i have narrowed my choices to 348 spider 355 spider 360 modena How many think the $50k spread between the 348 and 355 is justified and why? Dave
There is no $50k spread. $20-30K spread max. With the 355, you get round tail lights, no cheese graters on the sides, and about 50 more horses. But the car has at least as many "issues" to sort out as the 348, and they are often much more expensive. With the 360, you get lots more horses, but it's all packaged in the shape of a jelly bean. Pick your poison.
The $30k by going the F355 route instead of 348 is well worth it because you are able to make a post without Chaa making fun of you! Just kidding, they are both great cars and have two different appeals while very similair, my personal preference is the F355, but I recommend you try to do more research on each model and get seat time in both and see which car you prefer and if the price difference is justified.
True, and with the 355 you get a pocket for your work tools (scissors and a hair dryer) on the 'Chaa' edition. BT
Ive rulled out the 360 today after driving one again. I like the 348 for the money... ok Go ahead you 355 guys..let me have it
All 3 are great cars, but best for different audiences. Do you like to do your own repair/maintenance, or are you a checkbook mechanic? It's OK either way, but your preferences/skills should play into your decision. For looks, you are going from a chiseled wedge in the 348 to a more rounded 355 to a very curvy 360. Do you like hard lines or soft lines? Again, your preferences should play into your decision. Do you like power steering and automatic transmissions? Neither is even remotely an option on the 348. Do you want a car full of conveniences (e.g. power seats, power shocks, air bags, power top)? Do you place a high priority on lower entry price or lower maintenance costs (either, both)? Have you driven all 3? Pick the car that's right for your preferences and you won't be nearly as likely to go wrong.
Yes, i have driven all 3. I dont like the F1's at all.. i especially dont like the F1 in a 355. Im not willing to take the depeciation in the 360..maybe when they hit about 80..id do it. I almost pulled the trigger on a 99 360 modena today for $115k..but just decided against it not even an hour ago after running lease vs purchase senarios.Im not to keen on the front end of the 360. I like the 348 because of the lack of electronics and power steering. I do like the cheese grater better than the scoop. From my research, driving the car , and some feedback here, it makes sense to me. Im not sure its worth the extra 30k to me for 50 extra HP. No, on this car I would not be doing any maintenace. As far as lower entry or maintenace..doesnt really matter to me. Whatever I save..Ill end up spending on getting the car up to speed, and then starting a track car p-car) project Ive been wanting to do . I think i just talked myself into the 348!
You should have first decided open car vs. coupe, but since you ruled out the 360, I guess that's that.
Here is Aus there is around AU$50K+ to get a 355 from 348. And it has around 80 more HP doesnt it? 348-300HP, 355-380HP. The choice is easy.........348 for me please sir.
I have a 94 spider a friend has a 96 335 spider . I am trying to figure out if he is missing the extra HP since he can not pull away from me . I almost took the 355 plunge after buying my 348 I thought the power options etc would be nice then numerous people talked me out of it and I have no regrets at all I just love the car for the $ a 348 can not be beat bottom line .
It's kind of hard to beat your logic. Personally, I think u were a 348 guy all along and just didn't know it. If u really liked the 355, u would have just got one, our posts be damned. As for the 360, well, I'm not sure there's any logic to support buying one of those yet. When they get "cheap" I might consider one for a Novitech upgrade. Heh, I'm such a kidder. Back to reality.
Its not 50hp its 80 hp difference with a 355 plus they are 260lbs lighter than a 348 and have a much stiffer chassis as well, the 6 speed is also a big difference and it has a oil cooler in the trans for track driving. With a 355 most people assume its a new Ferrari as well, its doesn't have the 80s cheese graters. That said judging by your posts concerning $$$ you should get a 348.
If you like the looks of the 348, I think it's something of a bargain right now if you find a good one and really keep on top of maintaining that single timing belt, electronics, etc. IMO, the automotive world needs more cheese graters. Cars now are dull. The 355 Spider has that complex power top/seat choreography mechanism plus the usual 355 issues. That kind of put me off the car when I was looking. However, it is probably the oldest modern Ferrari V8 that is still fast (or at least quick) by modern sports car standards. I would also be a bit gun shy about going for a 360, because the depreciation will probably far outweight the maintenance costs of a 348 or 355. The car is a bit rounded and big for my tastes, but it sounds like you've already made up your mind anyway.
Great decision on the 348 choice. Although I may own a 355 and 360 in the near future (because I deal in cars). I too was scared off from the 355 and the extra expenses. I think the 360 is a great car along with a great design but I too will wait until they depreciate down in price. I have to say that I feel fortunate to have found a great 348 with no issues. Owned the car for over 4 months and have not experienced any problems. I have added a few touches like; fender shields, and chromed the Cavillino horse just to updated it a bit. Looking to pull the trigger on aftermarket wheels and an exhaust system. By the way the car is for sale (remember I am a dealer) - Here is a photo. Good luck in your search. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Black/tan does look sexy!! Regarding the 2x348's......... (McBain tone of voice-) Chris!!! Stop talking CRAZY!!
