360 way better than 430

Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself that the 360 is better than the 430, but it seems that deep down you really want the 430.
As many have said the 360 represents what is probably the best value in the exotic market right now. It's a great car, has plenty of power for most, and it's beauty is timeless. I bought a 2003 spider for those reasons. For me the difference between 360 and 430 was closer to 45K and I did not feel it was worth it. I am VERY happy with my 360, but if the 430 is what you REALLY want and if it is within your budget, then buy what will please you.

 

They are both great cars. " johnminor308" next he will be telling us that the 308 is better than the 430

 

+1. you cant feel 83 extra hp?

 

It sounds to me like the OP is comparing all of these tech advancements against the notion of the price gap and then concluding that the value isnt there. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and they enjoy the lines (err curves) of the 360, then the upgrades are a lot of money for what they offer.

If the horse power isthe single reason for moving up (which seems to show in this thread), it can be largely gained in modifications for under $10,000.00. This still leaves a rather large gap in pricing between the two cars.

 

I actually like Johns post, it shows a new Ferraristi just like we all were when we were first looking for our first Ferrari and didn't really-really know each model as inside out as we do today. Sometimes a beginner has a more neutral view...
I own a 2002 360 Coupe, a gorgeous car, as far as I'm concerned the best value Ferrari out there right now. Personally I am not confused that the 430 is a better car (looks aside of course, that's subjective and I personally prefer the clean looks of the 360). The 430 is superior in every category, as it damn well should be being a newer and later technology car. However IMHO John nailed the main issue-is it $70'000 better? Honestly...I don't know.
I owned a 355 and to upgrade to a 360 was 20K. Different Galaxy of cars but personally having driven the 430 many times and truly been amazed I still wouldn't think for a second to drop 70K to upgrade and I could afford it. Both are Ferraris and both are a dream caome true-we have issues here that most people would dream to have
John, as you progress on your Ferrari journey you'll see that Ferrari models are not as clear cut in differences as Porsches and other cars. Ferrari models are all intermingled in each other an so is their soul. I like your passion and whichever car you get you will love every minute of it.

 

The problem that I have is the suspension geometry is basically the same between the 360 and 430. Both are fundamentally "nervous" especially at the limit. Electronic tweaks and nannies can only go so far... it took the 458 to create a car that handles at the limit commensurate with a Porsche...

 

In October, 2011 I bought a 2006 manual-trans. F430 Spider. Subjectively, I like the somewhat edgier appearance of the F430. It also has several firsts and "lasts": it is the first non-12 Ferrari with a manettino and steering-wheel start button, the first with a squared-off steering wheel, the first non-12 since the Dino with chain-driven cams, the last non-12 Ferrari with a stick shift, the last mid-engine Spider (so far) with an engine-lid window, and probably the last soft-top convertible. I couldn't be happier with my purchase! Fred

 

The 360 has a more integrated exterior design IMO. However I could not live with the 360 headligts and interior design no matter how inexpensive the car is. Also I did not want a car that was 10 years old already. Buy what makes you happy and fits into your budget.

 

let me rephrase "better in every way... hell no". I'd like to get one, in spider manual actually.

 

werent you in another thread complaining about how terrible the performance of a 430 was?? hmmm...

 

For me, it's price. I can afford a 360 in cash. I cannot do so for a 430. So, 'nuff said.

If I had the extra cash to throw at a 430, I just might do it though because of its technological improvements (still, the 360 is a SUPER car).

It's not like I'm sad about it. The 360 will be amazing. A 430 would also be amazing, but for me, it would also be hard to justify about $50k difference.

I think I'm going to stair-step this one. Enter the game with a 360, which will depreciate relatively little for now. Then, after 3-4 years when the 430 is more within reach, I'll trade up and pay the difference in cash. Right now, I'm looking at Red/Tan 360 Spider F1 cars in the $80's. Equivalent 2006 430's are in the $130's. That's a big jump for me.

For me, the 360 is the gateway drug.

 

Honestly I think we can all agree that no Ferrari is a "good value"...when new, a $150-180K 360 was absurdly expensive in my opinion. As my first Ferrari, I love the 360. The sounds, the feel, the weight, etc...but look under the hood a bit and it's just a car and in some ways a very poorly executed car. Sort of the emperor has no clothes analogy. That little black horse takes you a long way but only so far before you need to be rational and admit there are flaws in every model.

Now the analysis once we enter the world of relative Ferrari "value" was simple for me. At $85-90K for a 360 vs. $130K for a 430...I could do 3 belt services before I got close to the price differential. I took that extra cash and dropped a sick header-back exhaust system, ECU tuning, and spruced up a few things the 360 needed and I've never looked back. The car is more than I could have ever dreamed of!

 

I was looking at 360s as my initial Ferrari and I still prefer the exterior lines vs the 430 but it stops there. Everything else on the 430 is more modern and superior especially the interior. I could compromise the performance difference but the 430 interior is far superior.

I bought a 430 spider 3 years ago.

 

There is some satifsaction too as well of taking the net between the price of a 360 and 430 and using it to "tastefully" customize the car to your liking.

Yes, getting the car the way you like it this way is death by a thousand cuts, but them some of us like pain.

Earlier this fall, I bought an almost perfect 04 360 spider. But now I find myself looking at 430 Challenge wheels and wider low profile rubber. But then again, I expected that I would do that.

Now if I could only find a tiny backup camera I could hide behind the Challenge grill and would not die from heat, which would relay a picture to my iPhone real time.....

 

I considered that option as well and it influenced my purchase. I factored in increased maintenance, new wheels and tires, CF and exhause upgrades for the 360. It made more sense to me in all regards to go with the newer car. I didn't need to change anything with the 430.

 

I think the f1 paddleshift is so much better in the 430 then the 360. would go for the 430 everyday

 

The problem is the original comparison: "$70k difference" is dumb.

First of all, why don't we compare something that is closer...

2004 360 - $100k ?
2005 450 - $110-120k

$10-20k for something newer...

I agree with you though on comparing $ with Ferraris. Is a Stradale $70k better than a 360??

 

458 DCT is smoother, performance is similar to Scud unless non sequential changes are requested and then it is slower. For sure 458 it is a superior auto box if that is important.

 

Excellently said ! I can mirror all your statements....very logical and responsible approach.
My thoughts exactly with a minor twist, I did not want to sell my Viper GTS at this point to bump into a bottom priced F 430 .... And keep a stick car- yes you can find a stick 430 -
but this way I still have a Viper that has a spot in my heart and I give the F1 a shot.....

 

You nailed it.

 

Just as a side note...

I spent considerable time in a 430 (F1) when I was looking at Ferrari's & i adored the car. I more than liked the interior, and I am actually attracted to the exposed taillights.

Nevertheless I bought a Stradale.

Since then I have spent much more time in a 430 (three pedal) and I can attest that while the car is fantastic, the power & the drive feel very close to what I have parked in my garage with the Stradale. They are both magnificent cars, and to be completely honest the F430 has many things that out-do the 360. If there were no such animal called the Challenge Stradale I assume I would indeed be in a F430 though.

But its not about age or anything like that (someone above posted that the F430 is newer after-all... But is that a good thing? Give me a nineties F40, or a eighties 288, or Seventies Daytona, sixties Dino... 360 too old? Are you joking?). Its about being pleased with your purchase. And both cars are very pleasurable.

 

You see the problem is that there's not really a difference between a 2004 and 2002 360. In 2002 all the issues were fixed and the TCU was upgraded so you can get that car for 75K. Buying a 2004 360 wouldn't make much sense. The first 2 years of 430 also had some issues so buying from 2007 on is best from what I understand and that puts you in the 140ish range. If the only 2 choices were 2004 360 and 2005 430 then yes, 430 definitely for 10k more.

 

dumb isnt a nice word - whats a 450?

 

i've never driven a 430 but i have to imagine it's a better car. it has a lot more power. no question the 360 wins in the looks department. i think it's one of the most beautiful ferrari's ever made.

in terms of value the 360 is beyond incredible.

 

It's not $10-20k for something newer. It's much much more than that.

$100k for a 2004? No. Please compare cars that sell and not asking prices. Mine (99')is currently on the market for $220k dollars.