To All Ferrari Drivers (Not Just Owners)

[MidEngine4Life]

For those of you who have driven a Ferrari at least once....

I just made reservations to rent a 348 Spider on my birthday in April next year. I was just wondering if anyone has driven one before and could tell me a little about it.
http://www.autodrome-cannes.com/ferrari-348-spider.JPG

Thanks

[sameerrao]

I own a 348 targa which is 98% similar to the spider. The spider has a slightly modified rear suspension compared to my car and also about 20hp more due to a different intake manifold.

The best way to think about the 348 is that it is a big go kart - it has no power steering, traction control, ESP, etc. Handling wise it is very nice and tight. You will have a blast.

Just keep in mind the car has a low front overhand - be careful when parking and entering ramped up sections like strip malls, etc. to avoid graunching the suspension.

See my reviews here ...
http://www.motorworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=45549

[pitfield]

I own a 348 targa which is 98% similar to the spider. The spider has a slightly modified rear suspension compared to my car and also about 20hp more due to a different intake manifold.

The best way to think about the 348 is that it is a big go kart - it has no power steering, traction control, ESP, etc. Handling wise it is very nice and tight. You will have a blast.

Just keep in mind the car has a low front overhand - be careful when parking and entering ramped up sections like strip malls, etc. to avoid graunching the suspension.

See my reviews here ...
http://www.motorworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=45549

Don't you mean Barchetta?

[nthfinity]

I was unaware that the spyder was 20hp more!

Depending on what you are used to, ferrari's in general aren't "that low" where you have to think about it with a few exceptions. The TR, and super Ferrari's come to mind.

That said... there are a few things to keep in mind.

If you have larger then average feet, get some Sketchers or something else that doesn't have an obtusely large sole... the clutch is a bit close to the brake, and your feet are a little off-set from the center steering position.

The top is easy enough to put up or down... and trust that the Velcro will hold ;) The 348's gearbox is a little funny to look at, but very easy to operate

R 2 4
1 3 5

thats the shift pattern... I can't remember if it were easy, or tough to shift in reverse... not gear wise, but pushing down on the shift lever may require a bit of extra elbow-grease ;)

The engine is all about the higher revs... so keep it at least around 3500-4000 unless you are cruising on the highway.... but your aim is to have fun... so keep it up ;)

The car will slide sideways at will at low speed, and is very easy to control... haven't tried sliding at speed... as it wasnt my car :mrgreen:

The interior is a testament to when the car was made... a bit dated, and bland... but thats not whats cool about it

[pterps]

Congrats on your birthday present.

I have driven quit a few Ferrari's so far (328, 348, 355, 360 spider, 360 CS, 550) and the 348 was the hardest for me to drive. I drove a 348 at the age of 22, so I wasn't used to powerfull cars. It was the hardest car because it didnt have power steering. Driving a 355 and 360 is just as easy as driving your daily car. The 360 CS was something diffrent because this car involves you so much in driving and you really need to be concentrated with it's direct steering and screaping ceramic brakes. (next year there will be a 430 scuderia on my list and maybe even an F40...... would be great ;) )

[acmarttin]

Make sure you wear a white suit with no shirt and big pitch black shades while you're driving it 8)

[MidEngine4Life]

Make sure you wear a white suit with no shirt and big pitch black shades while you're driving it 8)

Lol i was planning on dressing nice for photos ;)


The best way to think about the 348 is that it is a big go kart - it has no power steering, traction control, ESP, etc. Handling wise it is very nice and

Thanks for all the info. The fastest thing ive ever driven to date was just a C5 Corvette. I seemed to handle that ok. My Fiero doesnt have much room around the pedals either so Im used to that. Not to mention my first Fiero GT had a 4 spd which was also weird and clunky

R 1 3
__2 4

Oh and my old Porsche 944 had no power steering and neither do my Fieros so once again im used it ;)

Congrats on your birthday present.


Not so much a present as I am treating myself. But I do plan on being treated to fine dinner somewhere in San Francisco after my drive. Expect a new picture like this one ;)
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7273/paul1da6.th.jpg (http://img214.imageshack.us/my.php?image=paul1da6.jpg)

[sameerrao]

Don't you mean Barchetta?

No ... A Ferrari Barchetta is akin to a convertible without a proper roof (if it had one it would be a spider). They give you a cheap flimsy roof mechanism with the barchetta. It seems designed for the South of France or some place similar with 360 days of sunshine.

A targa is one where only the top part of the roof is removable. The rear section is fixed.



Depending on what you are used to, Ferrari's in general aren't "that low" where you have to think about it with a few exceptions. The TR, and super Ferrari's come to mind.

That said... there are a few things to keep in mind.

If you have larger then average feet, get some Sketchers or something else that doesn't have an obtusely large sole... the clutch is a bit close to the brake, and your feet are a little off-set from the center steering position.

The top is easy enough to put up or down... and trust that the Velcro will hold The 348's gearbox is a little funny to look at, but very easy to operate

R 2 4
1 3 5

thats the shift pattern... I can't remember if it were easy, or tough to shift in reverse... not gear wise, but pushing down on the shift lever may require a bit of extra elbow-grease

The engine is all about the higher revs... so keep it at least around 3500-4000 unless you are cruising on the highway.... but your aim is to have fun... so keep it up

The car will slide sideways at will at low speed, and is very easy to control... haven't tried sliding at speed... as it wasnt my car

The interior is a testament to when the car was made... a bit dated, and bland... but thats not whats cool about it

The gearbox is its worst aspect. it is not very easy to move between gears like the later cars particularly when cold. Try not to rush it through or you could damage it. It takes a few minutes to get used to the dog leg first :)

One thing to consider is that a rental Ferrari may have been abused by the previous drivers. So make a very careful inpection of the car for exterior/interior marks and shifter/clutch condition before you take off for a ride. You don't want to be stuck for a $$$ bill for something someone else did.