Driving Impressions of '99 355 Spider vs. 348 Spider

I owned 1995 348 Spider from 1997 to 2002. I wanted give 348 Spider owners a view of the 355 from a die-hard 348 Spider owner.

1. Overall

A better fit and finish and a design that will age much more gracefully than the 348. Specifically, the cheese grates and the slatted tail lights of the 348 are very 80's and have not held up well. The 355's round tail lights are quite reminiscent of the Ferraris of yore.

The 355 is much more refined a car than the 348. Everything for the driver is smoother and easier. However, given that the 348 Spider was a "good" sports car I expected the 355 to be a great one. What was actually created was closer to a great GT. This is quite appropriate for the market segment but not necessarily my cup of tea. I am not driving this car to work.

I expect the 355 to hold its value better than the 348 (however, they both will continue to decline) over time.


2. The top

It is a mystery to me why this is a semi-power top. unlatch it, lift it, and then hit the button. The top goes back and you still have to get out of the car to put the tonneau on. Seems like a big waste. The 348 top was a breeze.


3. Ride

Much softer than the 348. More comfortable without sacrificing handling.
It also seems that there is more structural rigidity and that there will be fewer rattles in the future. However, with the great ride goes the communication. With the 348 I knew when the car was getting loose. Here this is 996 Carerra land. Where is the drama?


4. Engine and transmission

Smoother through the gears. Like the exhaust note of the 348 Spider better---a bit more throaty, the 355's note is a little whiny. Yes, it's faster, but not very noticeably.

The 355 has a much more civilized transmission, but, I have to admit, I miss the need to double-clutch the 348. I had a sense of accomplishment when I drove the 348 Spider well. You don't deserve any metals if you can drive the 355 gracefully at speed.


5. Steering

The 348 Spider did not have power steering. It was a pain in parking, but had great feel on the road. There is much less steering feedback in the 355 and I am not sure I will get used to it. Steering feels seems more appropriate for a GT like the new Maserati, not for a two seat Ferrari.


6. Details

Hitting the alarm button on the key chain to start the car is a pain. The door is ajar buzzer is the most annoying in recent memory. I am 5'9 and I don't seem to have room to recline my seat one bit. The convertible top still bulges at various point under the tonneau top making it seem like it one did not put in on properly.

On a kinder note, I was happy to see that Ferrari ditched the $2 digital clock and put and analog one. These details are quite important. I bought a 1993 Alfa Spider pretty much because I was amazed that when I first sat in it I noticed that the gagues were built by Jaeger-Le Couture.

Just one guy's view.

 

It has a relatively clunky gearbox and synchros, and the gears just slide in like butter if you match revs in a downshift.

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