360 way better than 430

430=Chains 360=Belts

So the 430 is cheaper in maintenance if your even thinking about that part of ownership.

I love my 04 360

Timeless beauty

 

I don't know if I would call 83 HP just a little more power.

I do agree that the 360 is a fabulous car for the money.

 

yes, it's just you.

 

I think the engine (significantly more power and torque) + the updated interior parts are the features that mostly make the 430 better than the 360.
The looks... well, its for the buyer to decide which they prefer. 430 is more "modern", edgy and 360 is a classic more rounded design.

Here, where price difference between the two models is about 100K$, it does not make the decision very hard between the two

I am quite content with my 360 Spider as well with a small minor updates (430 daytona seats, 430 wheels, 430 air outlets in the cabin etc.)
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~ The 360 is about 1kUSD per year in additional maintenance (belts every 3 yrs)
~ The 360 has more 'reserved' and 'classic' looks (opinion)
~ The 360 is more easily had in a 3-pedal car
~ The 360 has less initial investment

~ The 430 likely has significantly more depreciation ahead when compared to the 360
~ The 430 has more HP (don't dismiss this one - the 360 needed more!)

For me... a 360 (8cyl) & TR (12 cyl) far exceeds the value of 'just' a 430

Rgds,
Vincenzo

 

All good points, and you are right to be content with your 360, they are fabulous. The OP however, stated that the 360 is better in EVERY way, which is untrue. The obvious chasm in horsepower aside, a 430 handles better, has e-diff, vastly improved electrical architecture, stops better, the f1 swaps gears better....Etc etc...

 

Yes, true 100%. 430 is technically superior.

My 360 is a 3-pedal, so the F1 was not one of my concerns

 

430 has updated interior and i suspect is more friendly to drive. My 360 is quite a nervous car, gives the feeling it has 100 hp more. That makes the car very enjoyable to drive.
Maintenance cost, i wouldnt considered it higher cause of the belts. These need replacement every 3 years, that means 500-600$ a year. The overall yearly running cost of a 360 for 4.000 miles is about 8-10K $. So i guess spending 600$ a year for belts is not significant. I would consider more the clutch replacement which costs 3-4K $ and it can be done every second year if you dont be carefull

 

Great first post!
Looks between all Ferrari's are of course subjective, 360, 430, 458 - all will have their followers.
Performance differences are less subjective, without doubt the performance of the 430 is measurably better than the 360, just like the 458 is faster than the 430. The F1 in the 430 is integrated much more with the car/Ediff and the gear change is faster, Carbon brakes were option/standard depending on year. Interior quality was also improved. As to how important any of the changes are, well that is down to the driver, the roads and what is important. On road we can't use anything like the potential of the cars so then it probably comes down to on road enjoyment, budget etc.
I found my 430 coupe was too soft for my taste, now I find the 16M is perfect. I don't drive any faster but it fits my preferences better.
Enjoy the Ferrari ride!

 

Before you make the plunge, test drive a Challenge Stradale as well. If you prefer the 360 over the 430 the CS will blow your mind!

 

Yes, as others have said, an interesting first post.

If the 360 you drove felt way better in handling it may be because the suspension components are all fresh, the tyres were better, the alignment set up more agressively etc. There are a number of wearing components in the suspension and your 360 may have been recently refreshed and the 430 might be in need of a refresh. Perhaps the 360 had an after market exhaust versus an OEM on the 430 - audio perception can be significant when you're trying out these cars.

For sure the 430 represented a significant advance in power and if I were trying to use either as a daily driving car I think I would be trying hard to get into a 430 as the extra torque makes them a considerably more acceptable car for pottering around in.

Personally, I feel the 360 represents better money-value but you are buying into an older car with higher maintenance costs (even leaving the belts -v- chains issue aside) and some people don't want the maintenance headache and would rather write the cheque and enjoy the car.

Each to their own, they're both great cars.

 

I belive everyone may prefer one over the other. In my personal opinion, F430 is a huge improvement towards 360 modena. I owned 360 modena for 2 years before I bought my F430 and I have to say, I never ever felt in love with my Modena. I always thought there was something missing.
This never happened in the last 7 years, when I first bought my F430 back in 2005, I immediately loved it. A huge improvment over my Modena, and I had the same impression when I recently drove a 458...but I still prefer my F430 especially the look.

Some people still think the last great Ferrari was 355, in my opinion the greatest was F430 among the latest produced, especially the Scuderia that gives you that amazing "kick in the back" when you change gear at high revs, that you do not get in the 458.

 

Better in every way? No. You pay for the technology that makes the 430 a better car. The eDiff, "better interior" (I'm not a fan of CF in the cabin.. and find the 430 interior a bit more "glitzy"), etc. is it $70k better. IMHO no.

With technology comes a cost. The chains may mean that there is less cost with belt replacement.. BUT the eDiff with it's pump may prove to be expensive. Not enough time and miles to tell if true. I can leave my 360 off a maintainer for a couple of weeks and she starts right up. 430's come from the factory with a maintainer. Courtesy device or electronics drain?

Otherwise, 430 is faster, has more lower end torque, and has design improvements that weren't available with the 360. Looks are subjective and I prefer the 360s classic styling.

BTW I do like the 430 seats.. now I know what to upgrade in the future!

 

I suspect that the kick in back missing in 458 is due to smooth and high sophisticated dual clutch tranny, nothing to do with performance

 

prettier... maybe. Better? hell no

 

INDEED.

 

+1; true its the dual clutch, but I WANT THE KICK! I think I read they reprogrammed the newer 458 trannies to give more of a kick in Race mode or something. I would love to feel the Aventator kick.

I have given up my 6 speed, dont make me give up the kick in the back from the F1 changing the gears.

+1

Is the 360 a better value? I would say yes, and had I bought a 360 I am sure I would be happy with it and would have an additional 80K invested and working for me to make money to buy other things I dont need.

I will likely die with money so why not buy what one wants as opposed to the best value.

 

I have to disagree with the OP in everything he said.... The 430 has better styling more power more torque thd interior does not feel dated... Maintence is less... Most modern Ferrari with the 6 speed option... I think this post is cpleatly subjective and of course based somewhat on price and what someone can afford... So long as you are happy with your purchase is all that matters... I am very pleasedwith my 430 6 speed with CCB and challenge wheals truly a drivers car however if I was going to make a move rite bowi would get a Scud which I might do if one comes my way just how I like it.

 

Slowly upgrading?

 

Having owned quite a few Ferraris over the years as well as Porsches. I've driven both the 360 and 430 street versions and race a 360 Challenge. The 430 is a superior vehicle in terms of technology, power, and handling. It's IMHO the difference is much greater than let's say the Porsche 996 and 997, more like comparing a 996 and the new 991. Looks are a personal matter and if you just want to own a beautiful Ferrari for Sunday cruises the 360 is fine. But you will always want a 430.

 

Kind of, yes

 

After owning the most gorgeous 360 Modena F1 on the planet for 2 years and loving every minute of it, I did feel suicidal after driving a F430! The F430 is superior in every way! I must have one!!!

J

 

Yep, the OP isn't even an owner, hadn't said he's driven either, and is going by "a friend told me", and is blown away by the "price difference", hence his ill-informed comment.

ROFL

 

LOL! Easy there KJ. We should trade one day.

This is a funny topic...it's like splitting hairs between what bottle of 30yr Scotch or wine is better. We are talking about Ferraris after all...whichever one you own is a dream come true!!!