355 spyder or gallardo

Over the years I've owned many (I mean really MANY) Ferraris, Porsches, Mercedes, BMW's, and yes Audis. I don't know what your real world ownership experience is with Audis, but after over one hundred thousand collective miles, I've NEVER had a bad experience with any of them, other than usual maintainence or infrequent minor fit and finish issue common to just about any vehicle. I currently own several ferraris and have a 430 coming shortly. I have every intention of trading my 430 for a G-spyder after a few short months of ownership. I'll be doing so PRIMARILY because of the Audi reputation for reliability. What's been your ownership experience??

 

I couldnt Agree more! 8K in 355 w/Tubi.. NOTHING better!

 

I really liked my 355 Spider. Great looking car, well balanced handling.
If you do your homework here, learn what to look for, and find a car with all the issues sorted out:
Cracked headers, Valves Guides, Dash shrinkage, etc - then you can get a great car at a decent price.

The drawback IMHO is the cost of maint relative to the value of the car. For example, a $10K service on a $200K is no big deal. But, let's say in a few years that car is only worth $100K and the same service now cost $15K. The numbers become inversely proportional. It's that engine out belt service that will hurt you.

The bottom line is what the driving experience means to you. Drive them both and see which car meets your expectations. I loved my car until I drove a 12 banger

 

first of all, as a owner of a 355 spider and someone who has been to several f1 races , i can tell you that the 355 sounds nothing like and f1 engine.....in fact, the 355 spider i owned and several others that friends had all sounded a little thin without a tubi or capristo or the like..the gallardo sounds better to me, especially stock...and the 355 really lacks torque down low, so if you ever get caught with your revs too low you are stuck in quick sand....also, i alway thought the ergonomics of the 355 cockpit were horrendous...pedals way too close together, longish throw on the 6 speed shifter,and the pedals off set at an angle so i alway felt i was sitting crooked..the gallardo has much better ergonomic and drive train, much stiffer chassis, and far superior perfomance...no comparison really.....

 

This is my point. Not even a year of ownership and 6k miles without problems...should be expected. Its a new car after all. Enjoy your cars...

 

Never owned an Audi. But living in Ct. you don't have to look far to know someone who does. Most are unhappy and buy another brand after.
Im sure Audi compared to Ferrari, the Audi looks pretty good.

 

As these are two (actually 3) cars I love, I feel I have to chime in.

Have had 4 Audi's in 4 years, love them. Why Audi is considered a downer here, I will never understand. Could it be the reputation for unmatched interior quality? Could it be the pioneering of AWD which is now ubiquitous? Could it be the lackluster racing heritage (a few rallies, and some little race called Le Mans, but nothing like F1)?

Anyway, I think the cars are apples and oranges. One is a coupe with bold lines that is so easy to drive fast that some look down on it. Its also some 140k. The other is an older convertible that is very much a true Ferrari - sounds incredible, involved driving experience, perhaps not every bolt torqued exactly right (nice looking women sometimes walk by the factory and a guy gets distracted, eh?). It's also significantly less money out.

It depends on what YOU want. But if you have the means to do the G-car, then the 360 spider is a better comparison. Otherwise, they are simply very different cars.


(I want BOTH!)

 

I had a 355 Spider. After a few months of ownership I was ready to throw it away. Gutless motor, mediocre styling, and a melting interior.

 

I just sold my 04 G car and found a 355 spider, they are both great cars, but do things in a differant way. The G car was rock solid, no squeaks or rattles, 500HP, driving hwy 1 from Carmel to Santa Monica was fun in the G car but a little sterile. I found a 98 spider in LA and drove it back to Oregon last weekend, hwy 1 with the top down, tubi howling in the back ground, yea a little down on power, but just more fun to drive than the Lambo. On paper the G car, emotional experience, the F car. As it turned out 200 miles after selling it the clutch went, 6.4k, ouch.

 

For anybody who does not have a cozy relationship with his Ferrari dealer,a Gallardo is an obvious choice....