| Author | Message | ||
| Ernesto Sgroi (T88power)
Member Username: T88power Post Number: 272 Registered: 2-2001 |
The 550 is undoubtedly a classic shape, and will be so for decades to come. Some day, when I am older, I will for sure look for a 575M F1 or successor to buy. But for now, when I all want to do is have fun with the car (drive drive drive) and could care less how many people have it or how much of an impact I make when I arrive somewhere, you cant beat the 360. I have found the 550 less enjoyable to drive than a 360. This is NOT to say that I dont like it. Completely the opposite, I completely love it. But it is just a different drive alltogether. Ernesto | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 109 Registered: 2-2002 |
Here in London, the thousands of City/Finance workers buy Porsches 911s in their droves. The more passionate among them buy 360's. As a result, essentially you end up seeing a hell of a lot of Ferrari 360s and this has diluted the sense of occasion attached to the car. (remember we're still talking tiny numbers - all things are relative). In terms of outright 'specialness' as an occassion to savour, the 550 is way ahead of the 360. The 360 represents 70% of Ferrari production. It is the 'production' Ferrari. Dynamically it is unmatchable, but to my eyes the front end looks a little clumsy from some angles whilst the rear is a copy of the 550. As a road going expression of MUSCLE it lacks the 550's seeming presence and elegance. Its predecessor the F355, was, without doubt, one of the finest most beautiful cars EVER but the 360 is not. The 360 looks fabulous all the same - a space ship almost - and it drives like a race car too but IMO it is beaten by what will become the legendary V12 550 as rolling work of art. | ||
| Robert Jude Klein (Rjklein4470)
New member Username: Rjklein4470 Post Number: 28 Registered: 3-2002 |
Do not take offence to this for those of you who truly love the looks of the 550, I can see the Enzo dream in the car, and the infulence of the Daytona. It just comes up short for me, and I am not sure why. I always loved the low slung and ultra wide look of Exotics, and the 550 does not screem Oh •••• there is a F-car like the 360 does. Now this could be a split between new generation Ferrari, and the history of ferrari if that is the essence of the 550 I understand. The 360 looks fast parked, and I love those lines. If I had the $$$$ I would have a 550 in the garage as well, but not over a F-40. | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
New member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 9 Registered: 3-2002 |
As others have said, it depends upon what you want. I wanted a car to take the track and to autocrosses... but still fun to drive to work. For that, the 360 Modena is the ULTIMATE car, IMO. There is no better car by any maker. IMO. The much heavier 550 is no comparison. Lightweight, mid-engine, high power, great aerodynamics... the 360 is it. Then there is the taste thing... I love the looks of the 550... but the 360 is almost perfect in my eye (for my uses). Having photo'd my 360 behind an F50, the 360 brings a lot of the beauty of the F50 to bear, but in a much more subtley stated package. And yes, it definitely blends in a Dino heritage... but I love the styling of the Dino's of old. Yes, I love my car. HTH, Brian | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 70 Registered: 1-2002 |
Not sure. We did it while already at highway speed--not from a standing start--on I-10. But from 100 to 170, it only took what seemed like about 7 or 8 seconds once I downshifted. Was VERY quick! | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 571 Registered: 6-2001 |
How long does it take to get a 500 up to that speed (170). | ||
| Rob W. (Wolfturbo)
New member Username: Wolfturbo Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2001 |
Dave, Email me directly for details. If I say what I'm doing on the board, 99% will think it is great. The other 1% will flame me for being inconsiderate, destroying the ozone layer, upsetting the spotted owls, etc. I don't feel like dealing with that. Email me your email address - it isn't on your profile. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 65 Registered: 1-2002 |
Hey, Rob W., where are you going to drive your 550 at speed? My wife & I drove 3,700+ miles late last summer all across the Western U.S. & deserts in our 550. Many times at 160-165; several at 170, but only for 3 or 4 miles. Main issues: fear of instant-on police radar(even w/Valentine One) and the unpredictability of the typical low-quality American wheel holders, er, drivers, we were overtaking. So it was delightful to allow my 550 to stretch its legs & its lungs, but a little unnerving at the same time due to cops & incompetents. I sure hope you're going to Europe, where at least the other drivers know how to use their rear view mirrors... | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 723 Registered: 9-2001 |
Regardless of track times , the Ferrari 550 looks better, sounds better, will retain long term value better and is more of what Enzo envisioned what his road cars would be than the Dino 360. And as a bonus, according to FOA the 550 is cheaper to work on than the 360 because of the 550s ease of access. That's the humble opinion of someone(me) who has owned 3 Ferraris(TR, 400GT & 330GTC) and 2 Dinos(328GTS & 348 Spider). | ||
| Rob W. (Wolfturbo)
New member Username: Wolfturbo Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2001 |
Spirited debates like this one are what makes this board so AWESOME!!! I have a 550 and haven't figured out after 4 months whether I love it or just love to look at it. When I drive it, I yearn for something sportier (i.e. my 993TT or a 360). When I drive my 993TT, I yearn for a true GT like my 550. Freud would probably say that I have a complex about "coveting my neighbor's wife" or some other psychotherapy BS! I have an opportunity in about a month to spend a fair amount of time driving the 550 the way it is supposed to be driven (i.e. at speeds up to 180mph). At that time, I am pretty certain that I'll be able to figure out where my love/hate relationship with the 550 is taking me. Best regards to all and keep up with these great threads! | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 96 Registered: 2-2002 |
Of course not mate! I know, that you know, that I'm winding you up. (everyone knows you have a 360! And I can assure you I love it almost as much as you.) You can explain if you want! Manu | ||
| Ernesto Sgroi (T88power)
Member Username: T88power Post Number: 269 Registered: 2-2001 |
Do I have to explain it? :-) Ernesto | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 95 Registered: 2-2002 |
Ernesto, How do you explain the Caterham 7's under 8 minute time.... (LOL) Manu | ||
| Tino (Bboxer)
Junior Member Username: Bboxer Post Number: 55 Registered: 8-2001 |
I have driven the Nordschleife in a variety of cars and can attest that a long-legged car such as a 550 will make better times because the (very) long stretches of straight segments including Tiergarten will overshadow the advantage a 360 would have thru the dozens of turns. It is really not a fair venue to compare both on but it does reinforce the fact that the 550 is a better car for "long"journeys". But put both cars in a "regular" tighter circuit, the same driver would be quicker in the 360. As an example and for you socal guys, a 360 Ch. will turn Willow Springs in the 1min. 22sec. range, that is formula and sports car teritory. A stock 360 can not be far behind. A 550 in the same hands will have a gard time getting under 1:30. My 2c. | ||
| Ernesto Sgroi (T88power)
Member Username: T88power Post Number: 268 Registered: 2-2001 |
The Ring favors cars with higher top ends, ie the more horsepower you have the better you will do at the Ring. The 360 will beat a 550 around a tight, twisty track. Ernesto | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
New member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 21 Registered: 10-2001 |
yep i have 8.03 for the 550 and 8.09 for the 360 around the ring | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 93 Registered: 2-2002 |
For the sake of playing devils advocate: The 550 Maranello is faster than the 360 around the Nordschliefe Nurburgring. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 92 Registered: 2-2002 |
I second that Andrew!! | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
New member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 20 Registered: 10-2001 |
if you get the 550 ..order the koenig exhaust ! | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
New member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 19 Registered: 10-2001 |
well i have 1.30 for the F40 around Fiorano as well. 1.27 for the F50 1.26.5 for the 355 challenge | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Junior Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 100 Registered: 2-2001 |
The quoted Fiorano numbers may be the "official" times, Manu. That said, wouldn't be too surprised if those particular figures are more indicative of a marketing effort than the actual quickest laps recorded for the cars referenced. IMO, drivers being equal, the only venue where a 1400+lb. heavier 575 is going to run with an F40 is the internet. Re: 360 v 550. I think wm stated the agility differences quite well. And so if one is looking for the more able canyon-carver, or the quicker car through a tighter or more technical section, the 360 is likely the better choice. | ||
| Mr. 001 (Racer_001)
Junior Member Username: Racer_001 Post Number: 53 Registered: 12-2001 |
Have you driven both? I'd wait for the 575M. Otherwise... the 360!! Have you not heard it at full cry with a Tubi? Enough to get me over the five and a half liter twelve any day.  | ||
| Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Member Username: Fred Post Number: 372 Registered: 2-2001 |
I am not sure which one to tell you to get but you do have a nice problem on your hands. Either way you win. | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
New member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2002 |
Definatly without a doubt the 550. Personally interior comfort and moderness means a lot in Ferrari's to me, and that leads me towards the 355, 456, or 550. Also I really dislike the interior of the 575, the 550 was more towards my taste, same with 360. All that aside, the 550 has a V12 and 485hp, while it has a lower rev limit then the 360 its a bigger car and also ferrari's top-of-the-line car, if that means anything, remember FORZA's November 2001 cover that had the 550 on it and was titled "The Perfect Ferrari" I would have to agree with them. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 153 Registered: 12-2001 |
I agree with Tenney about 550 market value. That's the only reason (other than overpricing of 360 coupes) why a hypothetical buyer is presented with the choice between these two cars at or around the same dollars. I also agree with those who point out that the 360 is the more tossable car (although if the 8's keep getting bigger, that will not be the case); the 550 is, to me, a more substantial piece of equipment, with some considerable heft. Good driving aside, on very narrow twisties, i'd rather be driving the 8 cyl. car, even though i am on my second 550. If you like torque, though, i don't think there will be much of a choice... | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 91 Registered: 2-2002 |
erm Tenney..... what line of logic.... These numbers are lap records in the given cars around Fiorano. The fact that they are essentially irrelevant when it comes to selecting which car to buy is where I agree with you. F50: 1.28 F40: 1.31 575: 1.31 I don't get what you're saying about the 456GT... sarcasm.... | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Junior Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 99 Registered: 2-2001 |
If the 575 runs a quicker lap than the F40, then similar logic should have a 456 (auto) running under the 575 numbers. Perhaps if the IPO comes to fruition, we'll be able to pick up a 12-pack of canned Fiorano Hyperbole from the cooler at the corner market. Or, based on the question at hand, should that be an 8-pack? Re: 360v550: They're both pretty nice cars. One's smaller, lighter, a bit more flashy and a more visceral drive. The other's bigger, heavier, more elegant and a hugely competent but more understated driving experience. The faster lap will likely go to the faster driver. BTW - Based on MSRP, not sure the 550 is holding its value better at this point. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 89 Registered: 2-2002 |
Andrew, that Fiorano 360 laptime is wrong. That would make the 360 faster than an F40 around Fiorano. I think (not sure) the 575 laps Fiorano in 1.31 - All the same the 575 has sooo much more torque it probably feels quicker in a straight line. Like Ernesto said, see how the car makes you feel and get the one that maximises this emotion! | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
New member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 17 Registered: 10-2001 |
get the 360 now ..and when older get a 550 or 575 .. the 360 is faster around fiorano than a 550/575 ( 1.30 mns vs 1.32 for the 575 ..) | ||
| Ernesto Sgroi (T88power)
Member Username: T88power Post Number: 263 Registered: 2-2001 |
There is no doubt the 360 gives you a higher feeling of speed and exhiliration when driving fast through twisties. The 550 may be faster around certain tracks, but it definitely does not give you the same sporty feeling as the 360. And on a non-race street cars, this "feeling" is whats its all about, not whether is is 6/10's quicker on a lap around Fiorano. The 550 is an incredible car, but it is more of a GT. I have yet to drive a car (including a Ferrari, sans F50, F40, 288GTO) that gives you the same same feeling as a 360 when driving fast. At the end of the day, its how the car makes you feel. If you wanted fast lap times, there are many cars out there for less money that can churn out quicker laps. Ernesto | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 716 Registered: 9-2001 |
Scott, according to Ferrari, its test driver is faster around the test track in the 550 than in the 360. So the 360 may make you feel like you're going faster around the twisties, in the 550 you ARE going faster ! | ||
| Scott A. B. Collins (Scott)
New member Username: Scott Post Number: 17 Registered: 6-2001 |
I have a 360 (and am thus biased), and have driven a 550. Depreciation, heritage, etc. would suggest the 550. Torque also suggests the 550. For all that, they have a different feel. The 360 drives, and feels, lighter, more aggresive, more like a race car for the road. The 550 is the ultimate GT ride. For cruising across a state I'd take the 550, for carving the twisties the 360. Scott | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 715 Registered: 9-2001 |
It's a no brainer. Go with the 550. It's a Ferrari front engined V12 ! The 360 is a fine Dino, but go with the real thing ! I have a Dino 348 Spider and love it. But, its not a V12 ! | ||
| Nicholas Wood (Nick_wood)
New member Username: Nick_wood Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2002 |
Like Willis I had a choice of 996TT or any new Ferrari. As this is my first ever Ferrari and I will use it purely for fun to drive to work or whatever so the 360 was the obvious choice. A little less reserved. If you had asked about an F40... Depreciation should not be considered if driving pleasure is top priority We are lucky to have these tough choices | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 586 Registered: 8-2001 |
Depend on what you like. I could have gone with either one or a 911 Turbo (distant third choice). I like the more exotic styling of the 360, its advanced aerodynamics, and the F1 system. After a year of ownership, I still enjoy my 360 thoroghly. Couldn't care less about which car hold its value better. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 87 Registered: 2-2002 |
Probably the most common ownership question that has recently been put to people in a postion to buy a Ferrari. A very tough choice....... 550! | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 95 Registered: 7-2001 |
550 appears to hold its value better. Ive been told by some Doyle Rissi Racing folks from Houston, that its considered the best car Ferrari makes. Selection depends on your preference and driving habits or style, good luck. | ||
| Ernesto Sgroi (T88power)
Member Username: T88power Post Number: 262 Registered: 2-2001 |
I would think that it depends on what you want. They are two very different cars. Ernesto | ||
| Frederick Klorczyk (Fjk)
New member Username: Fjk Post Number: 36 Registered: 12-2001 |
Money no object, both perfect, which do you buy? |