f355 to F430 to change or not to change

I hev a rosso red 1995 F355 spyder in excellent running condition. The best looking roadster ever......BUT I'm so very tempted by the higher powered F430. Only thing is the looks of the F430 spyder don't even come close to the F355 spyder. The F430 coop looks Ok but I'm really interested in a spyder. Shud I just keep my 355 or take the plunge for the 430?

 

If your asking this question then you have an itch. Funny thing is that even if we persuade you to keep your 355, you will always have this bloody itch niggling at you.
I say go for the F430 and see how you get along with it. I do know of a few owners who have always gone back to the 355s because they don't get along with the 430. The 355 spider is a gem. I mean look at long time seasoned ferrari owner Markcollins. He has owned most the modern Ferraris and he has recently bought yet another 355 spider to sit along side his modern Ferrari. Very rarely do we hear about anyone going back to a 360. There's something special about the 355 spiders

 

yeah i jus hev this niggling itch....but after reading yr post I may just scratch it and keep the 355 spyder.

 

That's the thing... it's not just that prices are down, but cars are not selling well. So you are not going to get a big financial boost unloading the 355. In fact, I bet the 355 is worth about the difference between a 430 coupe and 430 spider. So just get a 430 coupe and keep the 355 - best of both worlds.

 

Sorry I meant that I literally hev to scratch my ass and keep the 355. I already hev a 550 maranello and a third Ferrari will result in my missuss leaving me. Although dat might actually be a good thing

 

The 355 is an enigma that should not be questioned. You have a 1995 which is arguably the best of the bunch due to its OBDI 2.7 Motronic. IMO keep it and upgrade it for more HP .

 

Interesting post.

+355

Long live the 355!!!!

I think its time to revive an old friend....

 

Since I also have a '95 and am also having the itch.. I'll give my .02 cents.

If I could swing it I'd go with a 430. But I'm one of those guys that drives my car as a DD (when not at work) and the 355 is killing me with maint. I think a newer car (430) that only needs fluids is a big plus... Now if there is any way I can move up and keep the 355 then she'll be here for quite some time..

 

Have you driven a 430 yet? If you haven't, I would suggest you drive your 355 to the dealer and immediately drive a 430 conv and judge from there. Nothing wrong with checking one out.

 

Just drove my cousin's 430 coop. He lives down the road and is one of the main causes of my itch. The power of the 430 is awesome..it goes like a rocket...handling is out of this world ..the changes via paddle shift is fast...the car is comfortable, easy to drive, the aircond actually works BUT the looks are not my cup of tea..the exhaust sound is embarassing .....the drive is somehow not as involving as the 355.
The 355 spyder looks sexy, it's sounds sexy (racing pipes with capristo exhaust )..but it's nowhere near the performance of the 430...its handling is also not as good..occassionally it's downright frightening...it's also hot as hell, the aircond is a joke...the gear change is notchy and the radio is absolutely useless but after a drive in the 355 I hev this big grin on my face and a song in my heart...the car just involves you in the drive. BTW How do I up the power? ECU upgrade?

 

About power increase, take a look at this thread http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272120&highlight=toda

 

If I was in your postion I would by far keep the F355 and then buy a Porshe Gt3 or rs for the price of the 430. I've driven to my two local dealerships just to drool over the F355. The 430's are very nice and very fast but not as sexy as say a 360 CS, now that is the last sexy car Ferrari has produce but lacks the stick if you were talking about that well. I could not help you. LOL