360 vs. 550

I've been searching for an early low mileage 360 with a manual transmission and I just discovered that low mileage '99-'00 360s and 550s are about the price.

Besides the obvious differences of mid-engine vs. front-engine and V-8 vs V-12; what are the pros and cons between these cars to own and drive on a daily basis?

Anyone here owned both or driven both extensively.

 

Very, very different cars.

Covered previously:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135868&highlight=360+550

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1197&highlight=360+550

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12122&page=2&highlight=360+550

I suggest one of each
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thanks for the links...

 

much more of a demand for the 360, but you can also say not too many 550's made in comparison to the 360

 

I feel I am qualified to answer this question as until two days ago I owned a 360 Modena coupe 6 speed and sold it for a 550 Barchetta. I drove the 550 Barchetta 125 miles this weekend after the purchase. Here are my observations. The 360 modena is a fabulous car. I love the cab forward feel of the driver position. The sound that comes from the drivers side air intake when you step on the throttle is intoxicating. The fit and finish is superb. the engine under glass is brilliant. I felt the car was a little twitchy compared to other mid engine cars I have owned and driven. the ASR on the Modena is way to intrusive. The attention you get in the car from the crowd is fun for a while but then after a year or two it gets tiring. All and all it is a world class car and a future classic (except for the production numbers).The 550 Barchetta (or 550 for that matter) has the classic 12 cylinder smooth acceleration. It feel like your being thrust forward in acceleration by a tractor beam. (think star trek) The cockpit is very driver friendly. The car handles much different than you would expect...that is that it turns in at aggressive driving speeds without push or understeer. The lack of any oversteer is also very confidence inspiring. The look of the car is classic. Very refined,very sofisticated. I am 47 so I think I am in the demographic for this car. Its a sophisticated mans car. The attention you get from the crowd is still there but its more from the afficinado's than the general population. It inspires more genuine Ferrari conversation than the "What kind of car is that?" conversation that the Modena inspires. Actually I was once asked if my Modena was "Thats the new Mustang isnt it?". Anyway the more limited production and the more sophisticated styling are what I want for now but both cars are fabulous. The 550 Barchetta is going to satisfy my needs(until the 430 Challenge comes to town). Jon in Delaware