RE: PH Buying Guide: Ferrari F355

[Fuelbrother DC]

PJEB said:

I owned a 1997 F355 Berlinetta until 3 months ago, when due to my divorce it had to be sold.

This is so bitter... I'm sorry for you.

Edited by Fuelbrother DC on Monday 23 August 16:06

[Furyblade_Lee]

RE: does anyone prefer the 348?

You have only got to drive them back to back and even if the 348 looked like Cameron Diaz covered in strawberry sauce (which it doesn't) you would take the 355 evey time. 348 flawed badly. 355 one of the best cars ever made.

A mate had one for 5 years, and drove it like he'd stole it, had it serviced at a good independant and took it into Europe with us at least 6 times. NEVER missed a beat or ever broke down. Superb car but he sold it to buy an Elise!!!! Too wide to safely hoon in, and too valuable and expesive if it ever did grenade, which was a little niggle always in the back of his mind. But what car, i'd love one.

[911stu]

Now i know what to look for when are you doing the Rob the bank guide??

[The Milfman]

PompeyM3 said:

any tips any existing owners can point me to when going to look at cars.

You have PM.

[PompeyM3]

The Milfman said:

PompeyM3 said:

any tips any existing owners can point me to when going to look at cars.

You have PM.

Just seen it and replied, Cheers for that

[Acehood]

Always thought the 355 was one of the best looking cars ever made. I love them.

I'd guess they're actually quite slow now though being so old?

[DrYazz]

Acehood said:

Always thought the 355 was one of the best looking cars ever made. I love them.

I'd guess they're actually quite slow now though being so old?

Still alot quicker than a Clio 182

[Acehood]

DrYazz said:

Acehood said:

Always thought the 355 was one of the best looking cars ever made. I love them.

I'd guess they're actually quite slow now though being so old?

Still alot quicker than a Clio 182

Well obviously but I mean in 'supercar' sort of terms

[Nigel_O]

They were classed as fast when they were launched - 13 second quarter and 185-ish top end (helped by some very good aerodynamics)

However, compared with some modern stuff, they aren't THAT fast. An M3 will give it a hard time, as would any of the Audi RS cars (I remember once having a go against an RS2 in my 355 - it was four up and full of luggage - we got to some silly speeds before I finally got past - very impressive, and slightly embarrassing)

You don't need to drive it flat out - its much better to revel in the 355's sublime handling and the simple experience of driving a Ferrari - I don't mean posing - just some quick driving on great roads.

355s and North Wales just go together SO well

[JohnGoodridge]

Fuelbrother DC said:

ferrari spider said:

Fuelbrother DC said:

but by owning a Ferrari you may also step into a world of envy, sometimes even hate.

Your so right, its particularly hostile here in the UK. It ranges from jealous members of the public to so called "petrol heads" who will always have a problem with the owners of Ferrari's. I find they dislike the owners as opposed to disliking the cars them self.
Interestingly enough in last months EVO magazine Chris Harris wrote a piece on the negative and hostile attitudes towards people who drive nice cars here in the UK, compared to the attitudes of main land Europe. An interesting read.
Nice Lotus by the way

I honestly don't think its a phenomenon only in the UK, it's the same here in dshermany. I'm in the beginning of my thirties and spent 2 Years of self-employment (self-made - not funded by parents/business angels/banksters) after 2 academic degrees (again: not funded!) and hard work to earn enough for fulfilling my Dream - which was buying an S4 Esprit.

However, once, I visited a local tourist feature together with a good friend. When we came back to the car, a mid-aged lady stood next to it, marvelling. Instantly, in the same second she saw us (two young guys), her face changed to a grim look. She then made compliments about the beautiful car and asked how much it costs (standard question here... ). As I told her the price (which is comparable to a new GTI, mind you!), she dared to ask: "Married rich or professional son?" - and walked away. I was so upset that I couldn't reply funny enough - it's a shame people don't see the effort that is sometimes put into things.

So: when talking about jealousy, find Masters of that here in Germany. Some other mate told my a nice saying (don't know if this translates too well): "you'll get compassion for free but you have to earn envy"

That's why I'm glad everytime I see a happy guy in his Ferrari or Pork, grinning. He has fun. Which is a positive feeling.

Hahaha. I like that phrase, and it's a pretty good translation, although slightly more accurate might be 'you'll get pity for free, but envy you have to earn.'

[lotusmad2001]

Forza_Roma said:

mikebrownhill said:

Fuelbrother DC said:

ex vtskid said:

Really great interesting read, not that I'll be buying one anytime soon!

And this might be a bit of a dirty thing to say... but does anyone else prefer the 348?

I do. Better tail-light design, for me. The 355 seems a bit bland in that respect.

I also like some aspects of the 348 appearance over the F355 but pretty much every body panel is interchangeable between the two models so the differences are in the detail and not fundamental - but I personally do like the Testorossa style side strakes on the doors and I also like the mat black treatment on the spoilers and skirts on the early 348's. The only thing that lets the 348 down in my opinion is the wheels, but fit the F355 ones and it's sorted in the looks department.

The F355 is undoubtedly the better car but the old 348 is such a good price these days it has to be the best Ferrari bargain out there at the moment in my view.

I prefer the tail of the 348 for sure, but the side strakes upset me a bit and I'd rather have the cut curves of the 355. Largely interchangeable panels you say....

Yup i live up in cumbria and there was a classic car show on last weekend where there was a 348 with F355 front bumper and side, looked amazing (Moding a Ferrari is not something i would have the balls to do however) although got us all a bit confused at first. Wow look a 34...no...35...no.. 348355:S......hmmm.

Jonny

BTW I have just found the car on www.clubscuderia.com in the forums bit then Gallery i thinks its the post at the very top.

[SSpongey]

I love the 355. But the 348 just does it more for me.
They are both sexier than the 360 though.

[hiewyj]

I've owned a 355 Spider for 4 years and would thoroughly recommend it. I don't think I will ever sell it.