducted $20K off the price (prefer to row my own boat & don't want the added repair costs down the road).

    Otherwise, as has been said: 2 completely different driving experiences.

    p.s.: I wouldn't mind having this decision to make! :)
     
  18. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    35,532
    Victory Circle
    Full Name:
    HUBBSTER
    You could get a 512TR for a few $ more that would knock the H out of both of those :) Maybe $85-90k
     
  19. kizdan

    kizdan F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2003
    5,505
    355 hands down.
     
  20. 4i2fly

    4i2fly Formula 3

    Apr 16, 2004
    1,333
    SF, Bay Area
    I won't even think about it, F355 is by far the better car technologically and sexier appearance! I never liked the TR's automatic seatbelts. I would not get hung up on v8 vs. v12.
     
  21. Joe G.

    Joe G. Formula 3
    BANNED

    Dec 9, 2003
    1,109
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Joe Gazzani
    I think your budget is kinda low for a 1999 355F1

    but money not being the issue
    i'd opt for the F355

    i like the smaller package
     
  22. 355 just a newer car looks are perfect interior is great the v8 sounds amazing. The 512TR is a great V12 power car also but its a little dated now interior is dated the looks still are great. Drive both and see what you like.
     
  23. Brian C. Stradale

    Brian C. Stradale F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 17, 2002
    3,612
    Dallas, TX, USA
    What do you want to do with the cars?
    If you want to do a lot of track and or autocross, then definitely the 355F1.
    If you want to make lots of long-distance trips, go for the 355.
    If you want to do concourse events and shows, go for the TR.
    If you just want it for weekend driving around town, then go drive them both around town and see which is more fun to you.

    If you just want to park it and look at it while it appreciates, don't buy either!! ;)
     
  24. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,463
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    Jerry Wiersma
    #24 Jerrari, May 2, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  25. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,463
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    Jerry Wiersma
    #25 Jerrari, May 2, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

Share This Page