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Ferrari F355 Berlinetta 3.5 (381 Hp)
Overall Rating
Ferrari F355:
The Ferrari F355 is a sports car manufactured by Italian car manufacturer Ferrari produced from May 1994 until 1999. The car is a heavily revised Ferrari 348 with notable exterior and performance changes. The F355 was succeeded by the all-new Ferrari 360 in 1999.
Design emphasis for the F355 was placed on significantly improved performance, as well as drivability across a wider range of speeds and in different environments.
Apart from the displacement increase from 3. 4 L to 3. 5 L , the major difference between the V8 engine in the 348 and F355 is the introduction of a 5-valve cylinder head. This new head design allowed for better intake permeability and resulted in an engine that was considerably more powerful, generating a maximum power output 380 PS at 8,250 rpm and 363 N⋅m of at 6,000 rpm. The longitudinally mounted 90° V8 engine was stroked by 2 mm over the 348's engine , resulting in the small increase in displacement. Engine internals are produced using lightweight materials; the connecting rods are forged in Ti6-Al-4V titanium alloy. The engine's compression ratio is 11:1 and employs the Bosch Motronic 2. 7 engine control unit in the 1995 model year, later changed to the M5. 2 in 1996 through end of production. The Motronic system controls the electronic fuel injection and ignition systems, with a single spark plug per cylinder. Engine lubrication is via a dry sump oiling system. The engine was designed by Paolo Martinelli....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Berlinetta Overview:
Ferrari F355 (Berlinetta). With 363 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1450 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.7 s). The top speed reaches 295 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Ferrari F355 Berlinetta was produced before modern Euro NCAP testing protocols were established, and as a high-performance, low-volume vehicle, it was not subjected to these tests. Safety features are rudimentary by today's standards.
3.5 (381 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.5-liter V8, with its 5 valves per cylinder, delivers an exhilarating 381 Hp and a thrilling 8250 rpm redline, offering blistering acceleration and a captivating soundtrack.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 15.3 l/100 km (combined) is expected for a high-performance V8 supercar of this vintage, prioritizing power over efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exhilarating V8 engine sound and performance
- • Timeless Pininfarina design
- • Engaging manual transmission driving experience
- • Strong investment potential as a classic Ferrari
- • Precise handling and steering feedback
Cons:
- • Very high maintenance and running costs (e.g., engine-out belt service)
- • Limited practicality and storage space
- • Outdated safety features by modern standards
- • Stiff ride quality can be uncomfortable on long journeys
- • Potential for significant depreciation if not meticulously maintained
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ferrari |
| Model: | F355 |
| Generation: | Berlinetta |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 (381 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 381 Hp @ 8250 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 109 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 363 Nm @ 6000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | F129B |
| Engine displacement: | 3496 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 5 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 9.5 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 77 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 24.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 15.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 295 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.8 kg/Hp, 262.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4 kg/Nm, 250.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1450 |
| Max. weight: | 1700 |
| Max load: | 250 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 220 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 82 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4250 mm mm |
| Width: | 1900 mm mm |
| Height: | 1170 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2450 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1514 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1615 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/40 R18; 265/40 R18 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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