| Author | Message | ||
| Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member Username: Solly Post Number: 547 Registered: 6-2001 |
Last weekend at Lime rock it rained the first day, and all cars with slicks could not go out. so my 360 CH sat under the tent, but I was antsy, so I grabbed some stick on race numbers from bob and took the 360 spider out on the track in the rain. I have gotten some good lessons from Matt Karson on throttle steering, but unless you are Matt Karson it really doesn't come into play much on dry surfaces with street tires. HOWEVER, since i pretty much had the track to myself i experimented in the wet with throttle steering the 360 around Big Bend to turn 2 (an abnormal turn where you can't track out of turn 1, but must stay on the left). I must tell you that the 360 shined in the wet, and I probably had more fun chucking it around the empty wet course than I did driving the 360CH the next day. The 360 is amazingly well balanced, and just a nudge or slight lift on the accelerator in a turn turns the nose in or out with uncanny precision. I was amazed at how well it handled, having never been able to go to the limit on the street. It seems that every time i take a 360 out i discover a little more capability than I thought it had. I have never driven a 550 on a track, so I can't compare it, but the 360 is fantastically nimble and very predictable near the limit. I had a blast, but as was mentioned above, this car does need to be driven near red line to extract the most out of the motor. I also think the 360 looks very cool, although the 550/575 has a certain elegance about it (Like an an Aston). One suggests Speed Racer and the other suggests a more understated big brother. | ||
| Jaime T. Ferraris are sex on wheels (Chevarri)
Junior Member Username: Chevarri Post Number: 133 Registered: 1-2003 |
Hey, Ben hes obssesed with Classic Ferraris,the Dino and 250GTO. Yes he does have issues, hes very complex and defensive when it comes classic Ferrari and Porsche, he also doesnt acknowledge new Ferraris as being true/real Ferraris. He went off the wall when I said the Porsche Cayenne was just a money making ploy! I told him, "heck if they(Porsche) made a SUV, then they could even make a luxo truck, trucks are gaining in popularity. They made the Cayanne to make money, then hey some one might get the idea of using a truck for the same purpose". He went completely irate! He said, "listen(insert four letter words here)the only reason they made the Cayenne is to make money so they could continue to be independent. They arent selling Cayennes to make money, they would never ever make a truck(more four letter words)!!!" I told him, "10 years ago do you think they would have ever made an SUV?" He gives me that look like, "Im going to rip off your head and S down your neck!" | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 692 Registered: 6-2002 |
LWR- Basically because it goes from 4grand all the way to 8500rpm  They are two very different cars, and to each their own. Personally, I want both. Actually, I want a 512M REAL BAD! Michael- very true about the E34 M5s, what a motor above 4grand! JamesT- Your friend's got issues. Dino, Ferrari. Ferrari, Dino, whatever. It's a great car, and certinly sharing a lot in spirit with the 246GT is NOT a bad thing! You'd have to do way worse (ie, do something actually bad) to get tossed out of my house :P) Best! Ben. | ||
| John Kemmerly (Gman)
New member Username: Gman Post Number: 15 Registered: 7-2003 |
Glen C Winters - You have a PM! Thanks John | ||
| Kevin Butler (Challenge)
Junior Member Username: Challenge Post Number: 194 Registered: 9-2002 |
Glen, Were you in Mechanicsburg on Carlisle Pike a couple of Sundays ago? | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 1213 Registered: 1-2002 |
Jaime T. Ferraris are sex on wheels (Chevarri): Maybe your friends Rx of valium had just run out? | ||
| David J. Smith (Darkhorse512)
Junior Member Username: Darkhorse512 Post Number: 229 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'd take a 360 because I'm a fan of all things quick, where a 550 is for fans of all things fast... ...and the shape of a 360 is arguably a little more "Ferrari" than the 550. | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 948 Registered: 4-2003 |
I'm with Dr. Shelbee on this one! Each has its own merits. Vincent. | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 452 Registered: 12-2002 |
LWR, Don't complaint, each car has its own characteristics. Therefore Ferrari made V12 and V8. If you don't like 360, just don't get it then. So simple. I love mine both. | ||
| Jaime T. Ferraris are sex on wheels (Chevarri)
Junior Member Username: Chevarri Post Number: 131 Registered: 1-2003 |
Speaking of 360s, I told a buddy of mine that, "I THINK the 360 kind of has some styling cues from the Dino, almost what a Dino MIGHT look like today". I then said, "look the Dino and 360 both have front fender flares that are raised above the hood line,the hoods even share the same shape, the hoods also share the same design where the front end slopes down, they both have similar in design rear intake scoops, they are both MR, and they have relatively small motors(no 12s). Maybe Pininfarina took some styling cues from the Dino?" After that he went ballistic! "He said shut your mouth, the 360 doesn't even deserve to be in the same sentence as the Dino!! The Dino is in a level all its own, and the 360 is ugly and sounds terriable!! You dont deserve, and have no right to say that the 360 remotely looks like a Dino, get out of my Damn house now!" I told him to calm down, and that it was just an observation. He shook his head and told me to leave. What do you guys think about my observation, and what he and I said? | ||
| Vince (Manatee)
Member Username: Manatee Post Number: 294 Registered: 6-2002 |
The 575 fits more of my style of driving pleasure than a 360 does. If the 575 wasn't available, I'd have a 360. | ||
| Ron (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 647 Registered: 12-2002 |
Bruce, me too. In fact I may be getting one within the next week or so. It is going in for PPI tomorrow. Ron | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1269 Registered: 3-2002 |
Isn't this all kind of like "Why would you sleep with Liz Hurley when Pamela Anderson is available?" Oooh, bad example. She's got hepatitis. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 535 Registered: 10-2002 |
360 FOR IMPECCABLE BALANCE BETWEEN HUMANITY AND INSANITY | ||
| Glen C Winters (Wildwarrior)
New member Username: Wildwarrior Post Number: 27 Registered: 3-2003 |
It is like comparing my new M5 with my brothers M3 BMW.I love the 360 but own a 512 TR, my next F car will be a 6speed 360 spider to add to my toy collection,the 360 is as different from my 512 as the M5 is to the M3.The 360 is a blast to drive and has great lines.If I want pure speed and insane power I drive my 2oo MPH + race car on the track.Unless you have a death wish, at least where I live in PA I can occasionaly whined through 4th gear at 7100rpms at 140mph for a few seconds on the interstate before I need to slow for traffic, I have only been in 5th a few times.We all have our thing! Glen | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Advanced Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 2590 Registered: 4-2002 |
BEAUTIFUL CAR....BUT MY 1ST CHOICE WOULD BE A 512TR..............DONT LIKE THE F1 | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 217 Registered: 4-2003 |
Thanks ELI for the info. I'm not looking for one right now. I imagine early next year. | ||
| Matt (Matt_lamotte)
Member Username: Matt_lamotte Post Number: 504 Registered: 10-2002 |
I would like a 360 because....... ITS A FREAKING FERRARI 360 MODENA!!!!!!! | ||
| neal (95spiderneal)
Junior Member Username: 95spiderneal Post Number: 220 Registered: 3-2002 |
i think gallardo makes this question of 550 v 360 moot as it has hp, torque to compare with 550 and style to compare to 360 all with awd traction. exotics should look the part with a mid engine dictated short front, long back. the front engine 550 with long hood short rear deck is just too conventional profile. vette, viper, 350z, mitsu, supra, etal all have this look. 360, gallardo, muci only ones to have the unique look need in this segment | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 1208 Registered: 1-2002 |
Did you drive it w/ ASR on/off? Also, most mid-engined cars will tend to understeer at turn in, and show signs of mild on throttle oversteer on exit; it's a matter of where the weight is, and how it moves around under dynamic change in direction. Just think about where the mass is suspended in a 360? And, think about how that weight will shift... the front wheels will get light, by nature. BTW, where'd you drive this car? I'd say for a fair comparison, it'd have to be on a track... nowhere else could you really formualte a definite opinion on either car, overall. The street is far too limiting, and slow. Also, you've got a torque montster driving style; i.e., down low grunt in any gear, by my guess you weren't driving the 360 correctly (it's got 6 gears for a reason), and while you do have to keep the revs up v. a 550, I think after a couple hours of rowing through the gears you'd adjust. Honestly, there's really no point to comparing the cars head on, if only the object in doing so is to point out how different and incompatable they are for comparison. Styling is a subjective thing; you like blondes, I like brunettes, etc. | ||
| ELI (Titanium360)
Member Username: Titanium360 Post Number: 559 Registered: 4-2002 |
Dr. Ken, there is red 512M for sale at the Ferrari of Long Island last time i was there. | ||
| Kendall Kim (Kenny)
Member Username: Kenny Post Number: 441 Registered: 9-2001 |
I think LWR is spreading viscious Propaganda, so the inherent value of 360's will plummet in the near future, thus enabling him to afford one at a more reasonable cost.. -) | ||
| RICK ROMERO (Tr90)
Junior Member Username: Tr90 Post Number: 224 Registered: 4-2001 |
Dave, no hard feelings. | ||
| Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Member Username: Ronsupercar Post Number: 982 Registered: 5-2002 |
If the 550 is ugly, then give me an ugly car.. | ||
| RICK ROMERO (Tr90)
Junior Member Username: Tr90 Post Number: 223 Registered: 4-2001 |
Doc i apparently beat you to it! | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Intermediate Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 2472 Registered: 1-2002 |
Rick, those are my attempt to inject a little levity into what is nearly a religious war. That is why I added the to my post. Sorry if you missed that clue. Plus, I have a 550, and do not like what I think are its beautiful good looks demeaned!! Lighten up, man, please. Message boards are supposed to be fun. | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 214 Registered: 4-2003 |
Dave, I save you some trouble and gave myself one of these  Rick, Dave's just messing around It's all cool. | ||
| RICK ROMERO (Tr90)
Junior Member Username: Tr90 Post Number: 222 Registered: 4-2001 |
Dave, you sure can state your opinion but with a little class and not calling people ASSCLOWNS or profanity. | ||
| RICK ROMERO (Tr90)
Junior Member Username: Tr90 Post Number: 221 Registered: 4-2001 |
Dr. ken, watch out here comes the ASSCLOWN comments! | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Intermediate Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 2470 Registered: 1-2002 |
Rick, what is your problem? i can't state my opinion? class act rick! | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 213 Registered: 4-2003 |
The next Fcar on my list is a 512tr or 512M. I disagree that the 550 looks like a Toyota, it looks more like a MitsuBUSHI 3000GT (or whatever Dodge calls it)....Not that there is anything wrong with that. A 360 spider....now that's style! Just my opinion. | ||
| RICK ROMERO (Tr90)
Junior Member Username: Tr90 Post Number: 220 Registered: 4-2001 |
Dave, what is your problem? i can't state my opinion? class act dave! Mitch, if you think that 360 is ugly compared to 355 then that's fine. it is all personal taste. | ||
| JRV (Jrvall)
Intermediate Member Username: Jrvall Post Number: 2150 Registered: 11-2002 |
>>Why buy a 360 when you can get a 550 or a F512M that is faster? (ask Mark Moon, he has both) Why buy either when you can get a Porsche turbo or lambo or even an F40? << Yea I know, I just don't get it either. But as long as a 360 is under warranty and can be flipped for the next new one under warranty leaving Ferrari to hold the repair bag it's just a matter of taste. But once the electronics start breaking down, (which on Ferraris is only a matter of time { }), the repair problems will start to dull the shine of Bling Bling. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Intermediate Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 2467 Registered: 1-2002 |
For Rick Romero:     | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2308 Registered: 6-2001 |
LWR: The difference in lap times at Thunderhill between the 550 and the 360 was about 10 seconds, with the 360 with the advantage. The 360 is indeed faster over the road, but you have to work it, to get the extra power. My Audi works better than a 360 for driving on the freeway, but the mission is different. Your driving habits are probably different than someone who would want a 360, that's why some of us would want a 360 over a 550. Art | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 938 Registered: 4-2002 |
"simple, because 550 is ugly compared to a 360!" And so is the 360 compared to the F355! | ||
| Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Member Username: Iluv4res Post Number: 458 Registered: 8-2002 |
I want a 360!!! Just because!!!! | ||
| RICK ROMERO (Tr90)
Junior Member Username: Tr90 Post Number: 219 Registered: 4-2001 |
simple, because 550 is ugly compared to a 360! | ||
| will h (Willh)
Junior Member Username: Willh Post Number: 162 Registered: 3-2003 |
As others have said, the 360 offers a relatively nimble, darty. lighter weight feel that I prefer. I love the 550/575, but would own one for a different experience than I would own the 360. What I really want, I think, is a 512BBi, seems like it affords the sort of "visceral" experience I love. | ||
| Michael W. (Whimike)
New member Username: Whimike Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2003 |
LWR: Because your driving style is based on the 550, which has a 12-cylinder torque monster engine, you get much of your power at the low revs and you learn to drive it that way. with the 360 engine you learn all of the power is above 4500 RPM and if you want to be fast you always keep it up there. If you are at 3000 rpm in both cars and floor it, the 550 would eat the 360. However, keep the engines at 5000 rpm and floor it and see which comes out ahead. They both have a completely different driving style. As far as handling, I can't imagine the 550 is anywhere close to the 360. The 360 has less weight on its side and also the inherently better design of a mid-engine layout. It all comes down to personal preference. I had a '91 BMW M5 and this was the inline-6 BWM racing-derived engine. If somebody drove the car that didn't know what they were doing it was very slow, but if you knew to keep the RPM's above 5000 RPM it was very very fast. -- Michael | ||
| MarkPDX (Markpdx)
Junior Member Username: Markpdx Post Number: 191 Registered: 4-2003 |
There are a number of cars that are faster and have better handling but, in my opinion, the 360 is the best looking car on the market today. The 550 Barchetta looks good but otherwise the Maranello holds no particular appeal to me. The Modena is definitely the car to go Boulevard pimpin in. | ||
| Norman (Storminnormin)
Junior Member Username: Storminnormin Post Number: 211 Registered: 7-2002 |
Different strokes for different folks, LWR. I owned a 550 for one year, and although the power was eyeball suckingly incredible, I did not find it very exciting to drive. I found it to be a superb, comfortable, powerful Grand Touring car, but it wasn't very exciting. My favourite Ferrari liason person let me drive a 360 about 3 months ago. I drove it several times before deciding to trade. Coming out of a 550 and jumping into a 360, my immediate initial impression was that the relatively poor low end power of the 360 (compared to the 550) made it feel kind of anemic. Then I learned how to drive the 360 properly, and OH MY GOD THAT THING IS SO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE!!! The 360 is lighter, more nimble, better balanced. I used to think what you thought: Why would anyone buy a 360 when you can get a newer 550 with much more power for the same or less money? Now I know. I think if you spent a bit more time in the 360 you would come to appreciate its attributes. | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1662 Registered: 12-2002 |
Omar said it best, its just taste. I like both equally. | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
Junior Member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 144 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hmm, maybe this is why:  No offence meant to 550/575 owners, I love big Toyotas! | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 848 Registered: 9-2002 |
Why buy a 550 when you can get a F512M that is faster? (ask Mark Moon, he has both) Why buy either when you can get a Porsche turbo or lambo? Because of tastes. Some like the darty feel of the 360...some the brutal (but oh so amazing) ride of the F512M....some the feel of the 550..its taste! Personally, in a heart beat I would take a F512M over either the 550/75 or 360! Why do you want a power steering? A big roomy cabin? Who cares! I like 'living with it' as for me its part of the charm. WHen I want a relaxing ride, I'll take a Bimmer...when I want an experiance..i'll take a Ferrari. | ||
| LWR (Lwr)
New member Username: Lwr Post Number: 33 Registered: 12-2001 |
OK... so I put in a deliberately contraversial subject line... I had the opportunity to drive a 360 a few days ago... as a 550 owner, I was disappointed. Much less power and low/mid range grunt than a 550. In the 360, had to keep the revs over 4000 to keep it on power. Handling was not as neutral as the 550... I found it understeered, and had none of the 550's characteristic slight oversteer followed by a squatting of the rear end and abundance of rear end grip. I also thought the cabin in the 550 was much nicer. Not that the 360 was bad, just that I thought the 550 was much better. So... why would most people prefer a 360 to a 550 and why can I buy a much newer 550 for equivilent 360 money? |