Hi guys, gals. I have got a small question for you to answer, if you please. Sorry, its kinda long, but here it goes.. Thinking about purchasing my first Ferrari, which will be a modena. Actually i was considering a 05 Porshe TT, until i have driven the modena, and as the dealer said, i immediatly got the bug, should i be happy or sad i don't know. I've got a dilemna which i am struggling to decide on. I've test driven two 03 360 today, 1 with manual the other F1. As a manual owner/lover for life i have to say that i am dissapointed by the performance of F1, it looks like it will shine on open roads and track but not on city traffic, it kinda holds you down on revs (probably bcause i'm driving 1st time). And it doesnt seems to "blip the throttle" enough on down changes, is it not as good as 430, ok, its older but its an essential thing to "blip" on down changes, isnt it? On the other side the 6speed was not so heavy, clutch wise for city traffic, and the "click click" sound when changing was so daaamn good, its still on my ears. It seems hard to heel/toe, maybe have to get used to, but doesnt looks like there is much space for 11.5size shoes.. To make my decision more complex i have got two nice cars i can buy: The F1 is 04 model where as the 6mt is 03. Both have low mileage around 5k (after reading lots of posts, 5k seems high for ferrari thoug) and both are red. Actually i was looking for something different but i guess i now understand why nearly everyone goes red on Ferrari, the color shouts at you. Logicaly i'm biased for 04 as is newer model/year, but the transmission is not satisfactory and the car is gonna be used mostly on city traffic which will shorten the life of F1 clutch (am i wrong) If i listen my feeling and go for 6mt i'll be having time of my life driving and maintenance looks cheaper (less complicated). But it is hard to sell mt's and its a year older than the other one. Where as its easier to sell F1's and its newer at least year based. What should i go for, thinking that i will drive the car probably for a 1,5 to 2 years or 10-15k miles, which will give me less headache.. If i can find a 04 manual that will be perfect for me (long shot thoug) unless you think otherwise, i am listening.. Cheers
I cannot tell you which transmission is better, because there isn't an answer. But, my F1 trans does not blip the throttle unless the revs are high and I'm driving the car hard. Also, putting the car in sport mode makes the trans 100 times better IMO. Go drive the F1 car hard in sport mode, and you might fall in love. I have a 99' and have always owned manual shift cars, and I am absolutely happy with my decision to go F1. Just my $.02.
I have a 99 with an F1 Trans & IMO there is no other way to drive these cars. Sport mode is just insane. Love it. Auto mode is sweet when you get a phone call too.
Ferrari did not produce the 360 or F430 with F1 transmissions to be driven on the track only. These are street cars intended also for daily driving. The F1 transmission will handle normal traffic with no issues. Ofcourse, the F1 transmission does not like to be driven at crawling speeds and continious low rpm, but then again that is not the case on a daily basis. Another issue with F1 transmissions, reversing for long periods of time or reversing on an incline is not recommended. It can toast your clutch if repeated continiously.
Tarek +1 ---The 6 speed does allow you to be more "engaged" when driving and provides for some more "feel". However, the F-1, driven correctly, is faster and smoother, except as noted by Tarek. I own a Z-06 6 speed, and enjoy it. However, I last longer and feel more relaxed driving my 430 (F-1). At the end of the day it is your choice (not a bad one either). Do you like/mind using a clutch? How much traffic do you have to deal with daily? Do you like the "feel" of the paddles or shifter? Have you had a chance to drive under various conditions? I am sure you will not be disappointed with either one. Best
Thanks for your quick responses. I'm highly biased on manual. I have driven both cars for 20min either in traffic, stop go 1-2 gear and highway excess off 80-100mph. I really liked the 6mt on traffic as i'm used to and it did not bother me like the F1's jolts due to low rpm's (maybe my fault too) As i have mentioned at the end of my post i really like a 04 manual either for pleasure or low technical problems/cost (althoug one can never know). However my main problem is, eventhoug i like the 6mt should i go for F1 just because its 04y.m., or go mental and buy 03 6mt and do not think about older model year and manual resale difficulties if may occur in the future.. Senses tells me "one life live it" so go for 6mt pay less either for car and services, or "think about the future mate" and go for F1, pay a lil more but sell faster and use the latest gadget (eventhough you dont like).. I never could imagine Ferrari can impress me that much, even after i did not get impressed from the acceleration.. man, that voice the transmission gate makes...
Buy what you like otherwise you will always regret not doing it, especially when buying a Ferrari. There is very little difference in the resale between a 2003 and a 2004 360 and I don't think manual vs. F1 will be an obstacle in the resale either. What counts in the resale is the condition and maintenance of the car. There are many drivers out there who also prefer manual transmissions over F1s and vice versa.
I wasn't too into the F1 the first time I drove it, but after learning how to drive it it grew on me a lot. It has some small quarks that are easily remedied by the driver. Mine is MUCH less jerky at low speeds in sport mode. Just a thought.
The F1 is ok at low speeds you just have to drive it differently. Here is how I drive in traffic: I sit and let a space open, yes this takes patiance. I bump the throttle to engage the clutch. Then I let the RPM fall and basically idle. The car will creep along at idle speed. I try not to touch the brakes unless I plan on stopping, when you hit the brakes it dis-engages the clutch. Repeat ... If the traffic is moving a little faster I will shift to 2nd and idle there. It is much smoother than staying in 1st and trying to control the throttle. Controlling the throttle in 1st you can get some driveline lash and set up an oscillation. A little practice and you will get the hang of it.
I have driven/owned an F355 in Manual and 360 F1 (360CS on the way) IMO, I wouldn't go as far as to say the F1 is a pain in the ass in low speed traffic but to me it's not really enjoyble, on the longer flowing roads sure, they're great fun hence the purchase of the CS And as you said in an earlier post that you will be doing driving in traffic and by the way your sounding, and 03 Manual might be right for you
I don't think an '04 is demostrably better than an '03. A couple of years ago, I overheard a sales manager at an Fcar store telling someone on the phone he pays more for manual 99-00 360's, and about the same for the rest. He later explained to me that while new buyers tend to want all the latest tech stuff, used buyers are more likely to drive a lot and, once the warranty is over, get suspicious about the 2 pedal cars' reliability. If you look at a lot of 360's, you will note there really is no difference in price between the 2 pedal and 3 pedal cars. I suspect the sticks are actually easier to sell though I'm sure a salesman with nothing but paddles on the lot will tell you otherwise. Dave
there is really no reason to pay more for a 03 or 04, when an 01 and 02 are just as good. 2002 is probably the sweet spot as far as price/year right now. I have a 2001 and love it. With the 2001, just try to get the later build years and check the vin/assembly numbers to make sure you are past some of the issues and/or that they have been addressed. Do a search and you can find a lot of information on what to look for when shopping (variators done, etc). Personally (and some may not agree), I feel like the 6 speed manual is not only a better/more fun option, but less prone to problems. If you read through ferrarichat long enough, you'll start to notice that there is a trend of the F1 cars having some very strange problems now and then. Not only that, but they tend to go through clutches more quickly I believe. I personally like the gated shifter and it's one of the reasons I own a Ferrari. One thing that really bugs me about the F1 is the whole "can't back up a hill" thing. I'm not saying I wouldn't ever consider an F1 on something like an Enzo or perhaps even the 430 Scuderia or something, but I think unless you are going to be racing on the track, the manual gear box makes the most sense for a daily driver. Either way, be sure to check to make sure the car has had all the updates, etc. 5K miles isn't all that much for a Ferrari. True, some people only drive their cars 20 miles a month, but on the other side of the coin, there are plenty of people who drive them every day (like me, for example). I bought my 360 with 7500 miles on it (last year) and it's pushing 15K now. Myself, I feel bad for the folks that only drive their cars 3K or 5K miles and then sell them. You never really get to enjoy the car that way. With my 355, I bought it used with 3750 miles on it and the motor didn't really "open up" and rev out like it should until about 5K miles. The pervious owner must have driven real slow Why save it for the next guy.. life is short, enjoy your car! Ray
I have 1 360 spider manual. I prefer the manual in the 360. In the 430, the F-1 is a bit more refined and would be a tougher decision. I am like you, a stick shift fan. Since I bought my manual 360 I have totally enjoyed it and never looked back. Good luck. Regards, Stew
As mentioned earlier in this thread, there's no right/wrong answer. You'll find passionate people on both sides of this discussion. You need to drive both. Oh, and on the F1-equipped car, make sure Sport Mode is on and try an upshift somewhere over 7500RPM... you'll think of this post when you do I do find it interesting that: - All 360CS's were made with the F1 tranny - The Enzo was made with the F1 tranny - upwards of 80% of all 430's are made with the F1 tranny - F1 cars are made with the F1 tranny... OK, I had to throw that in there. It's clear there's demand for this transmission. Why? Because it's different and, in my opinion, more fun. I also like the fact that sport mode in my 360F1 does more than stiffen the ride Good luck... this is a good problem to have. Frank
Thanks again for your kind and sincere answers. After talkin to my wife about my purchase idea, she find out that the sales manager of the authorized Ferrari shop is her best frinds childhood friend which she is still in contact family based. So things suddenly changed, i hope for good. After a few phone calls and another visit to the shop, the manager advised me to buy a silver 00 360 manual, as its the cleanest and most cared car on the shop. Its kinda high on mileage for a F car (15,500), however it had no accidents and perfect service history, with new tires, all fluids and brakes changed, suspension and e-brake adjusted at 15.000miles. The car has tubi, automatic seats, aftermarket radio and cd changer, challenge grill, stiches on dash and seats (i think thats an option). So i decided to go for it after a 30minute bash on city and highway. Besides if i can not thrust him with these credidentials who else i can.. Bout the price; where i live in (istanbul) private 00 360's go for 165k euro, after a little struggle he agreed on 152k euro (initially, shop asks for 160k). I know these figures do not mean much to you, but i guess that is not a bad deal. If all goes well i'll take the car tomorrow and the paperwork will be finalised tuesday. I hope i'm not making a mistake going for 00 y.m., at least its manual (do not have problems like F1's have had i presume..) wish me luck for the future cheers ps: by going for a older year model, i got to keep my beloved EVO VIII fq340 for winter and turbo thrill..
I put 32000 miles on a 360 F1 and now have 10000 on a 430 F1 all both track and street and would never go back. There is nothing wrong of course with a non F1 but you should try an F1 at least once in your life.
