Am I out of my mind?

You are not out of your mind. Check out this thread. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63827
A 355 will be a great first Ferrari. It more about personal taste than anything else. I know some 355 owners that don't like the look of the 360's at all. I like both.
Welcome to FerrariChat.

EDIT: I just realized, that thread is about which car would be better for a daily driver but, it is still a good thread to check out.

 

When you have three Ferraris and are looking for #4 even with your wife saying no, then we can discuss your mental health...

 

Just make sure you get the one she [secretly] likes!

 

Great.

Lambo next.

 

I have not heard anyone say that about an Elise before. I am surprised.

 

I have never owned a Ferrari and I have never driven one but from what I have read here on FChat and from the rides I have had, I would say that a 360 sounds like the car for you. It's more reliable than the 355 and the sound of the 360 with Tubi or Capisto exhaust is amazing.
It's not the fastest car on the road but it is very nimble and the sound is a large part of the experience. If you want more power then look at the 550 but, it's heavier and not as nimble.

 

Well, you like what you like I guess. I've never driven one.

 

you are out of your mind.

12 cylinders or booring

 

It sound like you need an F-fix. Hopefully it will exceed your expectations.

 

I have a Lotus Elise also which I think I am going to unload before my 430 arrives. My main complaint is that I can't heal/toe it and the pedal itself is very mushy. The steering is phenomenal, but the motor could use more grunt. In real life, it makes Ferraris seem practical. On the road it is great for about 20-30 minutes before it begins to annoy and I want to be home. By contrast, in my 328 (which the Lotus can run circles around) there is always a feeling of sadness when I'm approaching home and the ride is over.

Dave

 

nah the engine gotz to be behind u.

 

Tell me more about #4 ? And no Lambo..u can get a Lambo after F#15 ..

 

Are u in the US ? Elises price dropping isnt happening in Europe..

 

Andrew:

Spicy wants the Lambo. You can try and convince her.

As for #4, well, I'll tell you when you're here. I don't want to tip my hand...

 

If you are bored with an Elise, I bet that a Ferrari ownership is also not right for you. Don't sell the Morgan (which you love), just sell the Lotus and get a 328 GTS and see if you can live with the finniky (sp?) experience.

I love my Elise, and accept whatever comes with it. I have a great set of roads in the mountains with no traffic, no cops and no cell phone coverage!

I already dislike to take the Elise to the gas station (a two lane road), let alone take it on the highway to Manhattan for service.

 

I breakfasted with you at Cappys a week ago. Was suppose to purchase an Elise this morning and got cold feet. Enjoyed all your posts here today re the Elise. You and I seem to be the only ones who think the Elise price bubble is in burst mode. Dealers have 12 cars on the lot, and some will discount at least $1000. Six month old cars with 1000 miles selling at $8000 off sticker. Would still like to ride a couple of track laps and see if the Elise lights my fire. One can get a lot of Porsche for $45-$55,000, and I know they are great cars (referring to 1998 and earlier). Get educated about the maintenance expense exposure before buying a used Ferrari. Clutches, brake rotors and major service are pricey compared to many other cars. I can't speak from experience, but have learned a great this on this board. Best Regards, Gary

 

I own a Lotus Elan (1991 version) and recently bought a F355. I thought about an Elise and I've driven one before. I never liked the practical aspects of it so didn't consider it. My Elan is almost pedestrian by comparison (very easy to drive and get in/out of). I think what you are talking about is that the Elise (and Elan) have a normal drive train that doesn't have V8 torque or exhaust notes. They are minimalist cars (well, the Elise more than the Elan) and handle great (the Elan was voted best handling front wheel drive car ever). I like the fact I can get in my Elan and go anywhere. With the F355 I have to think twice and probably similar for an Elise. The 355 is bigger, has very wide doors and draws attention like mad. If you aren't comfortable with just thinking about it as a car then its not going to be as "practical" as an Elise. Besides that, its gas mileage is 2X worse and maintenance is much much worse. For both Lotuses, you can get cheap parts after market as their drive trains are easy to come by. With a Ferrari, take a normal part, then multiply the cost by 4X and maintenance by 2X at least. You have to take the engine out for the timing belt service (which is twice as often) for crying out loud!

Thats not to say I don't love the F355. I liked it better than the Esprit for instance - even though the Esprit is a bit faster. The car feels more put together and I didn't like the submarining feel that I got out of an Esprit (its a bit claustrophobic if you ask me). The way I look at it: I'm keeping both my cars. I'll use one when the other is in the shop, alternate which ones I drive on street and track and enjoy both for what they are. The Elan (or Elise) are nimble and moderately powered. The F355 and 360 are heavier GT style cars that handle well and give you an awesome package with a nice exhaust note. The clutch and shifter are a bit heavier than either Lotus so its a bit of a workout - not something you want to be in rush hour traffic with. Either way, you have to drive a F355 or 360 before you make your decision. Both are much bigger/heavier than your Lotus. To be honest, I was waiting for Lotus' next generation Esprit but I heard that its 2007 or 2008 and who knows if thats for real. Lotus certainly doesn't have the cache of Ferrari either but thats a dual edged sword as everyone thinks you have to be stinkin' rich if you own a Ferrari.

Scott

 

You mean I'm not???

 

I would be sure to drive which ever car you are thinking about buying I sold my 96 Porsche twin turbo and bought a 98 355 I had owned a 308,328,& TR previously so I did have some Ferrari experience but other than the looks the 355 just didn't do it for me I sold it after 6mo's and about 4k miles and went back to another classic last of the air cooled 1996 993 twin turbo that I modified just how I wanted it as I plan on keeping this car for along time Doug

 

Hi all.

If the lack of heel and toe ability is upsetting you then there are ways to correct this. The gang at elisetalk can help out there (threads are there about it). May I also direct you to a response by Kim Ogaard-Nielsen (Lotus CEO) to one email he received recently during a period where he was accepting questions from owners:
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=203933&postcount=7

 

Wow, I'm sorry to hear the Elise didn't do it for you. I have one, and I love it. We have some nice twisties around where I live, so I really get to enjoy cornering without going too wild.

I also have a 360, a totally different experience - much more exciting especially in higher speed open corners, and the sound (with a Capristo) is amazing! Of course it is a bit faster than the Elise.

That said, though, the Elise is my favorite car to drive. I could heel/toe with the stock pedals (but it was admittedly a bit awkward), and I've installed the extension pad on the brake pedal, which helps heel and toe (and makes them feel less mushy).

Different strokes I guess.

Anyway, from all I've heard the 355 is an awesome car (haven't driven one), and they are gorgeous. The 360 is pretty intense though, I'd spring for that (but then again I like the Elise too!)

And you're not nuts, not at all (well, except for the Elise part