360 second thoughts

I've been it the market for 2000 or 2001 360 for a couple of months.Although like the handling characteristics of a mid-engine vehicle, after a sudden attack of nostalgia, I think I would prefer a more traditional Ferrari. 12 cylinders, front engine, manual transmission. In other words a 550. Any thoughts from 550 owners?

 

I went down to Scottsdale Ferrari a few months ago to look at a Titanium/Tan 2000 360 F1, and 2 weeks later traded in my 1989 328GTS on a 1999 Red/Black 550 with the Carbon Fiber Package/ 250GT rear shelf, etc. I really like the 360, and will likely own one someday, but there is just something about a red 12 cyl. Ferrari.....

The 550 does steal (borrow) so many styling cues from the early cars that I love.

Roy

 

In my opinion they are really very different cars, and as far as deals go the 550 is a better buy. I had an 01 360 F1 coupe and now I have an 04 spider gear shift car. I took out a 550 a couple weeks ago for a nice drive and I think it is a great car, but I like driving the 360 alot more, feel alot more in touch with the road. I will be adding either a 550 or a 575 to my garage next spring but I think I'll always have alittle more fun in the 360.

 

Is this your 550 when it was for sale the night of the Enzo Unveiling?
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How many 550 did Ferrari build? Will they hit $80k? Or are they too rare?

 

Arizonaguy - Not sure if that's my car or not, but it's very likely.

Mark - There were about 3600 550's built so there is no doubt that the 550 will drop to $80K someday, and in fact some early euro 550's are probably trading hands in the 90's today. The 1984-1991 Testarossa build was 7177, so one might presume the 550's might follow a similar depreciation percentage curve.

 

RDS,

I recently bought a new 360 after driving both the 550 and 360. To me, they are completely different cars. The 550 is heavier and doesn't have the cat like reflexes of a 360. It is more of a GT type car. The 360 is more gutsy and in your face and for me, a lot more fun to drive. Although the used 550's seem like a better deal than 360's, keep in mind that the 550's will probably continue to lose value faster than the 360.

Make sure you spend a lot of time in both before you make your decision.

 

Thanks for all the info. I'm in no hurry to buy. I'm happy with my 328, but just like with fine cognac one wants to go to the next level. I'm taking your advice and rushing into anything. Thanks again.

 

The 550s/575s make incredible second hand buys...I've seen a 02 reg (feb 02-sep02) 575 F1 with 4,000 miles on the odo go for £104,000. considering the car was bought new in excess of £155,000+ your making a massive saving. Slightly used is the way to go with the 575s. I think the trend is the same with 550s. 456s loose value rather quickly too, but nothing like the '02 575 F1 I was keeping an eye on.

Somehow, with both the 360 and 355, the values hold much more and earlier in the launch the 360s were selling for premiums of £10,000+ over list!

Cheers,

 

I own a 360 2003 Modena and I have a 550 Barchetta in my garage that belongs to a friend of mine. In my experience with these two cars the 360 is more agile cornering and braking. In the 360 the shifter seems a little lower, more natural and more erogonomic. The Barchetta is a little higher and doesn't have that natural feel when shifting. Power wise the Barchetta is superior. However, revving up the Modena is awesome.

Enzo