driving RX7 vs 360

I have a modified 1994 R2 in addition to my 360 Spider, guess which one is in storage, hint not the Ferrari.

 

A Ferrari is a Ferrari. it may not be the fastest car on the planet but you'll be piloting the sexiest, most soulful, most arousing automobile ever made.

I rest my case.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth...perfectly said....

 

I don't know too many people who dream of one day owning and driving a Mazda. I don't think I've ever seen people taking cell phone pictures of an RX-7 driving down the road. And I haven't ever noticed people gathered round an RX-7 at a gas station to check it our (twin turbo or otherwise).

All that aside, I would offer that buying a lower priced 360 can often come with needed work and / or unexpected repairs. Be aware that maintenance costs on a Ferrari can be unexpected and several thousands of dollars at a time. My recommendation would be to have enough extra in a rainy day maintenance fund readily available. Do your research and know what you are getting in to.

 

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Very well put.
This is what I´d say with only few months of 360 Spider ownership behind me (coming from Porsches).

 

Had an 86' when I was in college.

I'm sure you're comparing a later variant, but, it was the biggest POS I have ever driven.

It was nice and light, Wankle had the advantage of being able to boost it and wind to oblivion. Otherwise HORRIBLE handling. Totally front heavy, eventually killed it when fishtailed, spun and FLIPPED in the twisties. POS.

Went back to Porsches with handling that was commensurate with my driving demands and haven't had any issues since. Ferrari is on another level entirely.

 

I still have my modified 3rd gen that I bought new in December 1992. When it was built there wasn't another car on the road that touch it's handling. It has it's share of cheap interior parts, not unlike a Ferrari. I still get a thrill driving it and the styling is timeless. They are two completely different cars each have there pluses and minuses. Be sure you are in the position to be able to repair the 360. I just replaced 2 - 6" coolant lines and a thermostat and the parts alone were over $500.

P.S. I get people (young and old) taking pictures of my RX-7 all of the time, even more-so than the 360.

 

I recently got a 360 spider, and I have to say opening it up on long road is an unbelievable experience. You have the speed, the sound, the feel, and then finally the realization that you are in one of the most desirable car brands the world has ever known... And you dont have to give it back! Its pretty special.

If you are concerned about performance comparison though, go to Las Vegas or some other city where you can test drive them on a track. Might be worth spending a little money to ensure you are going to be happy with the ride.

 

I had a '94 RX-7, mildly modded. It was definitely a nice car, but it doesn't feel like a Ferrari. Although not as quick as a modded turbo car, the 360 is the total package. The engine response and sound, the rear mid-engined balance, the Italian design. Then, there's the feeling you get just being in it - the low seating position, looking out over the fenders, sitting behind that prancing horse logo, etc. There really is no comparison.

Of course, you have to buy a good, well cared for car and have it serviced correctly at a reputable dealer or good independent. Though no car is perfect, a lot of 360 drivers have enjoyed many trouble free miles with no or minimal problems during ownership.

 

there is a pretty large following of Japanese car enthusiasts for this gen Rx7. Some consider this a better car than from the 90's than an NSX. A relatively good model will pretty much sell for the same price as MSRP. how many mass produced Ferrari from the 90's can say the same thing? (F40 and F50 are limited production).

 

I owned a '93 third generation twin turbo RX7 many moons ago. I had persistent problems with the sequential turbos which the dealer wasn't able to repair, but which I repaired myself in the end. However, when working correctly it was a terrific car -- very fast, excellent road manners, and to many eyes (mine included) one of the nicest designs ever to come out of Japan.

However, I now own a 360 and there's no comparison. Give me a choice between the two and I'd take the 360 any day of the week. But in all fairness, I really think we're talking about chalk and cheese, and not everybody can afford a 360. Therefore, on a limited budget, I'd definitely consider the Mazda as I have very fond memories of mine.

 

I recently went went for a ride in a Ferrari 360 right after I went for a high speed ride in a Lamborghini Diablo Roadster. When you start talking about mid 4 sec to 60mph cars and quicker, even when barely trying they are all faster than you can drive safetly and legally on the street. The 360 felt fast even compared to a rwd Diablo. The 360 is such an incrediable driving machine, it felt like it was bred for the sole purpose of driving pleasure.

In all honestly at least in Michigan the general population of people are annoyed by people driving around with loud exhaust on their RX7, Supras, Camaros, Mustangs, etc. However I have yet to hear someone complain about a Ferrari. There is a difference between a car sounding nice and just making a bunch of annoying noise...

Even after feeling all the performance of the Diablo, and all the attention it garners on the street, my Fiancee said the 360 was the "much better car and the one we have to get", and she hated Ferraris the day before the ride...
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Former FD owner here. Enjoy your car, it's a great car at any price. I would not sell that car if I were you.

Ferrari 360 is no doubt better in just about anyway but there are other cars a lot better than 360.

Both cars are equally a PITA to maintain. Cost of repair is about 10x on the Ferrari.

If you do want an exotic, I would recommend a Gallardo or F430. Skip the F360 due to reliability and old age.

 

Reliability issues?

 

Another non-owner about to get flamed, LOL.

 

The 360 is a fantastic car and so are the mid 90's japanese sport cars ( i love them) so many years by and still a lot of them still on the road , i love the rx7 , have a 3000gt( had it over in europe on the autobahn a couple of times and it was sweet) and 360 , had an nsx that i sold a few years back ( cool car) if you can get a f 430 if not the 360 will still be an awesome car , maintanance wise the 360 could be expensive but if you want to get dirty is easy to work on and it could save you money( parts could be expensive, shop around) also if you can befriend a ferrari mechanic in your area and that will assure you with everything that may go wrong , to me the 360 is good built quality and reliable car , 360's prices are still coming down so take time in shopping for one . Good luck
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So true , felt the same way about the lambos , they feel too germanized to me ....ferrari got soul....and that is the truth

 

I suspect you may be slightly disappointed in the outright straight-line performance of the 360. Power comes on in an extremely linear way whereas I imagine your RX takes a little time to spin up and then torque rushes in and she rips?

In the twisties? I'd be surprised if the RX were to best the 360.

Noise, looks, Italian design, sheer beauty .......? 360 is in a different league I feel and (I do like the RX!)

Best of luck if you proceed. I don't think you'll be disappointed save only (potentially) pure acceleration surge.

 

I wish Vegas had the 360 and CS for tracking, but they just had 430, Scud, and 458. It'd be great fun to do some laps in each and work your way up the line. I won't be so audacious as to try to order them though .

If I bought a 360, CS, F430, Scud, and 458, would Ferrari chat member's and potential buyers having a hard time deciding on model be lining up to come test drive the entire line for $1.5k? That's probably about what it'd cost in Vegas at $300 per 5 laps in each. Then again, I don't exactly have a race track and don't think going out to some farm lands would cut it. It would be a fun business to have though, but I don't think there's any way it'd make business sense financially .

 

I like the rims on your 360 mihai007. What are they?

 

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I really love my Silvia!
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