360 improvements over 355???

It's ALOT lighter on your wallet. Unless you buy a broken car like your last 355... then it's just as expensive. Get what car draws you..

 

My first car was was a 355. Now own a 360. It would take way to long to answer your question but if you're serious about buying one of the 2 then Pm me with your number and I'd be more than happy to give you my feedback on both.

 

I have a 355, but the 360 has a much nicer looking interior, more interior room, better brakes and more low end power. They're both roughly the same in outright performance, but you have to work the 355 harder, which is not necessarily a plus or minus as it's good fun. The f1 trans is different in that drive-by-wire was introduced with the 360, so it will blip the throttle for you automatically on downshifts where the 355 requires you to do it. Some like this as it's more engaging, but I think if you're after a more engaging drive, you get the 6 speed.

The 355 is actually the lighter car even though the 360 has an aluminum chassis, but that's due to the increased size and more luxury of the 360. 355 is engine out for timing belts, 360 isn't. 355 clutch is easier to change (maybe the easiest of any car). They both have header issues, 355 maybe a little worse. 355 has the well known valve guide issues, though most should be fixed by now. Service intervals are the same.

Imo, the 360 is the better car, but I find the 355 more enjoyable (if that makes sense) and better looking. I would not trade my 355 for a 360 unless a CS.

It's close enough that I'd just get whichever you prefer. It's rare that someone truly doesn't prefer the styling of one over the other, and that and the interior are probably the biggest differences.

 

Alright.. I suppose being cryptic isn't fashionable..

I've driven a friends 355 enough and have known the car long enough to say that I wouldn't want it if you gave it to me (more later). I will own a 348 one of these days so I hang out in the 348/355 section enough...

The only thing that is "better" on the 355 versus the 360 is the clutch change. The rear pumpkin comes out and it's done in a couple of hours. Otherwise, open your wallet and bend over, it's going to be an expensive ride. The 355 I'm aquainted with has had $10,000 of work in the last 6 months to repair a timing gear.. and has of the last week started to make a rattle in the cylinder head that will likely be a valve issue. Last year it was in the shop more than on the road for various issues. They pushed the technology too far versus reliability. I know many 355 owners will chime in here and emphatically state how their cars are sorted and are rock solid. Tell me that after 20-30k miles.

The 360 is light years ahead in one area.. reliability. Every time I get together with the above cars owner he asks me how mine is doing and a acts surpised when I tell him "I turn the key and she goes". Header issues: not in my 99 euro... only in US models. CEL. No problems with mine either. Euros are nice because they're lighter and peppier as Ferrari originally designed them to be without compromises to emissions regulations. As far as F1.. mine is a stick as is the 355 I know so can't comment there. Performance is similar for both. Not a dramatic difference IMHO.

If you love the looks of the 355, get it. If the 360 will do.. go for it. It will be lighter on the wallet and more reliable in my experience.

 

This dilemma has been discussed numerous times. Have you searched for the answer using the search function?

The basic advice is buy the newest, lowest mileage Ferrari you can AFFORD. Most often, a test drive in any competing models will help you make up your mind. Maintaining them is expensive relative to any non-exotic car, so once you swallow that one, it comes down to personal preference...

 

Good luck, make sure you get a good Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI).