[Nero360]

Hi all,

Just wanted to say what a great site this is. Full of interesting info and nice pics!

Anyway, my question to you all is that I am looking to buy a 2004 360 spider in a few weeks... and can't seem to make up my mind if it should be with the F1 paddle shifts or a manual? Can anyone give any insight as to which they feel is best... and why?

I have test driven both... but still can't seem to be able to make up my mind!!! Is the clutch likely to last longer in one as opposed to the other? This will be my first Ferrari, and the shape of the 360 has always appealed to me. So any general advice on the pros and cons of the 360 Spider would also be very useful.

Any advice would be greatly appreiciated!

 

[Stradale]

If you plan to drive the car everyday, meaning use it to get to the office, then go for the manual. But if you drive in the weekends and ocassionally drive to the office, choose the F1 box. If you intend to have a few track days a year, then don't think, go for the F1 box. You'll thank Ferrari for inventing the F1 when you're on the track.

 

[basman]

Why is the manual better then the F1 if you use it every day to get to the office (or something like that)?

 

[Dermot]

This is a topic that has been discussed many times, and I think people tend to be either "die hard" manual shifters or not.

I've owned both a manual and a F1 360. I'm a weekend driver + special occasions (Track days etc) so for me I'm looking for the most thrilling experience possible when I get in the car. While I love manual cars (I also drive an E46 M3 manual) the F1 really did win me over when I first tried it.. Its much better now then the origional version fitted to the 355.. Upshifts above 5000rpm are so fast your head snaps back against the seat and the downshifts are a dream. The F1 also allows you to relax in heavy traffic without the weight of the clutch to worry about..

If you have the extra $10k to spend for the F1 then go for it - its a blast

Dermot

 

[Stradale]

Why is the manual better then the F1 if you use it every day to get to the office (or something like that)?

In a jam, or when you're in a stop-go situation, that's when you're aware that the F1 box is "jerky". It just doesn't like the stop-go situation. The clutch will overheat and the alarm will com on. It's annoying.

A manual on the other hand relies on you to play with the clutch and allow the car to creep as slow as you like and it will not overheat in a traffic jam situation.

 

[ddemet]

Got my Modena F1 yesterday. From my limited experience I can unconditionally recomend the F1 box. It is absolutely great (as the car of course!) and when you start getting used to it so enjoyable!

 

[Dr. Bob]

Congratulations

Let us see some pics!

 

[Andrew]

Got my Modena F1 yesterday. From my limited experience I can unconditionally recomend the F1 box. It is absolutely great (as the car of course!) and when you start getting used to it so enjoyable!

Congrats on your purchase. There are a few more members in Switzerland, you should hook up and get some photos of all the cars!

 

[adlinyusman]

i've never driven any ferraris in F1 trim (since my 355 is the 6 speed gated gearshift), but i do drive an E46 M3 SMGII, which i believe changed my perception on paddles shifters. The blipping for downshifts are amazing...! Unfortunately i still can't get the upshifts right, it still jerks. Any tips? Do i have to lift off , shift and then depress the pedal again or can i do power shifts i.e. shifting without lifting off? will it affect the tranny?

 

[ddemet]

Got my Modena F1 yesterday. From my limited experience I can unconditionally recomend the F1 box. It is absolutely great (as the car of course!) and when you start getting used to it so enjoyable!

Congrats on your purchase. There are a few more members in Switzerland, you should hook up and get some photos of all the cars!

Thanks! I've already posted a photo of my keys and attached is a photo of the car.

I live quite close to ze_Shark and SpaceBoy so that would be easy. Not sure about the others.

 

[4kids3fish]

Congrats ddemet,
I don't think I could sleep for a week after getting one of those! :work:

 

[mchferrari]

Got my Modena F1 yesterday. From my limited experience I can unconditionally recomend the F1 box. It is absolutely great (as the car of course!) and when you start getting used to it so enjoyable!

Sweet!!! 8) Is it brand new?

Is that Cayenne next to the Fcar in the pic also yours?

:work:

 

[Rosso]

well, congratulations on your purchase! Looks like Pozzi blue?

 

[ddemet]

I've already done 500km in less than 48h. Would probably have done more if it weren't for the uncertain weather at this time of the year in Switzerland!

Yes it is new, I actually saw it on the assembly line in early January during a Factory vist (mentioned it in an other post).

Yes the Cayenne is also mine (got it last year), you need a 'mountain' car if you live in Switzerland! Great car for long distance driving, amazing handling for a 2.5ton SUV.

The colour of the 360 is TourDeFrance Blu.

 

[thom360]

Hi.

I have a 2002 360 coupe, six speed. This is my first Ferrari too and I couldn't imagine not having the gated shifter. Plus, I still want to heal and toe when I drive. If you are undecided, get the six speed and save yourself some money. It's a lot more fun to drive. It is such a wonderful transmission, you'll love shifting yourself.

Thom
New York

 

[Rosso]

Ah, couldn't quite tell from the pictures. It looked kind of dark so maybe I thought Pozzi. TDF is nice. 8)

 

[Nero360]

Thanks all for your incredible input!!!!!

I think that I need to test drive the F1 again to really make a decision. If all goes according to plan, I should be able to take delivery of my new baby in 28 days.

Another question... are there any hard fast rules concerning placing the Ferrari badge (sticker) on the front wings?

 

[Dr. Bob]

I think you mean the badges on the side in front of the doors. Originally they were meant for the real racecars and supercars (288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo) But last few years they are also an option on the normal road cars. So if you are a purist you can say, hey they are not meant to be there since this is a normal road car, but since it is an option I would take them if you like them. It is your car, so it is your decision, don't let others say what you should and what you shouldn't do with your car After all, it is YOUR car.

 

[Stradale]

I can unconditionally recomend the F1 box. It is absolutely great (as the car of course!)

Nero, shouldn't it be the car first? :lol:

 

[Bob348]

GATED SHIFTER ANYWAY...

I recognize that the f1 must be more confortable, quicker...but less...FERRARI !