355 Spyder or 360 Coupe

I believe the 360 is indesputably more reliable and cheaper to maintain... but that's only from people I've TALKED to. No owner knowledge here.

 

360 is sexier in my eyes, and i personally know of 2 people that daily drive them and haven't had problems. but both are amazing machines.

 

I have a 355 spider and would not trade for a 360 coupe. You have to decide if you want a pop top or not. I have had mine for six years with very little trouble other than the normal headers, top etc. I would like a 430 spider though.

 

I drive my 2001 360 three to four times a week since I bought it new. Great car with mininmal maintenance needs. Plenty of space to carry stuff if you need it.

Highly suggest you check out the 355 and 360 sections in this site. A great deal of information to be had if you spend some quality time there.

Finally, drive both cars. That's the final decider to which one you'll eventually choose.

Good luck.

 

355 hands down for looks, the 360 can't compare. Maintenance is another issue, the 355 can't compare to the cheaper 360 maintenence.

 

I prefer the classic, rounded shape of the 360 over the wedgy 355. So there!

 

I've only owned the 355, so I can't speak as to the reliability of the 360, but a friend of mine has one and based on his comments they're virtually the same so far as general reliability. The only major service item I ever had on a 355 was with my first, in which the motor for the top barfed. That was not a cheap, nor a fun repair.

... which is why I'd recommend a Bert or GTS over the Spyder, unless you absolutely positively must have a convertible.

So far as looks go, I do prefer the 355. The side scoops alone still make me giggle like a 10 year old. That's not to say the 360 doesn't have its own charm.

Based on your budget, I'd say you could either get a really nice low mile 355, or an average 360. Hence, 355 would get my vote, unless you want the F1 gearbox for some strange reason, in which case it's far better in the 360.

 

Do you want a convertible or a hardtop car?

Most people I know have a definite preference and then go look for a car based on that. Search your feelings, Luke...

8K miles annually in a Ferrari will depreciate it quickly, BTW, if that's a concern.

 

Just buy one with "higher" mileage (like 20k). The big depreciation hit already be taken for you.

 

360 for looks

 

I drive a 95 spider and its an amazing looking car but the 360 is hands down cheaper to maintain. No engine$$$ removal required for a belt change on the 360.
I also prefer the sound (as do many) of the 355, and in a spider with the top down, taking it through a tunnel with 8500 RPM redline runs the sound is intoxicating!
Bottom line is if maintenance is the number 1 priority get a 360.

 

If you could get a 360 Spider for the same $, would you do it??? ... I'll bet you... look at the Euro's.... beautiful...

 

I have a 360 and driven a 355 many times---there is NNNOOOO comparison---buy a 360 today!!!

 

I have a 360 and have driven a 355 many times---there is NNNOOO comparison--buy the 360 today!!!

 

Looks aside the 355 has a different weight bias with the rear mounted radiators race car style which enables easy throttle steering through corners with great precision

 

I had the same choice for my first Ferarri....360 coupe or 355 Spider....went with the Spider and no regrets! I got a well sorted, recent major, low mile 355 and saved $$$ over what would have been a less than premier 360 in the low $100's.
Money aside, the big decision maker was "When am I going to drive it?" If you want a daily driver, go with the more modern 360. If you want a nice weather, top down, car for "joy rides", hard to beat a Spider!!! And the 360 Spiders are still pretty expensive, and IMHO not as good looking as the coupe. The 355 looks good even with the top up!
Also, I wanted my first Ferrari to "look like a Ferrari"...that is classic looks, flip up headlights, classic shape and great sound. Hard to beat the 355 for those.