328 to 360 or 430

...and we start ANOTHER 360 vs. 430 debate!

 

Yah no, this one is different though. He has a 328. He wants something else but is starting with a pretty good car. If you're already driving a 328, what would you want different or better?

The 360 is the best bang for the exotic buck in the US now. But, would it really satisfy a jump from a 328? Not sure.

To me, that means the F430. Everyone agrees the F430 is a better car than the 360 (you can argue looks but there's no question that the 430 is better -- faster, better handling, E-diff, manetino settings, etc). More expensive for sure but a better and newer car. That's why they cost more.

So, to jump from one Ferrari to another, I'd jump to the better performing car -- the F430 if he could afford it.

The biggest issue to me is if the OP no longer wants a manual. If he wants to stay manual, he's probably better off looking for a 360 as there are more of them. Finding an F430 stick could take some time. If he wants an F1, there is no question that the F430 has the better box between the two.

To me, that's the deciding factor that only the OP can answer.

 

Excellent Post as always Bob! I still love my 430 and had a 328 as well, but the 430 until the 458 is and was a remarkable car.

 

Everyone has an opinion, it is really up to you! I have had all three of those cars, loved them all! I have a 430 now. The jump from a 328 to a 360 is pretty big considering you are jumping over the 348 and the 355. The difference from a 328 to a 355 is pretty big by itself. Going from a 328 to a 360 is huge! Like Mayor said, if you can afford the 430, go for it. It is a big step over the 360, it's a great daily driver. However the 360 has hit the "sweet" spot for price. You can get a lot of car for the money with a good used 360. Good Luck!!

 

Iv'e still got my 328 after 16 years and about 80,000 miles. Its a great drive with classic looks but no-one has mentioned cabin space. I first made the jump into a 430 which was a pretty good road car but I really didn't like it on the track. However the cabin space and ambiance is amazing. That was followed by a Scud which I loved and then a GT4 which also has lots of space and lovely slim screen pillars which make it so light and airy. That's gone now and I have just added a 360CS but the 328 remains. The problem I have is that at 6ft tall (not that big) the 328 is really cramped with a crash helmet on and even on the road I find there is not a lot of room for flailing elbows. The later cars have space in spades. everything else has been said. Also 328 prices plateaued out years ago and now seem to be going up a bit so consider a 360 and keep the 328.

 

On a side note, I sat in a 328 for the first time a few weeks ago. I am a mere skinny 6'2" tall and my head was touching the roof big time. No way could I own one without a major seat customization. It did feel small inside compared to my 430.

 

I went 328 to 360 and am very happy with it. I would have bought a 430 if the piggy bank would have allowed.

 

It has been said already, so if you're looking for a manual, the 360 might be a better choice due to selection. There is a large price difference, so if money and gearbox aren't deciding factors, if it were me, I'd get the F430. But, for me, the money is a deciding factor, and I can't justify the increased price-of-entry for an F430 over a 360.

But, the 360 is a value that's hard to beat right now.

Good luck.

 

I am a very satisfied owner of a great, hi mileage 87 328 GTS. I have been looking for car #2; could not imagine getting rid of my 328. May I suggest you drive a 550 / 575 as well. The 430 experience is totally different from the 328 as others have pointed out. My wife could not believe how spacious and easy to drive the 430 was compared to the 328...and SHE PUNCHES IT. She liked the 430 more than I did! Good luck...

 

I ordered a 430 with a stick, sill have both.

One of my considerations was the cost of doing a major service, if your going to keep the car long term I think the lower initial price of a 360 will soon be eaten up by the higher cost of service over a 430.

Just my $ 0.02.
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Nice cars!!!!

I'm not so sure it "will soon be eaten up." You're talking about a fairly large delta in the prices of the 360 versus the 430, like on the order of $40-$50k. Actually, I ran this calculation, and it did not pay back within the term of the car (for the F430, for me).

I do, however, agree that in general it seems the costs of major services on the 360 are higher than the F430. But I don't think the incremental add'l cost of maintenance on a 360 is going to make a reasonable dent in the price difference between the two models. You've still got to pay for maintenance on the F430, it's just perhaps not as high. And if you did make a dent in the price difference from the 360 to the F430, then you probably got a "dog" of a 360.

 

I have a 360 spider...love it!!
While I like the lines of he 360 better, if my pocket allowed it, I would go for the 430. It would have to be a manual and it would have to be a spider.

 

That's true- I'm running a 5 year timing belt change frequency (using Hill tensioners) based on my mechanics advice (former Ferrari trained tech) and the cost won't be that bad- probably a $2-3K for the belt change this coming spring above a normal annual fluid serivce for a 360 or 430- if a 430's F1 pump or the manifolds go, the 430 would be the more expensive car to maintain vs. a stick 360. You can have reasons for 360 vs 430 (initial cost difference, styling, performance differences), but the belt service just isn't a deciding factor to me. The initial cost differential is still high enough that even if you did the belt service every 3 years at a dealership vs. independent it is still a long long time to "break even" if buying a 430 because of the belts...probably longer than 99% of people hold on to a sports car before wanting to move one to a different one!

 

Keep the 328, unless you need a daily driver.

 

F#7, coming from a 328 I'm guessing you're probably fairly DIY competent and perhaps enjoy the challenge of looking after your car yourself? I know I get a lot of satisfaction in that area anyway.

If so, the older, cheaper 360 might give you greater satisfaction and bang for your buck. Maybe get a nice, keenly priced manual in need of the "major" service work and get to know it by doing the work yourself?

Both are great cars, both will be a big jump from the 328. You can't go wrong whichever you choose.

Best of luck.

 

I will sum it up - if you can afford the 430 you want then buy it. It is the car to have vs the 360. If you are on a "budget" then the 360 is the next best thing. I cant see why there would be an argument otherwise.

 

430 TdF; exactly what I am looking at for my stable mate! Congratulations

 

I went from a 328 to a Testarossa and then to a 360. Sold the 328 because I never drove it and had too many cars and not enough garage space. I had the Testarossa and 360 at the same time. Sold the Testarossa because I rarely drove it and had more problems from it just sitting. Also, the 360 with F1 shifting was so much more enjoyable to drive. Get a 430 if you can afford it. You may not drive your 328 very much after purchasing a 360 or 430.

 

Some just called 911 for Bullfighter.

 

uh... this debate again.

I love my 360 and the price was right.

I have to agree: If price is at ALL an option and you wont own for >20 years then you're probably better with a newer 360.

If you have the cash to burn, a 430 is a faster, newer car.

Thats basically it. I'm not able to put up the cash for a 430 especially since I'm planning on a 5 year turn to a 458 and basically getting a 430 would have removed the investents I made to get the 458

Honesly... as a road car, having driven an F430... I cant even begin to use all the 430s power and I like the lines on the 360 better, so yeah, I'm happy with mine, YMMV

 

If you can afford the 430.. Get it. If not, get the 360.

 

Simple math 328 + 360 = 430