[[email protected]]

I was just curious to what you gentelman think is better overall? Im sure some will say it comes down to the driver.(which it does)
But is F1 worth it due to its start.(race cars) Or is the good old 6spd where it is at?
Ferrari Dealer said F1 I think it was because it was the only type of gear box in his showroom. I really do not like the F1 but yet again I really do not know that much about them.

Sorry If I dragged that out a bit.

 

[zjpj]

The new F1, like on the Stradale, has really been developed and improved since Ferrari first came out with it on the 355. I think it is definitely the direction in which Ferrari is headed.

The standard response is: the shifts are quicker, but it's less driver involvement. So, it does depend on what you want. I would probably go with a manual just because I'm in love with the gated shifter. And it's cheaper...

 

[mchferrari]

I think it would be cool to have a F1 for the city and 6 speed for open road. I also like the idea of being able to switch from manual to auto like other companies have.

:work:

 

[Azzurro California 575M]

I would totally choose an F1 transmission over a manual. The Ferrari purists desire a manual. Those who can afford a Ferrari choose the F1 because it's much easier. Remember, those who can afford expensive Ferraris aren't necessarily "enthusiasts." The whole point of an F1 is to still allow the driver a feeling of involvement without making proficiency at stick shift a prerequisite. The truth is, less and less drivers know how to shift manually. Ferrari claims that 70% of drivers will favor an F1 gearbox. The F1 is used on the Formula 1 circuit not only because of the instant shifts, but it also allows the driver to keep his hands on the wheel. This definitely translates into faster lap times as drivers now rocket out of tight hairpins with quick upshifts and precise steering. I am unaware of any cars that allow you to switch from an automatic to a manual. My friend's Audi A4 allows you to decide when to upshift and downshift, but this is hardly anything close to a manual transmission and the association with heel toe shifting that automotive purists look back nostalgically upon. This option is similar to tiptronic I believe. I call those transmissions semi-automatic whereas the F1 is an electrically assisted-manual tranmission. A inexperienced Ferrari driver will be quite dangerous with an F1 transmission. Both tiptronic and F1 are the automakers answer to a growing population that has never had any experience with stick-shift but they do have experience with money. This allows basically anyone that has the cash to buy a Ferrari, Vanquish or other similar car. So the demand for these cars will be effectively raised. Also, a generalization - you will find more women driving Ferraris and other supercars as well because of this. Not to be sexist or anything, but this scares me. People with money jump in without getting their feet wet. This statement epitomized on http://www.wreckedexotics.com.

"A Ferrari owner is not always a Ferrari driver" - Enzo Ferrari

 

[Dermot]

I was a die hard stick shifter for all my driving life (Including a 355 and 360 stick) Then I purchased a 360 with F! earlier this year. The conclusion, I love the F1 for the following reasons..

1) As a previous poster says, you get to focus on the driving rather then the gear changes. The Ferrari manual gear box (And I risk been lynched for saying this) is not the easiest to drive smoothly. The gate pattern is very long and needs very precise movements to engage the gears. In contrast my E46 M3 BMW has a dream of a gear box for lightening fast manual changes.

2) Around town the F1 really makes life very easy. If you are stuck in traffic you do not end up with sore aching thighs after 30 minutes of clutch/declutch. (The only exception is on steep hills in traffic where a lot of first to second and back to first changes are required - The F1 does not handle this type of driving as well as I would like)

3) On the open road the F1 really is very exciting to use, especially at high revs (Above 5000rpm) as the shifter responds much faster in the sport setting.

4) Downshifts are an absolute dream, the throttle blips and matchs engine speed with the gear ratios perfectly everytime... Very nice!

There are however two things I'm not so keen on with the F1

1) The 1st to 2ed gear change can be a little slow even in sport mode so you are inclined to accelerate hard away from lights so as to force the F1 to change faster

2) When you put the car in reverse it bleeps constantly at you and any hesitation on your part (ie taking your foot of the accelerator during reversing) will force the gear box automatically into neutral (This is because the gearbox is actually slipping the clutch and could burn it out if held in reverse for a prolonged period of time)

Apart from that F1 is a blast, I'm not sure I can go back to stick!

Regards

Dermot

 

[Stradale]

You'll never realise how great and how useful the F1 is until you're driving the 360 at 9/10. Then you're able to focus on the driving itself and changing up and down is at your fingertips. But if you're driving at 7/10 then maybe the changing of gears will become enjoyable. The clicking of the gears against the gate is quite enjoyable. But for me I love the F1. I have it on my 360. And I'm looking forward to the Stradale becasue it is an improved version.

 

[Andrew]

Well for one, you won't miss shifts when your brother-in-law is in the car like our friend Bart when you use the F1. :ugh:

 

[EBRINK]

HEY ANDREW

you are beginning to imitate my sense of humor

Glad you like it

 

[[email protected]]

Like Whoooo!

 

[Andrew]

Like Whoooo!

Our friend Bart. See this topic:

http://www.ferrariforum.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1662

 

[Bazil]

The truth is, less and less drivers know how to shift manually.

Just curious, but upon what do you base this?

 

[MeanRex]

I don't have a ferrari, but seeing as theyre the tops when it comes to sports car types and whatnot, and are somewhat rarely daily driven and almost always weekended. why go f1? Unless for some physical reason that you can't drive a stick, or you race it. Then why not, manuals are much more fun, even if it is a gated shifter and a bit tougher than most manuals.
Racecar, Daily Driver - F1
Weekend car, collectors car - Manual

Oh well, just my 2 cents. I love driving my car everyday, shifting is so fun, except in stop and go traffic. damn indian bend!

 

[zwoemba]

I should take the 6-Speed gearbox. Why? For me, there are too much F1 gearboxes in Ferrari's...En the six-speed is so beautiful designed...

 

[Stradale]

I think this F1 box looks better. :lol:

 

[Andrew]

Geocities sometimes doesn't allow linking to photos. If you have troubles seeing Stadale's photo here is the direct link

http://www.geocities.com/noordin8/MS-signature-1.jpg