Porsche to Ferrari

[GPM3D]

Having been a Porsche man for the last 13/14 years, - starting in a 944 thro to 997Turbo (just sold) I'm contemplating a switch to Ferrari. The current Porsches are wonderful machines but 'been there' and just fancy a change. Don't want to spend 6 figures again in a hurry so looking for a circa £50K - 360 F1 Modena. I've actually found a car (viewing tonight) which appears to tick all the right boxes - but have been used to the Teutonic build quality and reliability, plus (relatively) low running costs.
Will this be a mistake?
Anyone else here made the change? Regrets or addulation?
Comments / advice please
Graham

[here]

i just have to post thishttp://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/FERR...

[matc]

Best of both worlds

[GPM3D]

Oh there's worse than that! There's a Peugeot 406 Coupe converted to a look-a-like 360 UCK.
Come on be serious now!
G

[RoShamBo]

Well, build quiality, reliability and running costs will all be worse, guarenteed, its just a case of how much worse you can handle !
Going from a new 997 to any 6/7 (?) year old car you are going to notice the build quality and over the course of 2-3 years you are going to have to fork out a lot more to maintain a Ferrari than a 2-3 year old 997, thats for sure.

Having said that, when you drive one all that may be forgotten !

[burriana]

You'll find that most true car people appreciate each marque for what it is, both great in different ways.

The 360 will give you a sense of occasion every time you drive it ... not sure on comparison performance with your 997TT, probably fairly similar but remember, the Italian does it without forced induction

Rods on here went from a heavily tweaked 620bhp 996TT to a 360 Challenge Stradale and has never stopped grinning since!

OK, the 360M is no CS, but it's still pretty damn good ... well worth giving it a try to see for yourself anyway

[GreigM]

I did it - no regrets....big smiles. Driving the ferrari becomes an event in the way the Porsche never was....

[JDH1]

GreigM said:

I did it - no regrets....big smiles. Driving the ferrari becomes an event in the way the Porsche never was....

Unfortunately, the 360 is going to feel worse in almost every way to the 997 turbo...slower, more expensive to run, worse build quality, less practical. But it will be cheaper to buy and more of an occassion. I've not been quite able to live with it eachh time I've bought a Ferrari, (though I desperately wanted to) but plenty can and do. Suppose there's only one way to find out.

[paul0843]

you need to scratch the itch...reliability not an issue...maintanance definately will cost more...

[GreigM]

JDH1 said:

GreigM said:

I did it - no regrets....big smiles. Driving the ferrari becomes an event in the way the Porsche never was....

Unfortunately, the 360 is going to feel worse in almost every way to the 997 turbo...slower, more expensive to run, worse build quality, less practical. But it will be cheaper to buy and more of an occassion. I've not been quite able to live with it eachh time I've bought a Ferrari, (though I desperately wanted to) but plenty can and do. Suppose there's only one way to find out.

It certainly doesn't feel worse in the actual drive - compared to the anaesthetised drive of the 997TT the 360 feels like a go-cart

[isuk]

Having owned both I'd suggest you take a good long test drive in a 360 or even blow a bit of cash hiring one for a day or two. It's a very different car to a 997 Turbo with a more race car like handling set up that makes it feel twitchy and nervous next to the planted, effortless drive of the 997. You really need some good wheel time before taking the plunge I'd suggest. The build quality is very poor in comparison to the 997 and the interiors are pretty basic with none of the toys of a 997 turbo. The 360 just never clicked for me but I've just spent a weekend in an F430 and that is a much improved car. I personally still prefer the Gallardo though... just wish the e-gear was as smooth as the F1 box in the 430.

[JDH1]

GreigM said:

JDH1 said:

GreigM said:

I did it - no regrets....big smiles. Driving the ferrari becomes an event in the way the Porsche never was....

Unfortunately, the 360 is going to feel worse in almost every way to the 997 turbo...slower, more expensive to run, worse build quality, less practical. But it will be cheaper to buy and more of an occassion. I've not been quite able to live with it eachh time I've bought a Ferrari, (though I desperately wanted to) but plenty can and do. Suppose there's only one way to find out.

It certainly doesn't feel worse in the actual drive - compared to the anaesthetised drive of the 997TT the 360 feels like a go-cart

Fair comment, but if you want the 'Go Kart' feel, there are better/cheaper ways to get it. I think some of the other comments are spot on...try it out as cheaply as possible. Then you'll know for you. I desperately want to be able to live with one, but had to sell both of mine pretty quick because it was just too painful (build quality, reliability, service costs, poor paint etc) compared to Porsche. I'm not cured yet though. Just in remission.