Sure to get called a troll or flamed.... but after spending all day at that Italian Car show in Marina 2 weekends ago (Monterey) and trying to convince myself that I really needed an F-car and it needs to be a 430, I really came to the conclusion that I like the styling of the 360 MUCH better. AM I crazy? It just is a better looking car in every way. So much better looking than a 430. (the 355 is a damn hot looking car also I must say!!) yeah, I know the 430 is a BETTER CAR (handling, etc).... I realize that. But just looking, man the 360 is a damn good looking car. Unfortunately, I seem to be afflicted by some dreaded German disease (I am of Italian herritage, its crazy I know) and I kept finding myself over in the Porsche area thinking "I need another Porsche". Yeah, I know, its a sickness, but I think I just need to accept that maybe I am a P-car guy and not an F-car guy and just be happy with it... (hell, I got even more excited over my buddies vintage Karman Ghia he just picked up... yeah, I like Vws too... terrible I know). Surrounded by all those Italian beauties, and I spend my day in the gravel and weeds with the little round German cars... anyway, am I alone in thinking the 360 is a really really attractive car, nicer looking than the 430? And the C/S... even nicer... or does anybody else feel the same way? Or has the dreaded P-car affliction just impaired my judgement a bit when it comes to understanding the beauty of these Italian machines?
It is your opinion and in the end your car and choice. Buy what you like and could spend hours staring at in YOUR garage..P-car, 355, 360, 430 They are all great!! But to answer your original question....YES you are as crazy as a loon and need to seek psychological therapy immediately for even considering a P-car over an F-car!!
Having owned both (360 which I sold for my 430) I can tell you without hesitation that I miss the looks of my 360 as compared to the 430... but once I drove the 430 the performance differences instantly out-weighed the design differences. BTW, I like the 430's interior way more than the 360's. Frank
forgot to mention that, yeah, I agree 100% on the interior. 430 sure does seem nicer. One of the guys I talked to there (some really friendly owners ... was great talking with folks) who currently owns both 360 and 430 commented that while the 360 looks better and the 430 looks like it sits a little high (big gap between tired and fender) and needs spacers, he said the 360 bottoms out everywhere, all the time, and the 430 is actually easier to drive around town, etc.... it was an interesting point from a guy who owns both. ANd he echoed your words on the performance as well, hands down the 430 was better in every way according to him. I am seeking treatment for the P-car problem... I am thinking next year maybe sell the Cayman, buy a nice 23 Window VW deluxe microbus and a 360 or 430 spider. I can go drive the VW bus and sniff the interior and the engine when I am jonesing for a German experience, and drive the F-car the rest of the time when I have my wits about me.
+1 Agree completely. The 360 is a better looking car than the 430. The 360 with a Tubi also sounds a lot better (again IMO) than the 430. But the 430 is better in pretty much every other way, so for me it was a good move to trade up.
360 is much better looking than the F430 IMO. I think the CS and Scuderia are both the best looking of each rather than the standard coupe/spider.
I remember when I was shopping and leaning towards the 360 on cost issues I read a newspaper article about a club that let you drive five supercars for an hour or so each in one day. They interviewed the drivers and some liked the Lambo, some liked something else, but of the 360 and the 430 I was surprised the driver interviewed prefered the 360. He said that he liked the sound of the tubi. I have to agree. The 360 lacks low end grunt but it sounds more like an F-1 car to me. The 355 sounds even better to me but I liked the styling less, particularly with the top down, and the idea of an engine out service discouraged me.
All down to personal taste. Once you own the model you want and get used to seeing on a daily basis, you will think the next model up is good looking and your opinion will most likely change!
This poll shows the answer: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191587&highlight=360+scuderia
I like the 430 and the Scuderia More than the 360 but the sound of the 360 is MUCH better than the 430
Between the 360/CS and 430 I think the 360 has smoother lines and the signature tail lights. Put the 360 CS wheels on a 360 Modena and you're set. 360 prices are slipping into very attractive territory, IMO -- probably not a bad buy at this point.
For me, the deal killer is the door handle. 360: door handle completely integrated into the design, organically and seamlessly. 430: hey look it says 430 on the mirror Jay
