Proof the 360 is better looking than the F355

Obviously you can’t “prove” a subjective opinion, but I’m going to try. Much of this long dissertation is taken from the book “Ferrari 360 spider” Automobilia 2000.

One of the objectives in designing the 360 `was to reduce weight while increasing the size of the body. Ferrari design is a balance of innovation and clear references to the established image of the marquee. The new car should be recognized as the most advanced Ferrari without flaunting. Innovation is essential to keep the brand from becoming a stereotype without room for evolution. To obtain a radically new car with advanced aerodynamics and light weight, some styling features that were considered at the time to be indispensable to a Ferrari, like the nose (egg crate grill), were sacrificed. After a series of cars in which the side panels sported large air intakes (348, Testerossa, f355), the 360 shows smooth simple surfaces. Small intakes are located down low and up high, reminiscent of the 1965 250 LM.

The lower section of the back repeats the front end motif (two trapezoidal air outlets) and this homogeneous treatment constitutes the strongest features of the car and link front and rear views. With radiators in the front, there is no need for large cutouts in the side panels, no arrowhead plan contour with maximum width at rear wheels as on the Testarossa and f355. This also allows for unorthodox nose design, which is slightly pointed.

The front end of the 360 is an example of a clean break with tradition perfectly motivated by underlying technical features. With the radiators in the dead spaces in front of the wheelhouses to preserve more trunk space and permit optimal division of air flow, the short nose and change in proportions pushes the rear wheels back and gives a cab- forward look which disguises the extra length and width of the car.

To me, the styling feature which puts the car on top are the elegant hip located air intakes which practically define Pininfarina design.(Seeing them in the side mirrors is almost hypnotic and I’m sure has led to accidents.) Their history goes back to the earliest rear engined Ferraris, the 1961 246sp and 156 F1 open wheeler. Many others followed---- the 250p, 330p, the 1968 Dino gt&246 gts, 308 gtb, 328 gtb, 288 gto etc. They all had hip located air intakes and were among the most beautiful cars ever designed. The Mondial 8, Testarossa, and 348 all used side slatted intakes and in my opinion didn’t hold up as well over the years.

In the 360 modena, the flush rear window gives a clear view of the engine and contributes to the allure and uniqueness of the car. With the top removed the spider needed volumes on top of the rear fenders to add balance and improve the car’s shape. The two spine fins along with the roll bars restored the overall equilibrium and symmetry while acting as a styling link between the central area of the car and the engine cover. To me they also give a racing image to the car (not that it needs it). The glass engine cover has been described as “outrageous visual drama”. Amen to that.

Even though I own a 360 you can see I am completely impartial in my views and I tried not to disparage the F355 which was a great improvement over some previous models.

 

Somebody get this man a cookie!

 

I do not concur.

 

Neither looks that great to me...the 328 was the last good looking mid-engine Ferrari IMHO...

 

I agree the asthetic analysis well defined write up thanks.

 

both cars are awsome. judged in their own venues. compairisons will always be the endless loop.

 

still i think F355 looks better than 360

 

Or perhaps the Boxer?

 

This thread is a little silly, is Jessica Alba hotter than Jessica Biel ???

I think so but many think Biel is hotter..................who cares they are both beautiful, why does a 360 have to be better looking than a 355?

"beauty is in the eye of the beholder".

 

I think BOTH look great, but I enjoy (and need, at 6'7") the roomier interior of the 360. I currently drive a 328 (yes, I barely fit) and have driven both a 360 and F355. I plan on owning both within three years.

BTW, I vote 360 for looks

 

Oh brother.............

 

i lust more after the stradale but the 355 looks better.

 

Now thats saying something considering your cars

 

I concur with your noncurrence.

+1.

Great engineering -- the excerpt says they dispensed with some quintessential Ferrari styling cues in the name of aerodynamics -- and no doubt they saved trunk space by moving the radiators. But it can look a bit cross-eyed at first glance.

Regarding intakes on the flanks, the Dino 246 is prettier, with the 308/328 not far behind.

Obviously all IMO, etc. A Ferrari is a Ferrari and the 360 is a great car.
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+1

Agreed

Most of those 360 design changes were "functional" changes. I do agree that the "hip vents" look great! The lower side vents go nowhere and don't serve a purpose from what I have seen.

Here is a quote from another post I made :

It is no secret nor surprise that the 355 is incontrovertibly the greatest V8 Ferarri of our time! Its contemporary design roots began from the definitive 308/328 onto the legendary 288 GTO!!! Since the 355's design could not be improved upon by pininfarina. It is quite customary for a design firm to archetype from prior designs, in this case the dino which was the inspiration from which 360/430 designs were harvested. Therefore making the 355 in actuality, the evolutionary "zenith" from that aformentioned lineage of excellence!!

 

Also, while I'm sure it's a good read, you might expect a favorable design review from a book of that title published that year.

I was wandering a bookstore not look ago, and always end up straying into the automobiles/transportation section. There was a nice looking book on the Porsche Boxster (986 version) and - shock - the author thought that was the epitome of sports car design. I kind of shook my head, shelved the book and moved on.

I think JLP's right: if it looks the best to you, be happy.

 

bullfighter, I am happy. I just want everyone else to agree with me. Is that asking too much? Jim

 

We need another poll to resolve this issue. J/K

+1 360 looks better..

 

There was a poll not too long ago. 355 won hands down.




Darrell.

 

I (still) love the window over the 360 engine.

 

That is a fantastic feature. I still remember the first time I had seen a Konniseg(sp?) Testa with the clear lid. Nothing like looking in and seeing those turbos and intercoolers. Just beautiful.



Darrell.

 

360 has the grace of a pitbull. Sleek it ain't. You want sleek, the last Ferrari that fit that bill was the 355. 308/288 prettier still.

Also, the 360 is a (relatively) mass produced car. Certainly NOTHING like any car ever made when Enzo ran his company.

You want a prettier Ferrari? Go buy the new Alfa 8C or Maserati Gran Tourismo.

 

Lol.

 

I think the 360 is prettier but the F355 looks more like a Ferrari