I'm on the hunt for a 360, how much better than the 355?
Discussion
Having owned a 355 a couple of years ago I said to myself I would not buy another Ferrari. Two years later I fancy a manual 360 for the summer but I hope it will be a little more inspiring than the 355.
The 355 felt fragile, was not at all fast (it must have had 375 shetland ponies!) but it was a nice car to own for a short term.
So, how much better is the 360?
David.
The 355 felt fragile, was not at all fast (it must have had 375 shetland ponies!) but it was a nice car to own for a short term.
So, how much better is the 360?
David.
Hi David,
I've not owned either however, I've had the pleaseure of their company for a few days each. So obviously my opinion doesn't count for much but I thought I'd get the ball rolling...
Personally, I didn't get on with the 360 whereas; I fell in love with 355. Okay, so the 360 is in a different league when it comes to the handling/speed and everyday usage but it didn't feel at all special. The 360 was a spyder and appeared to suffer from fairly bad build quality and scuttle shake. But again the main problem is that the 360 just didn't feel special enough - saying that, it was black w/black interior.
Now, the 430 on the other hand...that'll blow your mind!
I've not owned either however, I've had the pleaseure of their company for a few days each. So obviously my opinion doesn't count for much but I thought I'd get the ball rolling...
Personally, I didn't get on with the 360 whereas; I fell in love with 355. Okay, so the 360 is in a different league when it comes to the handling/speed and everyday usage but it didn't feel at all special. The 360 was a spyder and appeared to suffer from fairly bad build quality and scuttle shake. But again the main problem is that the 360 just didn't feel special enough - saying that, it was black w/black interior.
Now, the 430 on the other hand...that'll blow your mind!
That is a shame that you didn't enjoy your 355. I have one and I love it, it isn't that quick but it's plenty for the road. I've also got a 550 and 360CS, maybe that means I am not so put out by the apparent lack of performance compared with the ultra modern stuff.
I think that you will find the 360 feels quite bit more modern, the much improved seating position helps for a start. Gone is the arms splayed out with the wheel around your ankles. You can actually get into a great driving position in a 360 - makes a big difference.
I don't think you will find the performance night and day different, I still don't think the 360 feels crazy quick. It is quite a big leap upto a 430. More so than from 355 to 360, you'll still prefer it though.
The other important thing with the 360 is that I believe it's chain driven so is easier and cheaper to service.
If you can ctretch to a 430 then do, it is one hell of a car. I used to own a 360 spider, it never really gelled with me.
I think that you will find the 360 feels quite bit more modern, the much improved seating position helps for a start. Gone is the arms splayed out with the wheel around your ankles. You can actually get into a great driving position in a 360 - makes a big difference.
I don't think you will find the performance night and day different, I still don't think the 360 feels crazy quick. It is quite a big leap upto a 430. More so than from 355 to 360, you'll still prefer it though.
The other important thing with the 360 is that I believe it's chain driven so is easier and cheaper to service.
If you can ctretch to a 430 then do, it is one hell of a car. I used to own a 360 spider, it never really gelled with me.
Clearly every ferrari that precedes the last model has to be a better car. Or what was the point of the Ferrari development program.
So with that logic then of course the 360 is a better driver than the 355.
Weather its a better Ferrari than the 355, thats subjective.
As for anyone NOT finding the F355 inspiring, behave. You either had a dog of a car or ya teling fibs for effect.
So with that logic then of course the 360 is a better driver than the 355.
Weather its a better Ferrari than the 355, thats subjective.
As for anyone NOT finding the F355 inspiring, behave. You either had a dog of a car or ya teling fibs for effect.
Edited by ferrari spider on Wednesday 3rd February 17:41
Well I own both, a 355GTB and a 360 Spider.
The 355 is a rawer car most of the time and will really get up and go if you learn to drive it properly.
The 360 is much more refined bigger and a little more detached. Much easier to get the feel of going quickly and the traction system will help you out if you get a little too heavy footed.
Ultimately there is bugger all between them on pace, acceleration wise they really are the same (the engine is almost identical as is the gearbox). The 360 has the ultimate edge on all out grip, but the 355 is easier to drift and play with....
So 355 is a great car for a play (and I use mine as an everyday car as well) and the 360 is the better car for a blast across Europe and up the Alps.
As for the 430, I just can't get on with them, yes they have more power and are quicker but they do this whilst taking a lot of the feel from the car IMHO. They are technically brilliant but a little soulless for me (although compared to Gallardos and R8's etc they are still the benchmark, we just live in a world where anyone of any ability is supposed to be able to drive the car out posing and shopping so they are slightly sanitized).
Oh and 355 driving position can be sorted easily by changing the wheel and putting a longer steering boss on it. They had to put the wheel there due to US regulations on full size airbags having to be a minimum of 12" away from the driver in any seating position. Ferrari moved to small airbags on the 360 and the car is 30% bigger in ever direction!
At the end of the day, bum on seat for a decent length test drive is the only way you'll decide.
The 355 is a rawer car most of the time and will really get up and go if you learn to drive it properly.
The 360 is much more refined bigger and a little more detached. Much easier to get the feel of going quickly and the traction system will help you out if you get a little too heavy footed.
Ultimately there is bugger all between them on pace, acceleration wise they really are the same (the engine is almost identical as is the gearbox). The 360 has the ultimate edge on all out grip, but the 355 is easier to drift and play with....
So 355 is a great car for a play (and I use mine as an everyday car as well) and the 360 is the better car for a blast across Europe and up the Alps.
As for the 430, I just can't get on with them, yes they have more power and are quicker but they do this whilst taking a lot of the feel from the car IMHO. They are technically brilliant but a little soulless for me (although compared to Gallardos and R8's etc they are still the benchmark, we just live in a world where anyone of any ability is supposed to be able to drive the car out posing and shopping so they are slightly sanitized).
Oh and 355 driving position can be sorted easily by changing the wheel and putting a longer steering boss on it. They had to put the wheel there due to US regulations on full size airbags having to be a minimum of 12" away from the driver in any seating position. Ferrari moved to small airbags on the 360 and the car is 30% bigger in ever direction!
At the end of the day, bum on seat for a decent length test drive is the only way you'll decide.
KTR said:
Having owned a 355 a couple of years ago I said to myself I would not buy another Ferrari. Two years later I fancy a manual 360 for the summer but I hope it will be a little more inspiring than the 355.
The 355 felt fragile, was not at all fast (it must have had 375 shetland ponies!) but it was a nice car to own for a short term.
So, how much better is the 360?
David.
Well I've got a 355 Berlinetta and a 430 spider so I might be able to help here. The 355 isn't slow, it's just not blisteringly quick. It's got the same 0-60 as a new 911 or V8 Vantage. The 430 is much faster, handles better and has a bigger boot. The 360 is a better car (apparently I've never driven one) but as someone once said the 355 is the better Ferrari. Perhaps you had a shabby example. The thing about the 355 is you either get it or you don't. For me the 355 is my favourite car that I've ever driven (and I've driven a lot). It makes me smile more than any other car and that's what's important. I love everything about it and to be honest I can't imagine me ever selling it, whereas I don't feel the same for the 430. Don't get me wrong it's a amazing car and I love it, I just don't love it as much as the 355.The 355 felt fragile, was not at all fast (it must have had 375 shetland ponies!) but it was a nice car to own for a short term.
So, how much better is the 360?
David.
The whole point in these cars is how they make you feel and If you didn't have that connection with the 355 then definitely go for the 360. As I said I've never driven one but from what I've been told it's a lot more modern and easier to live with. You might as well try it out.
pistolp said:
That is a shame that you didn't enjoy your 355. I have one and I love it, it isn't that quick but it's plenty for the road. I've also got a 550 and 360CS, maybe that means I am not so put out by the apparent lack of performance compared with the ultra modern stuff.
I think that you will find the 360 feels quite bit more modern, the much improved seating position helps for a start. Gone is the arms splayed out with the wheel around your ankles. You can actually get into a great driving position in a 360 - makes a big difference.
I don't think you will find the performance night and day different, I still don't think the 360 feels crazy quick. It is quite a big leap upto a 430. More so than from 355 to 360, you'll still prefer it though.
The other important thing with the 360 is that I believe it's chain driven so is easier and cheaper to service.
If you can ctretch to a 430 then do, it is one hell of a car. I used to own a 360 spider, it never really gelled with me.
Please disregard the chain driven comment above. It is incorrect. He means the 430.I think that you will find the 360 feels quite bit more modern, the much improved seating position helps for a start. Gone is the arms splayed out with the wheel around your ankles. You can actually get into a great driving position in a 360 - makes a big difference.
I don't think you will find the performance night and day different, I still don't think the 360 feels crazy quick. It is quite a big leap upto a 430. More so than from 355 to 360, you'll still prefer it though.
The other important thing with the 360 is that I believe it's chain driven so is easier and cheaper to service.
If you can ctretch to a 430 then do, it is one hell of a car. I used to own a 360 spider, it never really gelled with me.
Sorry, I didn't read the whole thread before responding.
Edited by jdw1234 on Thursday 4th February 10:20
Apologies, I seem to remember being told that by a dealer. Just goes to show!
What steering wheel can you put on the car? Not that keen on modifying Ferraris, think that looks ultra chavvy. But, if you could put the wheel on from the early 355's (pre airbag models) and a longer steering wheel boss that might be a good solution. My dealer tells me that the car would then fail it's MOT though because the airbag light would be on?
What steering wheel can you put on the car? Not that keen on modifying Ferraris, think that looks ultra chavvy. But, if you could put the wheel on from the early 355's (pre airbag models) and a longer steering wheel boss that might be a good solution. My dealer tells me that the car would then fail it's MOT though because the airbag light would be on?
I've got an original F40 steering wheel on mine, so fits in nicely. The boss kit comes with a plug in where the air bag wiring goes that keeps the light off but means the passenger airbag still works properly.
Will post a picture later to show you what it looks like, but much nicer than the Alfa GTV airbag wheel the car has as standard and driving position is now spot on!
Will post a picture later to show you what it looks like, but much nicer than the Alfa GTV airbag wheel the car has as standard and driving position is now spot on!
What is it about people that keep saying the 355 is slow....
Mine bloody well isn't! It still pins me back in the seat. Just the other day (on a private road) it shot from 80-130 leptons, all dont in 6th gear without any effort and in very little time.
I love my 355. If I could afford to I'd be keeping it I would, but sadly its up for sale now as the wife wants a bigger house (Has this been a blatently obvious plug that my car is for sale yet?)
Mine bloody well isn't! It still pins me back in the seat. Just the other day (on a private road) it shot from 80-130 leptons, all dont in 6th gear without any effort and in very little time.
I love my 355. If I could afford to I'd be keeping it I would, but sadly its up for sale now as the wife wants a bigger house (Has this been a blatently obvious plug that my car is for sale yet?)
Edited by Jonty355 on Thursday 4th February 18:40
The f355 is badly built, high maintenance, ergonomically flawed, not that fast by todays standards....by contrast the F430 is faster, better equipped, better braked, more comfortable, its a far superior car.....
Except for the two things that actually matter!.. looks and noise!. The 355 is beautiful, graceful, in a way the 430 cant understand. With the right exhaust it also sounds truely F1 like. Fanboys say the f430 sounds good with an exhaust; no it doesnt, it might sound powerful but that doesnt equal pleasureable.
Except for the two things that actually matter!.. looks and noise!. The 355 is beautiful, graceful, in a way the 430 cant understand. With the right exhaust it also sounds truely F1 like. Fanboys say the f430 sounds good with an exhaust; no it doesnt, it might sound powerful but that doesnt equal pleasureable.
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