decision what to get: 355 spider or 360 Modena??

Personally, I much prefer the 360. More modern design, faster, stiffer, more reliable, and I think it looks better too. And yes, a Capristo-equipped 360 makes some of the best car sounds you'll ever hear. I've never been an open car guy, don't like giving up the advantages of the coupe.

Gary

 

I had a 348 and was looking to get a 355 spider as well but instead bought the 360 coupe for less than a 355 spider! Thank God too!

I am 6 foot 240lbs and it fits me perfect. I barely fit in the 348 and was very uncomfortable on any trip longer than 1 hour. The 355 has barely more room than the 348.
As for the performance. The 360 is a much better car. Light, much more power and a bullet proof motor. Too many probelms with the 355. Ferari got it right when they made the 360. Less expensive to maintain as well!


Just my opinion,

Mike

P.S. Good Luck and post pics of your new F-car please.

 

I'd go for the 360 too buy maybe for some differant reasons. Unless you really want the convertible I think the spider 355 just gives up to much rigidity. They all seemed really flexible to me. I love my GTB and have had zero problems. I think there are good and bad 360's and 355's. As for the maint. being cheaper on the 360 I didn't know that was the case. I thought a major was the same range for both.

 

I think they are totally different cars.... I have this wacky theory about ferrari doing half updates on their new model cars. One model to the next is either a refinement in the existing design but with much more power, or it is a complete new car.

328-348=complete new car, but only an extra 30 BHP.
348-355=same basic car, but an extra 80 bhp.
355-360=complete new car, but only a few extra BHP.
360-430=same basic car, but an extra 90+ BHP.

Based on this idea every second model would be my pick. The design has had any flaws removed, some decent improvements made, and a ton more BHP.

Some will say the 355 is the sweetest looking ferrari V8. I own one, but don't agree, but I do love it! I would never trade the 355 on a 360, but if I could afford it in a few years, I'd consider moving to a 430.

I think that in time, the 360 will be one of the less-loved ferrari V8s, even though it is a mighty fine car indeed. IMHO it will, like the 348 to the 355, become the poor younger brother to the 430.

Dave

 

Depends what you really want as both are lovely cars.

 

I agree with this view to the V8's. I think the 360 is a great car and may buy one but I think your long term view on it may be right. There are too many for sale and the 430 is a huge leap in performance even though the looks are similar. I think the 430 getting out of cam belts is going to be a big plus as well.

 

At 6'4" I dont think the 355 berlinetta or spider is the car for you. Thats probabaly why Ferrrari designed the 360 (and I understand the North American market dictated some of the interior ergonomics) with more headroom and legroom.

The 355 was the last expression of a different design and era.

Having said that, with 360 prices gradually softening up, it will be probabaly a good value soon (regardless of how many are out there).

Neither one of these cars are collecters items anymore and will depreciate until they flatten out where the market determines them to be. I personally think once the 360's they get between 90 - 100 k, the supply will quickly dwindle by "entry level " buyers who will move up from Porsches,etc,etc.

 

I sold my 355 Berlinetta to Dave here who is pretty tall but fits in the car. The 355 was a wonderful car and an incredibly fun to drive, with go-kart reflexes and a beautiful shape. I bought a 360 Spider but I still miss my 355 Coupe quite a bit. Both are great cars but you have to try them out and see what feels best.

 

I agree with everything you said except the whole new car theory. The 308, 328, 348, and 355 all share the same basic platform since the inception of the 308. The 360 is the first all new car since, this obviously makes it a much better car modernly speaking. I do agree however your little brother theory. I would much rather have the 328 vs the 308, and 355 vs the 348. It will be intresting to see if this will stand with the 360, it is such an advanced car compared to the others, I am not sure it will go that direction. I suppose time will tell.

 

Ive just changed from a 355 spyder to a 360 modena F1. The 360 is an allround better car to drive. More responsive, precise and better built. Undoubtedly the 355 was pretty, but the looks of 360 are awesome.
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Interior is crema with bordeaux piping and carpets. Wont be wearing jeans in it!!
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I like the black too. Crema seems to be more desirable inthe uk thugh,for some reason.

 

Looks = 355 Spider

Technology and Cost = 360 Coupe

Resale = Neither

Simple as that -

 

I was always told that the 328 was the last of that type of platform, something to do with the chassis and how it was built. Any experts around here?

To answer your question, sounds like the 360 is better for you.

 

Tube steel chassis finished with the 328. 348 on is monocoque.

 

I am just over 6'4" but come in at around 240 pounds. I used to have a GT4 so I think the 355 has heaps of room!

Tony - if you ever feel that burning, uncontrollable desire to have your car back - I'll happily swap

Dave

 

Yes, definitly my point of view....