| Author | Message | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 16 Registered: 7-2003 |
Thanks again for all the input! I am leaning in the direction of th '04 Spider. The price is about the same for each of them, around $200k and the road use part is going to be the main purpose. I was driving around in my RT/10 yesterday and thought the open top would really be missed on summer days in a Stradale and the trade off in once or twice a year track days would not be justified. | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 971 Registered: 10-2002 |
Well put, Steven! If you can afford it, go spider + used challenge. The spider is a magnificent car - I think the brake setup on the Stradale is great, but will you ever use it to its potential? Probably not. And if tracked, it will be too costly to replace. If you want one just to have one, go Stradale. If you want a practical, "tossable" (in James' words) car, go Spider. If you want best of both worlds with same cost, spider + used challenge. Man... I wish everyone could be in such an unfortunate situation as you to make such a hard decision!!  | ||
| Dan 360 (Dan360)
Junior Member Username: Dan360 Post Number: 84 Registered: 2-2003 |
No point in getting mine in Winter either - its coming next spring, it can hibernate in Italy! I did think carefully about a challenge car myself, but I don't go often enough to justify the hassle of the trailer etc. Part of the enjoyment of a track day for me is the journey there. Now the next think I want is a VBOX - GPS speed/lateral-G/Lap timer. V-expensive, but its the one the magazines use to do testing... | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2076 Registered: 10-2002 |
IMHO these are quite different cars. One is a streetable racecar. The other is a wonderful tossable sportscar. I drive streetable racecars but only on sunday. The rest of the week I enjoy tossable sports cars or GT cars. Value? In a few years none of these will be worth big $. There very few "Big $ F cars" The rest are just cars and the cost of restoring them after 100,000 miles of very enjoyable use will exceed their value. | ||
| Ernie (Ernie)
Member Username: Ernie Post Number: 759 Registered: 11-2001 |
Gordon get the Stradale. Plain and simple because they are going to be rare and will hold the value best in the long run. That and the performace figures for the car are the best of the street version 360's. Just my opinion. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2092 Registered: 6-2001 |
Get the sypder, unless you are planning on tracking the car. Even then, unless you have actual track experience, and are willing to pay the extra for the brakes, it probably isn't work it. There is quite a bit of talk that the 04s will have the extra HP. Will your sypder have a build date after October? If so, you will probably get the Stradale motor with it. Art | ||
| Nick Berry (Nickb)
Junior Member Username: Nickb Post Number: 120 Registered: 8-2002 |
I also believe Ferrari is not going to spend all the time, effort and money to certify the Stradale motor solely to import 900 cars into the US. I strongly suspect the Stradale engine will be used in the 2004 and later model year 360's until the 420 is introduced sometime in 2006/7. | ||
| acw (Acw)
Junior Member Username: Acw Post Number: 153 Registered: 2-2002 |
The Stradale MSRP is supposed to be around $200K with some option. Also I doubt Ferrari will use the Enzo prices for parts, but that is a good concern to have. I would really like to get a Stradale, but unfortunately, I cannot get on the list with my local dealer. So I'll keep my GT2 ACW | ||
| Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member Username: Solly Post Number: 521 Registered: 6-2001 |
From one of the online automobile sites (maybe they got it wrong??) Price Range (MSRP): $302,700 (not including all options) Body Types: 2-door coupe Layout: front engine, RWD Engine: 425-hp, 275 lb-ft torque (373 Nm), 3.6-L, 40-valve, DOHC V8 Transmission: 6-spd sequential paddle-shift Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS Curb Weight: 1,160 kg (2,602 lbs) (without fuel) Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4.1 seconds Top Speed: 300 km/h (186 mph) Warranty (mo/km): 24/Unlimited comprehensive Direct Competitors: Dodge Viper SRT-10, Mercedes-Benz SL500 AMG, Porsche GT3/Turbo/GT2 Web Site: www.ferrari.it or www.ferrarina.com | ||
| Michael Basic (Sensational1)
New member Username: Sensational1 Post Number: 14 Registered: 2-2003 |
Uhhh, I heard the stradale starts at 180k?... | ||
| Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member Username: Solly Post Number: 520 Registered: 6-2001 |
Here's what i did: 1)Got a 360 Spider for the road-great with the top down and has much more go than most people realize (I have tracked it numerous times and it's no slouch). Still it weighs 3197 lbs and puts out 400 bhp, more than you will need for the road, but not quite enough for serious track days. Power to weight ratio: .125bhp/lb. 2)Got a good used 360 Challenge for the track. With a few minor mods it will blow the doors off a Stradale. The standard 360 Challenge weighs 2574 lbs, and puts out 400 bhp. Mine puts out approx 430 bhp with some simple mods. Power to weight ratio (mine): .167bhp/lb. Standard Challenge: .155bhp/lb. no worries about messing up the paint job or stone chips. 3) The Stradale puts out 420bhp, but weighs in at 2821 lbs, 247 lbs more than the standard Challenge. Power to weight ratio: .148bhp/lb. less than the standard Challenge. The brakes? yes, great, just like the Enzo. This probably means $8,000 for a set of pads, and $25,000 for rotors. if you track it you will go through pads like crap through a goose. The 360 Challenge will stop on a dime, and a set of pads is $400. You can buy an excellent low mile US spec 360 spider with full warranty for approx $210,000, and an excellent condition Challenge for about $125,000. total cost=$335,000. The Stradale starts at over $300,000, and do you really want to destroy your $300,000 Stradale by tracking it? Chances are after the first track event you will see all the burned rubber permanently imprinted into your beautiful paint job, stone chips everywhere, and the car will never see the track again. You now have a $300,000 street car that you can never drive to it's full potential. It's a beautiful car, but what real purpose does it serve? | ||
| Nick Yim (Yimn)
Junior Member Username: Yimn Post Number: 52 Registered: 11-2002 |
Yes I agree but we don't buy a Ferrari esp 360 for its practicality. How often do we drive our 360 to its full potential. I just think that the Stradale is what Ferrari will put out long-time ago-closest thing to driving a real race time. only my 2cent | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Intermediate Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 1397 Registered: 8-2001 |
I've thought about getting the Stradale. But I don't do enough track time to fully utilize a car like that. Think carefully about how you'll use the car. | ||
| Nick Yim (Yimn)
New member Username: Yimn Post Number: 50 Registered: 11-2002 |
get the Stradale. resale: 900 copies vs thousands of copies of 360 performance: 50% more vertical load enzo brake package better exhaust note CF interior higher power to weight output than a GT2, Gallardo and Muri What else can you ask for in a sport car | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 13 Registered: 7-2003 |
According to my dealer, because of the existing structure of the 360 and the next version is to be a 'modified' version, the new model should become available as a coupe' and spider at nearly the same time. | ||
| Edward (Edward_96gts)
Junior Member Username: Edward_96gts Post Number: 72 Registered: 8-2002 |
But will a spider be available in '05 or will it be coupe-only first, then spider in '06? What is Ferrari's history of release dates for new coupe and spider models? | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2003 |
I should throw in another point that is clouding my decision. The next gen Modena should be intro'd in Geneva '05 as a '06 model with delivery in Fall of '05. I might be better off, resale wise, to take the Spider and get the new model when it becomes available. That may be the exact thing I desire, a higher output Spider with a carbon brake option. | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
Junior Member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 129 Registered: 3-2003 |
C'mon Gordie, you know you want it!!!  | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 575 Registered: 6-2002 |
Gordon- You can always refit the Stradale's brakes to your Spider! (though not for an insignificant ammount of money I am sure, then again, Stradale costs more...) The Stradale is LOUD, but if you're a bike racer, you've got to be pretty hardcore. I bet you can take it. The one I heard fired up at a car show was LOUDER than a 1960s Blown Alchol rail dragster that they also fired up at the same show... ... ... Yeah, it's THAT LOUD. It made kids cry (and not in joy, or maybe...) It's a way cool car, frankly I'd like a Stradale Spider, but I'm nuts. Best! Ben. PS: Maybe not that nuts, anyone else thinking along those lines? Contact me off list. | ||
| BJ (Bjkim)
Junior Member Username: Bjkim Post Number: 129 Registered: 10-2002 |
stradale for me! | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 10 Registered: 7-2003 |
US versions have glass windows and the article in TopGear says electric lifts, although that's the first I've heard of that (thought they were manual). I can't believe I didn't look when I was at the factory. | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 427 Registered: 12-2002 |
I vote for a spider. I don't like plastic window on the stradale. To me it is just simply a 360 challange, track use not the road use. | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2003 |
Thanks for all the input, it all gives me much to consider. As to Richard's question, this will be my first Ferrari. I have raced motorcycles and own an R1; I owned and loved to drive a '98 C5 Corvette (just sold it to make room for the 360); currently own a RT/10 Viper (not as much fun to drive as the Vette, but my wife loves it). I was considering the Spider, red/black w/red thread, racing seats, man.transmission (I can hear the objections pouring in already ), and have a line on a set of Challange wheels for it. I would be taking in a track day or two every year, but mostly be on the street. I just can't seem to get over the serious side of the Stradale. I know the 420 Modena (or whatever it will be) will have a performance bump and maybe should just get the Spider and get in line for the next generation and live with 4 pistons and 13 inches of rotors. As i mentioned earlier I just returned from Europe and took in the Magny-cours race and also the owners private F1 test at Mugello (check out the group photo on the owners site), and the factory tour...I am a true Tifosi who has never driven a Ferrari. | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
Junior Member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 126 Registered: 3-2003 |
Dan, I am leaning HEAVILY towards the silver/red leather combo with the stripe and red calipers. Yes, I have the July Evo, and I pick it up and look at the same pictures every day - sometimes twice a day - to stare at the pictures of that car! I can't imagine a better color for it. My second choice would probably be black/red leather. Personally, red 360s don't do anything for me, but the blue interior could make things interesting! I have yet to see a Rosso Scuderia car in the flesh though. I was asked to put in the first order at my dealer about a month ago, but it would be an 03 model with a Nov/Dec delivery, and that would do me no good here in Michigan, so I will order the car Oct/Nov for an April 04 delivery. When is yours coming in? | ||
| Richard Ward (Lomotpk)
Junior Member Username: Lomotpk Post Number: 53 Registered: 5-2003 |
Gordon, Just to provide the team a little more info, what's your car history? Is this your first or fifth Ferrari? Have you been a lifelong track rat, or a more recent convert? Been pushing a P-car for 20 years and want to switch sides, or you'd like to 'ease up a little' from driving the McClaren everyday... Welcome, by the way. Lomo t.P.K. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Advanced Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 2751 Registered: 2-2001 |
The 2 360s are for very different purposes. The spyder is for cruising & styling in, It will never be a die hard track toy cus it has no top whereas the Stradale is for people who love to play on the track. If you want to go to the track take the Stradale if you just want it for the road stick to the spyder | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1480 Registered: 12-2001 |
Will Stradales be that special in a year? I think you've gotten good advice from everybody here. When is the Stradale deliverable to you? Even if you remain ambivalent, you could take delivery of the spider, put yourself into a position to get a Stradale, then decide.Your geographic location may also affect the value of the spider to you. As far as color goes, i love the offbeat color combos from the older cars, but they look more contrived on the modern cars. I'd stick with something simple and classic if its not purely a track car. To my eyes, the 360 looks wonderful in black, but then again, i'm willing to put up with the detailing requirements that alot of others aren't. That red/white stripe version of the Stradale didn't do anything for me, but, it ain't my cash. | ||
| Dan 360 (Dan360)
Junior Member Username: Dan360 Post Number: 83 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hmm, color is a tough, tough call. The TDF is nice, but I'm v tempted by the Scuderia Rosso. I saw a Euro Stradale @ Limerock in the new Color, w/ the "stripe". Interestingly its not a paint stripe, its made of some sort of sticky plastic that is obviously applied a la armorfend. Given that Armorfend costs about 6-700 bucks, I think the 3K GBP (ie 5 grand!) quoted for the stripe seems rather expensive. I'm leaning towards Silver w/ red leather interior - like the Evo article - Paul do you have that one? One wacky idea I've toyed with is the red w/ blue alcantara - like the old racing combo. Any thoughts on that? | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1426 Registered: 11-2001 |
to frank's point, if you want a real :-) ferrari, the prices on 550s just can't be beat, and it is a stellar vehicle. just stellar. edward makes a tremendous point - get a spider now and it'll probably hold its value well when it's time for your stradale spot to pop. awfully rational advice, assuming there's a spider you want to buy now. doody. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1425 Registered: 11-2001 |
damn! bobafett must have found that transmitter i had implanted in his head! curses! and i would have gotten away with it too - if it weren't for you meddling kids! doody. | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
Junior Member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 125 Registered: 3-2003 |
I am UPgrading also, from a 360 Spider to a Stradale. I have had my Spider since April '01, but rarely drive it, and when I do, the top is usually up. The "movie star status" is cool for a little while, but you get sick of it real quick. I would get a lot more use out of a "lesser" or classic convertible because I wouldn't feel so conspicuous driving it. The Stradale is the baddest and best-looking 360 you can get, no contest, in my opinion. No offence meant to Spider owners/lovers, to each his own. And I am willing to bet that the 360 will have a strong resale value a couple of years into the replacement cycle. If the new car is substantially better, you should easily be able to get one, being a previous buyer. Gordon, if you are missing ANY articles on the Stradale, let me know. I have them all. Dan, are you getting black again? | ||
| Dan 360 (Dan360)
Junior Member Username: Dan360 Post Number: 82 Registered: 2-2003 |
OK for me, its: Street use: Stradale Track use: Stradale I'm upgrading my 360 Coupe to a Stradale, my plan is to get a more cruisy cabrio to go with the 360. For me a Spider is a cruise and enjoy the Sun kind of car - I think Maser Spider, or SL55, or 911 Carrera 2 Cab are better pose cars. I thought hard about a spider (esp since Euro cars are pretty cheap now), but to me, the whole point of the 360 is its the "full on nutter sport" ferrari as opposed to the "GT torque-mobile". With that in mind my perfect Ferrari combo would be: 360 Stradale (its the personification of about as nutter as a street car can get, and you can track it). 575 Cabrio - come on Ferrari, you KNOW you should make it, sod the impractical Barchetta, there's a reason the Daytona Spider is SO sought after! We're waiting...... Dan | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 8 Registered: 7-2003 |
OK thanks mr srt, maybe I should buy an Enzo that would be even simpler. Later | ||
| Mike Clark (Vipersrt)
Junior Member Username: Vipersrt Post Number: 118 Registered: 10-2002 |
Why is this even a question? Buy the Spider, the most beautiful road going car of this time period and have the 15" carbon brakes installed. Come on guys, was it this hard? | ||
| Kendall Kim (Kenny)
Member Username: Kenny Post Number: 348 Registered: 9-2001 |
The whole point is to make money... The 360 is still a hot selling car.. It's smart of them to milk it for what it's worth and try to produce different variations of the 360 to stimulate demand.. There is no real good argument for buying a new Ferrari based on resale value.. Once the replacement 360 comes out, the existing model will all drop hard in the short run... If you don't want to lose any money on a Ferrari purchase, you should buy a mint Daytona.. They appear to have bottomed out.. | ||
| J.D. Smythe (Jeff)
Junior Member Username: Jeff Post Number: 215 Registered: 2-2001 |
Mjames I don't know what Ferrari's "WHOLE POINT" is in producing the Stradale. But some experts think it is a way to extend the production cycle of the 360 until Ferrari can come up with a replacement. I'm sure there is more to the Stradale than just the brakes but one magazine didn't think so. The magazine commented that the ceramic brakes were 80% of upgrade cost. | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 7 Registered: 7-2003 |
OK MJ, I know that there is a lot of ohter components that make the Stradale a great Ferrari, but looking at the 6 pallets of standard brake/suspension assemblies next to the Stradale units on the factory floor left quite an impression, they are BIG, very cool looking and obviously work as advertised. I simply made the statement about the brakes becuase they are, to me anyway, the most impressive single component on the car. Yes, I have read every article in print on the subject, but was looking for other opinions thank you. | ||
| Edward (Edward_96gts)
Junior Member Username: Edward_96gts Post Number: 65 Registered: 8-2002 |
Get the spider now, then sell it for the stradale /360 replacement. By then all those trick bits may be optioned on the new car. Agree w/ others, nothing like cruising w/ the top down. Prediction-buy spider now and then sell it in a year for the price of a new stradale. Ed | ||
| J.D. Smythe (Jeff)
Junior Member Username: Jeff Post Number: 214 Registered: 2-2001 |
Gordon I can't disagree with anything that Kenny says. But remember, Ferrari estimates there will be 900 Stradales built. Not exactly a rare car. It's going to take a special owner to put up with a rougher and louder ride day in and day out. The Spider is a very special car i.e your 3 year wait. As far as I know, the Stradale has no wait. | ||
| Michael C. James (Mjames)
New member Username: Mjames Post Number: 38 Registered: 6-2003 |
Wasn't the WHOLE POINT of the Stradale to make 360 Challenge car improvements 'street legal' again? I don't understand the rationale of people who think Stradales will only be bought for track use...and there's more than just better brakes in the Stradale package that makes it a better car than a stock 360, no? Maybe I was the only one reading the AutoWeek article. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 4183 Registered: 9-2001 |
get the spider, flip it and get the 575 | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 6 Registered: 7-2003 |
575M a little too much $ | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2003 |
Thanks for the points about the Spiders from JD and Lou. Are your cars F1 or 6spd? | ||
| Lou B (Toby91)
Junior Member Username: Toby91 Post Number: 233 Registered: 4-2001 |
The Stradale is clearly the better track car but don't sell the Spider short by any means. I have tracked my Spider at Mont Tramblant, Glen, LRP, Pocono, Sebring and Moroso and have had a ball. Considering you will probably spend 95% of your miles on the street, there is NOTHING like cruising with the top down on warm summer days on good country roads with the Tubi at full song. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2728 Registered: 9-2001 |
Forget both of them and get a 575m instead. | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 4 Registered: 7-2003 |
Good point, but when it comes down to it isn't a E55 quicker than the Spider? The Stradale would be more in line with the 911 Turbo and I may not be able to bare getting my $200k baby beat up by a 4 door luxo-car. I would probably only be on the track once or twice a year, but the thing about owning a Ferrari is the passion of F1 and owning a part of that technology. I agree that the logical choice would be the Spider, but I am torn between my brain and my heart. I think the Stradale contains more of the passion, the sole, that is Ferrari. | ||
| Kendall Kim (Kenny)
Member Username: Kenny Post Number: 346 Registered: 9-2001 |
That's one man's opinion... Limited version Ferrari's always command a premium when it comes to resale time... Just look at the 348 Speciale... Same price as spyders are going for.. | ||
| J.D. Smythe (Jeff)
Junior Member Username: Jeff Post Number: 213 Registered: 2-2001 |
Gordon I have a 360 Spider now. I can, at anytime order a Stradale but I have decided not to. One dealer told me, that at trade in time, the Spider will be worth more. The Stradale will have fewer buyers at resale time. Also, won't the regular 2004 360 have an increase of hp that is almost comparable to the Stradale's? Lastly, whenever the 360 replacemant gets here (2005, 2006?)it will have more hp than the Stradale and probably will cost less. | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1039 Registered: 9-2002 |
Yeah, what Doody said! Man, he's got like this brainwave scanner tuned into me, and keeps taking my thoughts! --Dan | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 279 Registered: 3-2003 |
Like Clax said...............you'll only really need that on the track.........unless of course you drive on the street like you drive on the track! | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1422 Registered: 11-2001 |
violent agreement with clax. if you're going to spend a lot of time on the track, the stradale is a great option. if you're going to spend a lot of time on nice rides and commuting and whatnot, the spider will almost certainly be a better choice. but in the end it's your drachma. good luck - tough choice! doody! | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2003 |
Let me tell you what is making the decision difficult... 15" carbon brakes! | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 2 Registered: 7-2003 |
cool, thanks | ||
| Clax (Clax)
Junior Member Username: Clax Post Number: 93 Registered: 10-2002 |
Track use: Stradale Street use: Spider On the street, you will not notice a substantial difference in performance & handling. However, the Spider offers the open-air enjoyment on the street (and the ability to hear the exhaust more closely). Unless you're tracking the car, get the Spider. | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 461 Registered: 1-2003 |
see, it only took 3 minutes to get a response! | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 460 Registered: 1-2003 |
Hello Gordon. Welcome to FChat. I will be the first one to respond to your first post. I would choose the Stradale. I have a 360 coupe. I am talking from experience. | ||
| Gordon Watanabe (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2003 |
I've been on the list to get my Spider for 3 years and am expected to take delivery in less than 6 months. I have just returned from the factory in Maranello and took a look at all the Stradale components up close and am wavering. The bits that make the Stradale special are very impressive and I'm not sure if I should switch my order to get the Ferrari that runs like a Ferrari or the one that would be more of a luxury (ie; Spider)? I guess life is pretty good if this type of decisions I have to make. Any Spider owners out there with any input? |