F355F1 VS 360F1

You are opening a can worms here..... ............. I like the 360s alloy chassis and engine technology but prefer the 355s interior looks and sound..... I would get either in a manual 6-speed..... I think the F1 is better suited for track/timed use... its too boring for the street....

 

I went through the same exercise about a year ago and eventually bought an ’02 360 F1 coupe. The car has been perfect and I have been completely happy with my choice.

At the same time, I believe the 355F1 is a great car. It is smaller outside and tighter inside (some would say “more intimate”) than a 360 but is beautiful from every angle. It has excellent performance although the 360 is noticeably better on all counts, especially mid-range torque from the cam variators. There are several important “issues” suffered by some 355s which can be expensive (e.g., headers, valve guides, interior leather & plastic, etc.) although they are well known and can be readily dealt with. The general consensus seems to be that routine upkeep for a 355 is more expensive (e.g., engine out belt service) but they are great cars nonetheless.

My ’02 F1 transmission is incredibly smooth and slick under all circumstances. The 355F1 is the original incarnation of that system on street cars and is reputed to be less sophisticated, but my opinion is that the differences are minimal and that you would greatly enjoy either.

My reasons for choosing a 360 over a 355 were basically that the 360 is roomier, more refined, more sophisticated and easier to keep running perfectly. The “easier” part of it was important to me and outweighed the extra cost. Others will disagree and argue the 355F1 is a great looking and great driving car for the money (which it surely is). I believe it comes down to which factors are most important to you and your particular taste and circumstances. Good luck and have fun!

 

Great topic.
I've always wondered something....

Seems the '02 and newer F1's are suppose to be improved in regards to their shifting, just wondering how an early 360 F1 shifts compared to the 355 F1? Are they "basically the same", or did they "vastly improve" the F1 when they first released the 360?