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 ?
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
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.
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
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...
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.
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
But yours had damage history. 512TRs seem to be holding in the 90s, even 100 for perfect and low miles.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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
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.
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!!
Here are some of my file photos of TR's & 355's to help you decide which excites you the most: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
A few more: P.S. As you can see I like aftermarket wheels!! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login