Manual vs. F1, Why?

I bought the F1 paddles for 2 main reasons: 1) I wanted the latest and greatest in my Ferrari. I admire the technical advancements that Ferrari has made and I love the performance I get from the F1 2) the ease of driving. Clutching in traffic can be a pain. Plus, sometimes I talk on the phone while driving and it's a lot easier to put the automatic mode on until I'm done with my conversation. I just like having my options open.

IMHO, I don't understand the arguments against the F1. The traditionalists say Ferrari's were meant to be driven the way Enzo drove his early models. Well, Enzo also didn't have variable assisted steering, air conditioning, etc. Cars have advanced and Ferrari is at the forefront of new technology so I choose to embrace it rather than reminisce about the way things used to be.

I don't feel disconnected from the car just because I don't engage the clutch myself. Shifting the car, for me, is a mental decision to take action to engage the next gear. The mechanical steps my body takes to make that shift happen are inconsequential to me. I actually enjoy the simplicity of flipping the paddles and sometimes fantasize that I'm driving as Michael Shumacher would.

And to answer your question.....Yes. I would have purchased the car if the 6 speed was the only option.

 

Although i'm not in the market for a Ferrari. BMW's SMG system is intresting to me. I currently drive a 5-speed E36 M3 and while it is certainly more involving and more fun to drive a manual opposed to an automatic, i don't think the lack of a clutch in a SMG/F1 system would take any of that involvement away.

In fact, i think it might be even more entertaining than a traditional manual gearbox because it would give the driver a unique experience. I've always wanted to test out the SMG system through some twisty back roads, i have the feeling that it would be really entertaining to be switching through the gears while having my full attention on the wheel and both hands always in contact with it.

 

When your drving an F1 sequential and you don't shift from 1st to 2nd, does it shift for you before redline?

 

i can't remember how the F1 in a modena handles this situation, but in a stradale it doesn't upshift automatically... you just bounce off the rev limiter until you upshift yourself i'm glad it works like this because i'd prefer that the car not decide to upshift if i happened to hit the rev limitier in the middle of a corner.

 

that's a great way to think of the F1. rather than thinking the F1 is better or worse than a manual gearbox just think of it as a different and relatively unique experience. btw, you are absolutely correct in that it is very entertaining to push a car with an F1 gearbox very aggressively on the track or twisty roads. it would take a lot more experience and skill to drive a manual gearbox as aggressively. some guys (a passionate bunch) seem to prefer the manual gearbox i think because of the additional skill it requires to drive aggressively. that said it is simply a blast to drive hard with an F1 gearbox. especially braking and downshifting

 

As someone who has only had experience with tiptronic gearboxes, I would be interested to hear about the lag of up- and down-shifts with the F1.

The tiptronics I have driven, particularly the old SLK, can take several seconds actually to shift after you try to shift. How far in advance do you have to anticipate your downsifts or your redline with the F1?

 

i believe the ferrari f1 shifts in .15seconds...no noticalbe lag time....i almost bought an f1 as i love it inmy intial test drive...but after driving a friends later, i felt i missed the feel of shifting for my self...it is more to do , more engaging for me..also in the 360 and in the 430, the 6speeds are much more rare and long term the 6 speeds may become extint ....

 

I don't know the numbers on who bought F1 transmission Ferraris, but I'm sure those who have always wanted a Ferrari (but never liked manual) buy the F1 transmission ones. I would get an F1 transmission equipped Ferrari, but probably only in the CS since it's race oriented (no radio, less insulation, etc).

I think the big problem with the F1 transmission is not in how it works, but the new crowd that can buy a Ferrari. With low inertia clutches/flywheels, only the ones who wanted to put up with the hassle in traffic would buy the car. Everytime I would see the older manual-only Ferraris, they'd basically already have my respect as a car enthusiast. Now with the F1, those who want to drive the Ferrari to show off can now own and drive one. Whenever I see a newer model car with F1, I'm neutral in thinking whether or not the person is a car enthusiast (unless it's a CS). This is similar to the E39 M5. How many people would want an $80k sport-luxury sedan in a 6-speed? Not many, so I knew the driver was probably a car enthusiast. I also have the same neutral feelings to SMG M3 owners.

I didn't mean to stereotype any drivers of Ferraris, this is just my opinion from someone who doesn't own a Ferrari looking into the Ferrari world. Just imo.

P.S. I prefer manual because I enjoy the experience, but I also don't have a lot of traffic in my area. If I lived in San Francisco, I don't think I'd bother with a manual. I can understand why people in SF and LA (traffic) don't get manuals.

 

In the future I predict that production road Ferraris with a stick shift will be worth more than ones with F1 shifters. After the warranty is gone, no one will want the fear of the even more expensive repairs of an F1 tranny.

 

Imagine no more 6 speed manual. I remember reading that the 6 speed manual gearbox will always be an option with Luca di Montezemolo in charge.

 

John T,
I also read that Luca promised there would always be a stick if he was in charge. But now that he's been moved upstairs, who knows?

Personally, I like sticks better than autos and an F1 is just a fancy auto to me. If it shifts automatically, it's an auto by definition. I can't imagine giving up the satisfaction that comes with a perfect heel-toe downshift (not that I am yet expert at it). This is not a put down of paddle lovers, just my opinion.

I have a 430 with a stick coming. If a stick was not offered, I would probably still buy one but be much more likely to "flip" it.

Dave

 

For me it was:

1. Innovation
2. Fun
3. Keeping both hands on the wheel
4. Easier in traffic
5. Original / cool factor
6. did I mention FUN?

As for shift speed......... There is no lag at all. It shifts much faster then anyone could shift.

There are a lot of cars I would have considered if I wanted a traditional manual trans.

 

I have very mixed feelings about a Ferrari with an F1 gearbox. To me there is something VERY special about that metal gate...getting the upshifts and double clutch downshifts perfect. It's all part of the experience...the skill...the fun. I think that you loose some of that when the car's computers do it for you. Ferrari's were all about skillful drivers learning how to improve their skills and DRIVE the car! I have driven a Challenge car...and the F1 was brilliant at the track....you could focus on the correct braking point, turn in, etc. But I think a stick would be my choice for the street.

Having said all that, I have an SL55 which has paddle shifts, and shifts very quickly and precisely...and is brilliant on a mountain road or a race track because of that.

I am thinking of getting an M3....but I would buy an SMG. I think the high tech stuff is OK for the Nazi Jeeps, but I just love the tradition of the gate and the skills and attention that one has to put into the driving experience with a stick.

 

[ flame war deleted ... Brian C. Stradale]
[links left as they are related, though not answering the same question]

A quick search will reveal tons of posts and threads on the subject already, regardless of whether you like it or not:
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42737
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40831
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5479
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38635
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36893
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33551
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23735

 

Just buy an automatic and be done with it. Get cruise control, anti-roll controls, anti-lock brakes, etc. Even better, hire a chauffeur.

Only drive 12 cylinders

 

For me the F1 is the main reason, thinking about selling my Porsche GT3 for an F430. I´m very often on the track, downshifting and hard braking without losing the back is so much easier with the F1!

 

One really practical consideration that no one has mentioned is the overwhelming horific complexity of the F1 system.

Looking at the schematics, it is amazing how intricate this system is .... and speaking personally, I can imagine how expensive it will be to repair when some of the gazillion parts start to fail thru normal use ... think of the Bill Lear KISS formula (Keep it Simple, Stu).

If I don't stand a chance of fixing it in my own garage, forget it.

FWIW, Al

 

after thinking about it , i realized the main reason i love the manual trannys is that during slow driving you can keep yourself amused up and downshifting...working the clutch and gearlever keeps it fun during those long periods of time you cant do faster than 40-50 mph

 

Hey, Rick: Chill. The subject has been around, and around, and around on this board many times. I suppose it's a question of what your tolerance level is. For example, how many times can you read a new thread that asks: what wax is the best? or Is the 355 really worth more money than the 348?
I grant you, its not always the best way to greet new users, but some of these questions have been addressed again and again.

Interestingly, this one is slightly different, it's not so much "what's the difference" or even if one is "better" than the other, but a question about what motivates buyers to go for the F1, and whether they would buy a ferrari if that option were not available. So, on this one, on the merits, i do think its a worthwhile thread, but i don't think the Joker is an ******* for saying, "do a search."

On the merits, i think the f1 is dandy for the track, but i find it uninvolving for the street (i had a 355 F1 for a while). I currently have, among other things, a 2004 M3 with SMG; it's pretty fun to drive, but the fact that the paddles move with the wheel can get confusing. I use the car as a daily driver for my commute into NYC, and it is easier than a conventional stick and footclutch in stop and go traffic. I don't like how the car shifts in the "auto" mode, though, and would be interested to know whether the version Ferrari uses is really any smoother.

 

I expect that a rather large proportion of people drive around primarily with their F1 in full-auto mode. Probably the same proportion of people use the paddles as try to shift traditional automatics.

In both settings it seems to be too much like hitting the enter key on a keyboard rather than being a part of the machine and driving experience.

 

Re concerns on repairing the F1 and other comments in this thread; It is interesting that my cars that are hi tech (including a 360 F1 spyder--my second after a 2000 360 F1 coupe) don't break. Had the first 360 for over 4 years with just a battery replacement + normal maint.) My earlier sports cars, which were incredibly simple (carbs, four/five speed manual, no ABS, etc) broke all the time.

Now I guess it is cool to worry about impending doom, just like it is to make silly remarks like "unless you drive a manual you are not a real sports car nut"
(tell it to Schummy), but the pragmatist deals with reality, not theory; and the real sports car nut just loves the cars and discounts other people's opinions because he/she didn't buy it for them to enjoy.

As an aside, I could never figure out why the NSX would get negative comments from the auto press about its "lack of racing heritage"--as if most of us drive the heritage day to day.... instead of just judging it for what it is as a car.

that's my dime on the matter!

 

I doubt anyone who really drive their F1-equiped car use the auto mode much. Last time I pressed the auto button was almost four years ago when I just got my car.

 

Depends on the car. The race mode F1 is a Stradale is the ONLY way to drive that car. But having a F1 in a Maranello is a waste of time. The car has so much torque that you don't need to shift unless you really want to.

Dr "AC/DC" Who