Looking to buy.... Choose late model Berlinetta or older 360?

WTH is a berlinetta? Or than a small coupe?

 

I think he means 355 berlinetta.

 

scott. check out the individual model specific threads to help you. good luck

 

Unless you're smitten by the 355's looks, get a 360 with a six speed manual box. More performance, less grief, smaller bills.

Of course whatever you buy, buy the best one you can find and get it properly inspected before writing the check. All of these cars have known weak spots.

 

I personally feel that the 360 has a much more modern look, great performance, and no engine out maintenance issues.

 

The 355 was a great car - a giant leap forward for Ferrari. The 360 just upped the ante even farther by addressing some of the 355's problems (like the need to take the engine out of a 355 to do the belt service).

The 355 was very pretty - the 360 beautiful.

Both are nice cars - neither would be a bad choice.

I chose a 360, mostly based on looks.

 

Unlucky you, you get to choose between a 355 or 360

Although both VERY nice models, go for the 360

 

I had several maintenance issues with the 355. And there are some design problems with the car. The paint wears off in the rear of the wheel wells. Manifold headers have to be replaced.

The 360 has a much better turn in, more torque and more fun to drive. It is also bigger which gives some storage behind the seats for trips. My 360 has been relatively maintenance free. More fun to drive and more fun to own IMVHO.

I like the 355. I love the 360.

 

I agree with the 360 being easier to work on, but strongly disagree about it looking better then the 355. The scream of a 355 with a good exhaust will make you forget about a 360 in 2 minutes. I've bought and sold 4 360s and hung on to my 97 355B during the whole time.

 

Welcome Scott!

 

I think you're right...

But if the OP likes the looks of the 360, that's the major stumbling block removed, IMHO. You either warm up to the 'amoeba' look or not.

 

You really need to drive both cars with and without F1 transmission to determine which is the right car for you. I have had friends with 308s, 328s, 348s, 355s, 360s and 430s all get hit with 5 figure repair bills and others that have done nothing more than change the oil. I have friends that swear by the F1 transmissions and those that loath them. The only person's opinion that should really matter is your own, either of these cars can be a dream or a nightmare, you need to buy the one you love after you have tried them both with and without the F1 transmission. They are both amazing machines for different reasons, I wish you the best of l luck in your decision and a future of great enjoyment with which one you choose.

 

LOL...Jon, I always love your inputs. I would say if you don't care either way, get a 360, but the 355 has the best exhaust note of any Ferrari perhaps ever made and looks pretty good.

MB

 

F355 Berlinetta all the way!
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

if you'll go for the F1 transmission i think 360 will be a better choice because of the newer software.
355 is the first production model with the F1 transmission.

both of the cars have great looks

good luck!