Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (324 km/h)
Combined, EPA 1992
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment, characterized by reverence and iconic status.
3 problems reported (3 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- IsolatedFerrari corporate policies
Owners face potential bans from purchasing new vehicles if they undertake radical modifications or lend cars for media comparisons (e.g., F40 vs. F50 reviews).
- IsolatedReplica/kit car market
Existence of replica builds (notably on a Fiero platform) and potential for counterfeit models.
- IsolatedPerceived reliability of later limited editions
A comment suggests the hybrid LaFerrari has frequent high-voltage battery issues, causing long dealer wait times for parts, contrasting it with the F40/F50/Enzo. This is not a direct F40 issue.
The version owners recommend
The North American version is criticized for its black plastic bumper inserts which "take away from" the car's appearance.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Porsche 959, Ferrari F50, Ferrari 288 GTO, Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment, characterized by reverence and iconic status. The vehicle is consistently described as a "legendary," "timeless," and "incredible" supercar, often cited as a childhood dream car and the pinnacle of Ferrari's heritage, being the last model approved by Enzo Ferrari. It is celebrated for its raw, race-bred character, described as a "ferocious race car that you were allowed to take home with you," contrasting with more technologically advanced contemporaries. The design is praised for aging exceptionally well. However, this adulation is largely based on its historical significance and visual appeal; substantive long-term ownership experiences regarding daily usability, reliability, or driving dynamics are absent from the provided data. The sentiment is one of distant admiration rather than hands-on ownership evaluation.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the raw, analog antithesis to the technologically sophisticated Porsche 959. The 959 is noted for its advanced all-wheel-drive, automatic suspension, and tire pressure monitoring, while the F40 is characterized as a stripped-back, focused machine. It is also compared to its successor, the F50, with one comment noting the F50's powertrain (derived from Formula 1) resulted in a car that was "bone crushingly hard" to drive on the road and "barely faster than the F40 on the track." Within the Ferrari lineage, it is seen as a more engaging and iconic driver's car compared to later, more refined models like the 488, which one owner noted could be driven comfortably by anyone to the mall.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations are recommended based on ownership experience.
General recommendations
Suitable as a collectible icon and investment piece, not as a practical vehicle. Potential buyers should be aware of Ferrari's strict policies regarding modifications and media coverage; one report mentions an owner being banned from future Ferrari purchases for radical modifications (painting a car yellow and chopping off the roof). Authenticity is a concern in the replica/kit car market, as one post questions the legitimacy of a model. Given the car's value and rarity, professional inspection and verification of provenance are implied necessities. Not recommended for those seeking modern comfort, reliability, or daily usability.
Remarks
The provided data consists almost entirely of spotting reports, photographic posts, and discussions of the car's historical and cultural significance. There is a critical lack of first-hand, long-term ownership testimonials covering driving experience, maintenance costs, reliability, or practicality. The car's performance is contextualized against modern vehicles in one comment, which notes a 1991 F40's performance is on par with a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS. Production numbers are mentioned as being higher than the officially stated limit of 400 units, with over 1,300 built. Analysis based on approximately 90 community posts and comments, with fewer than 10 containing any substantive experiential information.
Specifications
2.9 i V8 32V
2.9L 8-cylinder · 478 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1987–1992