360 spider or 997 Turbo | FerrariChat

360 spider or 997 Turbo

Discussion in '360/430' started by terrork, Sep 20, 2011.

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  1. terrork

    terrork Rookie

    Sep 20, 2011
    7
    Hi, hoping to get some valuable advice here. Would you rather get a late 2001 360 spider or a 2006 997 turbo? Both about the same price, 20k mileage on both and in relatively good condition. I dont intend to use either as a daily drive as parking is a problem at my work place> Views?
     
  2. 88MONDIAL

    88MONDIAL Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2005
    1,052
    Racine, Wisconsin
    Full Name:
    Jim Smith
    The 360 will offer a much more of an "occasion" each time you take it out. particularly with an aftermarket exhaust. I thought the 997 turbo came out in 2007, has it been out that long already? Seems like it was brand new just a little while ago, wow, how time flys. Both are really nice cars. But for a weekend car, the 360 should delight your senses more. Good luck and have fun with your decision!
     
  3. Trent

    Trent Formula 3

    Dec 10, 2003
    2,013
    Indialantic, FL
    Full Name:
    Trent
    I was thinking the same thing, I thought the 997 TT was a 2007 MY, but produced in late 2006.

    My answer; Apples and Oranges. Dont even get another Porsche Vs Ferrari bar conversation started here, its not productive.

    The cars are completely different; 2 seats vs 4, rear engine vs mid, GT vs Exotic, etc.

    My advice; Drive both back to back if possible, sleep on it, make decision for yourself.

    Both cars are amazing engineering accomplishments and you will be luckier than most to own either.
     
  4. KJM3SMG

    KJM3SMG Formula Junior

    Dec 3, 2006
    983
    Loudoun County, VA
    Full Name:
    Karl - KJ
    if you don't intend to drive daily then get the 360 coz u obviously love Ferraris (most of us do).

    If not, the 997 Turbo is better in every way.. except the exotic looks and the exhaust note.
     
  5. blackbolt22

    blackbolt22 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 25, 2007
    5,808
    Boca Raton, FL
    Full Name:
    Mr. Anderson
    No comparison. I owned a couple of 911s. I had planned on getting a turbo as my next car until I stumbled onto a Cars and Coffee Ferrari event. The rest is history. There is a 430 in the garage now.
     
  6. KJM3SMG

    KJM3SMG Formula Junior

    Dec 3, 2006
    983
    Loudoun County, VA
    Full Name:
    Karl - KJ
    I agree 430s are way better than 997Turbos.. no looking back after getting a 430
     
  7. Mighty Joe

    Mighty Joe Formula 3

    Sep 3, 2010
    1,127
    Atlanta, GA
    Full Name:
    Joe
    F-car! Its just special...
     
  8. THonda

    THonda Formula Junior

    Jul 7, 2004
    724
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    TH
    can't compare, there is nothing like a F-car...
     
  9. terrork

    terrork Rookie

    Sep 20, 2011
    7
    Yes if my budget stretched to a 430, its no comparison whatsoever. Unfortunately, budget is for the 360 spider v the 997 tt. im inclined towards the f-car as most of us would but just worried about the huge maintenance costs that come with it.
     
  10. 88MONDIAL

    88MONDIAL Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2005
    1,052
    Racine, Wisconsin
    Full Name:
    Jim Smith
    The major service on that car at a dealer is about $3,200-3,600. They are about half what all the older 3xx cars run.
     
  11. scycle2020

    scycle2020 F1 Rookie

    Jan 26, 2004
    3,477
    potomac
    If you drive it as a weekend and special occassion car than the miles wont be that high and maintenance costs will be managable. the maintenance on porsches, esp the TT are not exactly Toyota like either.
     
  12. Spitfire

    Spitfire Formula 3

    Nov 16, 2006
    1,602
    I'd drive them both and then decide. As a kid I always thought I'd have a Porsche when I grew up. I drove a couple and was disappointed, not because they're dynamically lacking in any way, but they just didn't excite me. Then I drove a Ferrari and realised for myself that there really is no comparison. As either car was going to be a massive indulgence/treat in any event, I opted for the one that excited me.

    My 360 continues to amaze and delight. I know there are faster cars out there, but this one just gets it right in so many areas, and I don't need more speed, and it's always a thrill to drive it.
     
  13. av2

    av2 Formula Junior

    May 22, 2008
    478
    S. California
    360 and 997 Turbo are both great cars and I wouldn't mind owning either. If you can live with a 2-seater, may I suggest a 997.1 GT3?
     
  14. Zinger

    Zinger Formula 3

    Apr 11, 2009
    1,894
    Leesburg, Va
    Full Name:
    Ryan M
    #14 Zinger, Sep 20, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2011
    I had a 997 Turbo, sold and got a f430. NO REGRETS

    997 turbo is faster in a straight line, but the Ferrari is just sooooo much more fun and enjoyable to me to drive and own! I am really enjoying the Ferrari experience. I wish I could have kept both but I think I will remain in the Ferrari family if my bank acccount allows me to :)

    Not sure about 360 vs. 997 Turbo. I have never driven or owned a 360 so I cant say. I will say owning a F car is just different, in a good way!
     
  15. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 13, 2009
    16,527
    Charleston, SC
    Full Name:
    Curt
    Osama could have driven around in a Porsche and he would have maintained perfect anonymity.

    Any time I ride in my 360 it's special. It is the only car that my wife and I have had random strangers photo and video us. I've never had that happen in any of my Porsche. My 360 isn't the fastest car on the road, but it does so many things so well it's a pleasure to drive.
     
  16. jim94-348

    jim94-348 Formula Junior
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Aug 19, 2010
    981
    Greenville, NC
    Full Name:
    Jim
    If all factors in your mind are the same go with the Ferrari. There is a Porche on every other corner. Why be like everyone else? In my town of 80,000 we have 4 Ferraris. I see more Porche for sale at used car lots in town than that. It is just a totally different experience to own one. I'm sure you won't regret it.
     
  17. vf430

    vf430 Formula Junior

    Dec 16, 2009
    666
    SoCal
    I owned a 700 hp 996 turbo , 2011 Gt3 and now a F430 (6sp). The only porsche i will own and compare to a F car would be GT3. Turbo is plain boring..yawn!
     
  18. Ice9

    Ice9 Formula Junior

    Jun 22, 2004
    395
    San Francisco, CA
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    Ice9
    #18 Ice9, Sep 20, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2011
    If you've never owned a Porsche, you should buy it. Notice that the common theme to almost all responders to this thread is that they've owned a Porsche and THEN a Ferrari (myself included but I still own the Porsche too). I think there's a good reason for this. Porsche is a good "gateway drug" to Ferrari ownership because the maintenance is lower and the social statement is similar (although smaller in magnitude for the Porsche than the Ferrari).
     
  19. Gh21631

    Gh21631 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2011
    9,155
    East
    Yup, I have had a number of porsches and my 360 is my first Ferrari. You just have to experience it to understand.
     
  20. KangarooAR15

    KangarooAR15 F1 Rookie

    Aug 3, 2011
    4,084
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Matthew
    I would say get the Ferrari.

    In Houston Porsches are everywhere. Like roaches. It's a great car, no doubt, but it is also a very common car at least here.

    Hey, it's your call. Get the one that makes you smile the most!
     
  21. canadianferrarista

    canadianferrarista Formula 3

    Jan 16, 2010
    1,336
    Calgary, Ab. Canada
    Full Name:
    Domenic
    +1
     
  22. superbike81

    superbike81 Karting

    Sep 15, 2011
    137
    #22 superbike81, Sep 20, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2011
    My father had a 355 for several years and I absolutely loved that car. I bought my 997 (C2S, not a turbo) because I was in a situation where I could really only have one car. If you aren't going to have another daily driver, then the Porsche would be the way to go. But if you can restrain yourself from driving the Ferrari every single day, maintaining it will not be that expensive. A 997 turbo will absolutely blow your mind as far as straight line speed goes, it's also very receptive to mods too. But a 360 with a Capristo exhaust give you chills all through your body every time you drive it :)

    My vote is to get a comfy, cheap, reliable daily driver (Honda Fit maybe?) and then have a 360 as a nice weather weekend and special occasion car. This is what I'll be doing next year, except it will be a 430 Spider. We'll have our Honda Fit as my daily driver and our Volvo XC60 as the wife/family car.
     
  23. RobD

    RobD Formula 3

    Nov 10, 2003
    1,182
    USA
    #23 RobD, Sep 20, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2011
    If you want a special drive and don't crave massive straight-line-speed, get the 360. If you want a good-all-around, fast sports/GT car, get the 997tt. It's really as simple as that. The Ferrari's maintenance is more expensive, but it's not way out of line. Maintaining the Porsche isn't exactly cheap, either. Since you have a separate daily driver, it's almost a no-brainer...Ferrari.

    The Turbo's a great car, but it lacks character. Many owners mod them...exhausts, suspensions, etc. in search of a more sporty driving experience. Instead of the Turbo, I would be looking at a 997.1 GT3...it's got loads more character than the Turbo, it's plenty fast for the street and it sounds WAY better. I liked mine very much. I only got rid of it for the Ferrari, otherwise I'd probably still have it.
     
  24. Challenge64

    Challenge64 F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 28, 2004
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    Ron
    #24 Challenge64, Sep 20, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2011
    First off, I have not driven a 997 Turbo. But based on my 360 Spider, I would get the Porsche 997 over the 360 Spider.

    Yes, I know. This is a Ferrari Forum and I am one of the biggest supporters of the Challenge Stradale. But did not like my 360 Spider. To put it bluntly, it sucked.

    Pros/Cons for a 360 Spider - Pros - It's a Ferrari. It looks good and gets all that Ferrari attention. Cons - It's slow. The Daytona seats are uncomfortable and sat me up too high. I hated the interior aluminum trim - both center consoles and doors. The ride was mushy and the wheels are ugly and the soft top was fickle. I hated the new horn too (over the 355 air horn). In fact I would get a F355 before I got another 360 Spider.
     
  25. rmani

    rmani F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2003
    7,334
    NJ
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    RMani
    Ferrari. no contest for fun

    Porsche. no contest for practicality
     

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