430 What do u prefer: coupe or spider?

Looks wise i prefer the Coupe, yet we own a Spider as we dont track it much, and this way i can hear the engine even better than in a coupe...

Having said that, if i were in the search again i would probably not buy a spider again, but probably just go for the coupe. As fun as the spider is with the roof open, im always worried the roof is going to fail at some point costing alot of money

 

The coupe is so sexy and so much more rare.

 

I chose the Spider for several reasons:

1. It looks far better to me.
2. Open top driving is the best.
3. The air conditioning in these cars is terrible.

I've driven my 360 Spider over 135 MPH with the top down and it was perfect. No wind, no excessive noise, a pure experience. While the Coupe is a beautiful car, it is cramped and oppressive on any day over 80F.

 

I lean more towards the coupe for overall appearance..its hard to beat those classic lines today and most likely in the future.
The spider has its place for sure, I find it more appealing top down not up...looks something is missing...Just my humble opinion.

 

Spider. I love the open top driving.
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Personally I'd go for coupe, esthetically looks better. If you live in a hot climate, you may not be driving with the top down as much. The ac in my coupe is fantastic, no problems in 100 degree weather.

More importantly I'd look for a car that has been taken care of and serviced regularly, in combination with the options you are looking for. Later years come standard with ccb's which look far better than the steel brakes.

 

On many cars the convertible option looks worse imo however I've always felt that the 360/430 wasn't one of them. They both have amazing lines. I initially wanted a spider, but am happy with my coupe. In hindsight I'm happy with my decision as the spider looks a little more difficult to work on and I don't have to deal with some of the issues the tops can have.

 

Full disclosure there is an obvious reason for there being a convertible variation and in no way am I criticizing those who do prefer them.

I personally avoided spiders for a few reasons: (1) The lines are more clean on the coupe, (2) I find that the convertible top procedure is extremely over-complicated and, having now seen the amount of posts about them, they just seem prone to failure, and (3) the ultimate reason is I don't enjoy driving a convertible with the top down.

My wife and I were once in Hawaii and decided to be "those people" and rented a convertible Mustang (gross by the way) and driving with the top down was miserable with the heat and sun. Coupled with my bald head, I don't want sun burns and I don't like hats. I get more than enough engine noise with the full exhaust and windows down

 

Living in Florida-- right there with you on that.

 

The AC actually works really well in the coupe if your system is up to snuff. I had mine recharged a couple months ago and I am amazed. I think it is one of those things you need to exercise in your car from time to time.

 

For the 360 I am not into the looks of the spider but I have no doubt that there are times when you guys are having more fun I am sure. Couple thoughts: when the artist first draws the car on paper they are drawing a coupe, the car is planned around that first, so that is the "essence" of the car.
Spiders are a consumer afterthought and so something is taken off the table when they have to "make it work". Any race car variants are derived from the coupe.

I'll bet that because of the intake location/design a GTS was not possible but that is my guess.

Pro Coupe thoughts:
1. There are a lot of times where I appreciate being able to be out of view as the driver at a busy intersection, but I live in a small town and try to keep a low-ish profile.
2. The sound of my car is controlled by my windows! If I want to control the orchestra of my Capristo L2 I choose between cabin rumble and full audio
3. Interior is more protected from the elements and should hold up over time better than a spider but that is just a bonus that doesn't apply to everyone's sensibilities.
4. Larger engine bay viewing / presentation
5. I think the larger volume around the engine is probably better for the car over time.
6. Less "stuff" to maintain or break over time.
7. Easier to work on

 

Coupe ALL day.

Start with security, you can't leave the top down these days and go in the store.
Stability, for tracking needs to be a coupe.

 

I’ve always been a coupe guy - until I bought my first Ferrari which was a spider. Now I prefer the spider. Completely different experience. Driving with the top down on a beautiful day listening to that engine is sublime.

 

Let me start by saying I dont think you can go wrong with either, but I chose the coupe for a few reasons. I think it looks better, especially with the top up. I may want to track it at some point. The convertibles are 15-20 years old and will fail at some point. The parts can be expensive to buy and the problems can be annoying to track down. I didn't want to deal with it.

 

Coupe and stick shift. A no-flippy top and no-flippy padel eliminates most of the expensive failures. But many must have a convertible, look at me, look at me, and many cannot even drive a stick shift to begin with.

 

I am not sure this is necessary in here. All of us owners probably have a bit of "look at me" somewhere inside, somewhere in the past... it comes with the lifestyle. I think that stick shift drivers are lucky to be so connected to the machine and also our driving past but that is harder and harder for people to learn and enjoy. I wanted to teach my kids how to drive a stick but the only one in my neighborhood is my Ferrari! lol

 

In the PCA we used to say there were 2 types of Porsche owners: those that want to drive a Porsche and those that simply wanted to be seen driving a Porsche.

My #1 guy at my shop has said : "I ask myself all the time, would this guy be driving that car if there was nobody around to see him(?)"

I drive my cars for me. And the fewer folks on the road the better. I don't need anyone to admire my car, tell me how good it sounds, etc. (but I do thank them for the compliments) but with that said, I already know all that. It's why I bought it (or in some cases built it) in the first place.

oh and BTW, always a coupe. Always

 

No poll?

I’ve been a convertible guy since my first car - and none of my eight motorcycles have a windscreen.

Kevin

 

I can see the case for either but on nice days, you just cannot beat rowing gears on a spider.

also it’s not illegal to drive with the top up, so it’s not bad on crummy days either. The top and headliner are pretty thick so it’s not too bad inside.

personally, a manual spider 430 or 360 is the essence of the mid v8 Ferrari but again ymmv

 

I don't think I can go back to a soft top ever again.

 

This is one of them who owns a Spider will say a Spider and who owns a coupe will say...well you guessed it.

I went out to get a coupe. Drove them both and did a U-Turn and bought a Spider. Its two cars in one and in my "Spider owners" opinion is better looking and more special

Get what you want and what you think you will get the most enjoyment out of.

 

And add some duct tape and a lint roller / pet hair brush in your tool kit.

 

Spider on cars that aren't currently considered fast and seldom driven hard. Over time, such cars turn into great fair weather cruisers. For me, one of each is essential....the Diablo Roadster with the great V-12 engine inches from my ears for cruising and a modified Ford GT for hooning around and driving hard (since it is still considered fast today).

 

I was looking to buy a F430 coupe but ended up buying a manual F430 Spider in metallic black with crema full leather and Daytona seats with carbon dash etc, personally I prefer the car design with the roof down so only used on dry warm days in the UK. Having other coupe sports cars this convertible sits nicely in the stable, moreover its loud and fun to drive with all the Ferrari excitement and drama, this car looks great from all angles. Image Unavailable, Please Login