| Author | Message | ||
| mwg (Mikeg)
New member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 30 Registered: 8-2003 |
Darth - After listening to both the Tubi and Fuchs on 550s at Black on Black motors (they have 550s on the floor with both) - I too put the Fuchs on my 550. Sounds awesome. Sometimes I just go in the garage, start the car and listen for a few minutes and go back inside  | ||
| DL (Darth550)
Junior Member Username: Darth550 Post Number: 237 Registered: 7-2003 |
I went from a Tubi to a Fuchs and was much happier. The Tubi is just obnoxious after a while. The Fuchs actually gives the Maranello 14 bhp, idles very nicely and howls at speed. IMO Tubis are just LOUD! DL | ||
| Bart Duesler (The_bart)
Member Username: The_bart Post Number: 327 Registered: 1-2003 |
Crap. If you can buy either a 550 or a 360, why ask the question? | ||
| martin j weiner,M.D. (Mw575)
Intermediate Member Username: Mw575 Post Number: 1186 Registered: 5-2001 |
Will, If your not satisfied with the sound of the tubi on the 575 (I wasn't) get straight pipes from Stebro-makes a big difference. | ||
| David Moore (Speedmoore)
Junior Member Username: Speedmoore Post Number: 89 Registered: 4-2003 |
Having driven both, I like them each for different reasons. However, being a racer at heart, I like the 360 as it seems less "lazy" in response but it does take more of a driver to make it work. The 550 is sweet, drives for you, to me it's the old 365 reincarnated and has great soul, but it's slow to react....i.e. just like the daytona. Don't get me wrong, but for a long trip/tour, the 550 rules in my book. Whereas, the 360 is at home on twisty technical roads demanding quick steering response and feel........ The 550 seems a bit heavier and more prone to roll as is a bit slow on suspension reaction.............BUT, as stated previously, they are apples to oranges.....I agree with that. They both do what they were designed to do beautifully. For raw looks, the 550 may be a notch above.......and that's my 2 c's. D | ||
| Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member Username: Solly Post Number: 580 Registered: 6-2001 |
Will, It was me who described the 360 Challenge as a car not for beginners. Unfortunately I learned the hard, expensive way. Strangely, when I track my street 360 spider it is much more forgiving at the limit, due to softer suspension setup and road tires that squeal before they let go, giving plenty of warning. The Challenge car is so noisy and has such blistering acceleration compared to the street version that you can't hear the slicks squeal until it's too late and you are pointing backwards. Having said all the above, we get very few 550/575's on the track at local FCA track events, so I haven't been able to speak with anyone about how these cars handle at the limit. I do know that the few out there don't seem to be driving at 100%, because I have never been passed by one. By all accounts they are wonderful street cars, but comparing a 360 and a 575 is apples and oranges. One is a very quick,brash and exotic looking go-kart, and the other is a very quick, understated, elegant grand touring car. I'd be thrilled to have one of each, but I can't fit into the 550/575's-too tall. I hope you have many wonderful hours behind the wheel. | ||
| will h (Willh)
Junior Member Username: Willh Post Number: 203 Registered: 3-2003 |
Based on my long experience with my 575 - driving home from the dealer TODAY!, having traded in my 360, I'd say: - the 575 F1 shifts far more smoothly than my '99 360 F1 - the 360 seems to want you to work harder, more visceral, more noise, than the 575; put another way, the 575 is "easier" to drive - the 575 drives smaller and lighter than it looks, or than one otherwise might think - the 575's understated looks mask its raw power - 575 with tubi seems a lot quieter than the 360 with tubi, but then, I have not yet wound up the 575 at all - the 360 strikes me, based on my absurdly limited experience with the 575, as the more demanding car, perhaps more difficult at the limit - don't know if others, more experienced with the cars, would agree; someone once described the 360 Challenge car as "not a car for beginners," and that always has seemed a good description - to me, the 575 look is more reserved, more elegant, the 360 more inspired I think most of this is subjective, and you simply must drive the cars and decide. I was afraid the 575 would drive heavy and sluggish, but throttle and steering response are most satisfactory! FWIW, I am expecting delivery of a Stradale in January, so I am the wrong person to ask about choosing between these two very different beasts. | ||
| les brun (Labcars)
Junior Member Username: Labcars Post Number: 162 Registered: 1-2003 |
Scott, having owned three 360's ('00 coupe 6speed; '02 F1 Spider; '03 6speed Spider) and two 550's ('97 and '01), I would tell you that it really is a personal choice based on driving style, intended use, etc., etc., if you can only have one. As everyone says, the 360 is far more tossable and fun to blast around town in (go for a 6speed in ALL circumstances, IMHO), but the 550 is AWESOME for any road trip you want to take at speed. It is far more comfortable for long trips and has a very useable trunk. There is also no substitute for the sound of that 12cyl. when it's wound up to 5 - 6k RPM. In any event, you will enjoy whichever on you choose. Let us know! | ||
| rick ramage (720)
New member Username: 720 Post Number: 19 Registered: 7-2003 |
hey ricky. "360 feels bigger and sloppier"?? maybe you had four flat tires )) | ||
| Ze Shark (Ze_shark)
New member Username: Ze_shark Post Number: 27 Registered: 7-2003 |
Scott, I think that the answer depends if you plan on keeping your 355 or not. The 550 is an ideal complement to a 355: torque, comfort, discrete yet classy. If you simply 'upgrade', you'll miss the handling dynamics of a mid-engined car: 550 is way softer. I share Doody's views on the 360 ... but I am not out here to change other people's taste. | ||
| rick ramage (720)
New member Username: 720 Post Number: 18 Registered: 7-2003 |
i have two 2002 360 modenas (yeah i like them that much so i bought a red one and a yellow one i've driven 550s and 360s and although the 550 is a great car i have 1000 times more fun driving 360s (especially with the F1 paddles). but it depends on what kind of driving you will be doing. for instance, if you had to drive back and forth from LA to san francisco frequently then a 550 would be more comfortable. but most of my driving is short hops around LA so it's a ton of fun to just blast around in the 360 on the sex appeal scale the 360 ranks a 10 | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 648 Registered: 10-2002 |
My experienec of the 360 F1 is that it is more nimble and direct than the 456, and it attracts much more attention. But the 456 is more modest, princely and graceful. | ||
| ELI (Titanium360)
Member Username: Titanium360 Post Number: 581 Registered: 4-2002 |
Scott, if you are looking for brute power then the 550 is the way to go. i am on my third 360 and would not trade it for the world. on either choice, you can't go wrong. | ||
| Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Member Username: Rickyn_f355 Post Number: 456 Registered: 8-2002 |
i think you have to go for the 12. I know alot of people swear there is a huge difference between the 355 and 360 but i just dont feel it. I have driven the 360 plenty and it doesnt feel that much faster than my 95 355. To me the 360 feels bigger and sloppier. When it comes to sound, the 355 wins and personally i like the look of the 355 better than the 360. The 550 on the other hand, is propably an experience worth going after. just my $.02 | ||
| Morrie Richfield (Carnut)
Junior Member Username: Carnut Post Number: 62 Registered: 11-2002 |
Scott: I'm sorry if you took my post as an offer to sell my car. I promised my dealer I would give them the car (they have been very good to me). If you are interested, Algar Ferrari # is 610-527-1100, they know the car Red/Tan F1, shields, powers seats, 5600 miles, perfect shape. Again sorry if I misled you. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2918 Registered: 9-2001 |
No question, get the 550....the 550 looks are much better than the 360....and its a 12 cylinder mamie jamie. | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 138 Registered: 4-2003 |
Morrie, I would like to get the details on your car as well as the price. You can email me at [email protected] | ||
| Morrie Richfield (Carnut)
Junior Member Username: Carnut Post Number: 61 Registered: 11-2002 |
Scott: I have a 360 coupe that will be for sale soon, my 04 spider will be coming in. For me the 360 is a better looking car than the 550, 575, it is a far better car for craving out the curves, the 550 more comfortable, has lots more torque, and to me a better power band. Thats why I'm buying one next spring. I must say that to me there is a big difference between the 355 ans the 360. Yes they are both mid engine 8's, but they a very different when it come to the way they respond. My advise, but the one that makes your heart pound, they both do it for me. Whatever you decide, enjoy the experience. | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 137 Registered: 4-2003 |
I have not tried to sell my car yet because I am still enjoying it!! I will give anyone on the board an early opportunity to buy it.... | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
Junior Member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 125 Registered: 9-2002 |
Scott, although I have not driven a 550, I have a 360. The 360 seems more like a lighter and quicker 355. The 550 Maranello is more of a GT Car. Nice on the highway and less in your face. I have a friend who says that his 575 does not give him the same thrill as his 360 Spider, granted it is a Spider and not a Coupe. Drive both and decide. Have you already found a buyer for your 355? | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 347 Registered: 4-2003 |
Unfortunately, like a tax question, the only correct answer is that, "It Depends." My take is the that Modena is a better sports car than the Maranello, but that the Maranello is more fun on the road. I don't know if this makes any sense. But, you can't really compare a mid-engineed car to one with a big mo fo front engine. It's different stokes for different folks. You will just have to drive one of each and see. Please let us know what you find out. Dale | ||
| Joseph (Mojo)
Member Username: Mojo Post Number: 315 Registered: 9-2002 |
Buy a 360 spider The sexiest new car there is in the $250k or less catagory | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 487 Registered: 12-2002 |
Doddy, life is too short to get short fused too quick, each car has its own characteristics. I agree with Scott that artistic wise, 360 is a newer design car therefore "more sexy" But I do love the look of unagressive low profile 550. | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 486 Registered: 12-2002 |
Scott, definitely make no mistakes, Trade your 95 355B into 360 spider with tubi and F1 transmission and get either 550 or 575M in 6 speed. You should be set for a while, right KUZI | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 136 Registered: 4-2003 |
I will be selling the 355. Doody, No offense... I think the 360 is rolling art where as the 550 tends to blend in more... Just my opinion. I am looking for opinions from those who have driven both... | ||
| Tyson Hall (Trhall)
Junior Member Username: Trhall Post Number: 244 Registered: 6-2003 |
Have you driven both? Tough choice, but when it comes down to it I would prefer the 12cyl. Do you already have a car in mind? | ||
| Jeff (Jeff_m)
Junior Member Username: Jeff_m Post Number: 217 Registered: 9-2002 |
Are you adding another car or would it be replacing the 355? Having a 355 and a 360 is a little redundant. If you are replacing the 355, I would try them both and then decide. | ||
| G. Green (Mr_green)
Member Username: Mr_green Post Number: 257 Registered: 8-2003 |
Are you going to keep the 355B? | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1675 Registered: 11-2001 |
I think the 360's looks are much better than the 550... rob - ANOTHER damn account that needs to be deleted! MAN... and i was enjoying scott's company around here a lot. what a shame..... doody. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1674 Registered: 11-2001 |
seriously - kuzi's argument is far more rational than it appears. the 360 is a wonderful car, but you already have a mid-engine-eight. you can get a nice 550 for less money and have an entirely distinct and different experience as opposed to "just another mid-engine-eight", although clearly it's not that pedantic. doody. | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 135 Registered: 4-2003 |
One more point.... I think the 360's looks are much better than the 550... | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 371 Registered: 3-2003 |
You have an 8...............now get a 12! You won't regret it. Best of both worlds. Enjoy! | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 134 Registered: 4-2003 |
Well after 2 months of Ferrari ownership (95 355B) I am ready to buy another F-Car. I am debating whether to get a 360 Coupe (Year 2000 or newer) or a 550 (1999 or newer). I know that you can purchase a 2001 550 for less than a 2001 360, which probably represents a better value because the 550's have already depreciated 60K or so.... I am looking for opinions on both cars. Both cars are very different, but if the $$ spent is equal, which would you prefer??? |