C/D archive: 1995 Ferrari F355

[kevm14]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/fer ... est-review

For reference, it was slower than a Corvette ZR-1 and weighed 3,268 lbs (it gets to 60 faster, somehow, though). Curious to compare the two cars actually. I think the engine experience would be totally different, even though the LT5 does rev. There's nothing like a flat plane crank V8 if you want response.

0.98G is pretty crazy for 1995.

Kind of pointless though because you can't own cars like this used without your own pit crew, even if the price was reasonable. Whereas a ZR-1 isn't impossible to own at all.

[kevm14]

It sounds like a pretty great car at least.

This 355 is easily the best eight-cylinder Ferrari I've ever driven. Previous 308-348 models have delivered full measures of the Ferrari image and excitement, but they have been wanting in the behind-the-wheel qualities on which the marque's sterling sporty image was built. Handling in those cars ranged from twitchy to evil, and ergonomics and shift quality were sources of irritation rather than satisfaction. Worst of all, those Ferraris were short on speed, typically unable to keep up with contemporary Corvettes. These blemishes have been comprehensively rectified in the 355. Finally, we have a V-8 Ferrari worthy of the prancing horse. —Csaba Csere

Still, probably not practical to own today if you have a regular person car budget.

[kevm14]

Interesting NSX references.

Maybe a sushi bar opened in Maranello, maybe Shinto missionaries have been working northern Italy, or just maybe someone at Ferrari drove an NSX and took notes. What else could account for the F355's ergonomic cockpit, its improved visibility, and its superb new climate-control system?

The only other car we've driven that has this kind of engine elasticity and very high crankshaft speeds is the Acura NSX, which has Honda's VTEC variable valve-timing-and-lift mechanism. The five-valve cylinder head is Ferrari's answer to VTEC. In fact, the company was researching variable valve-event technology when it discovered that five valves work even better.

11:1 compression, too.

Individual throttles for each cylinder (even more response). 8,800 rpm fuel cut.

I admit this thing is cool.

Of course if you want a car like this, the practical choice is the NSX, but you lose some speed. And I think the ZR-1 actually had substantially better shifter feel (ZF). I guess mileage may not matter but 10/15 is pretty awful. Miles per oil quart are probably not that high, either...

See you get to the reality of owning and the dream kind of falls apart.

[kevm14]

This is kind of crazy. A 2014 CTS Vsport has a very similar performance envelope as this Ferrari. Within 0.1s in the 1/4 mile with an identical trap speed, similar skidpad, 1 foot better braking from 70 mph. 730 lbs heavier (actually not as bad as you might think) and gets way better fuel economy. Technology.

[Bob]

Ferrari has never prioritized fuel economy so I wouldn't think too highly of better fuel economy

The other stuff is impressive though.

[Bob]

I think the reason the F355 is faster to 60 than the ZR1 is a combination of gearing, weight distribution and possibly tires.