Drove both an 05 430 F1 and a 00 360 F1 today. The 430 was amazing. Im a hard core manual guy, but would be happy, for sure, with the F1. Today was my FIRST ever Fcar experience. The 360 was very nice as well, but probably should have driven it before the 430 Also drove a manual Gallardo that was very nice. Trying to do proper research combined with driving and "soul searching" to figure out what it is I want. Thanks for listening to me babble........ Decisions, decisions!!
Am curious to hear your review of each car in more detail. The 360 and Gallardo pricing is getting very attractive. I can only imagine they will continue to fall as time goes on. If I decide to move to an Fcar it will be a 360 manual, spider, red/blk would be ideal! --JK
I would be happy with any of these for sure. I'm currently driving an 05 NSX. Here are my thoughts: 360: Probably need to drive a manual to get a better opinion. Certainly classic lines. I think knowing that it has belts is a downside for me. The interior is a bit plain. Disappointed with the stock exhaust note, but that could be fixed. 430: Loved the F1. My first F1 experience. Would like to drive a manual as well, but would be happy with the F1. Gorgeous outside, inside is nice too. Drove not nearly as harsh as I thought it might. Timing chain makes me confident. Only question would be maintenance on the F1. Love the exhaust note on start up and at cruise. Gallardo: Best "fit" in the interior. Maybe because it feels smaller and more intimate? Hate the zero visibility in front. Guess I could get used to it. Tons of torque. Manual was very nice with a not too light, not too heavy clutch. Love the clanking of shifter gates. I think overall thinking I could get an 05/06 Gallardo for similar price of an 360, I would do the Gallardo. If I wanted to spend a bit ($40k?) more, the 430 would be awesome. It was a great day!
The F430 is the better car of all three. It's also the most expensive. My issue is, if you're going to spend that much money, don't you want the best? If not, then the other two will make you very happy. All three are really fine machines.
Maintenance costs should not be your deciding factor. The F430, even with the F1, has so far been relatively bullet proof. There are plenty of higher mileage cars out there with unblemished maintenance records. You will always find someone who's had a nightmare experience, but that can happen on any of the cars you listed. And you save so much by not having to replace belts like on the 355 and 360 that you can afford to "bank" some cash for the possibility of the F1 going south. Like any mechanical object, if you perform the recommended maintenance, these cars should last a very, very long time. I too was a manual transmission guy and thought I'd dislike the F1, and was unimpressed with the F1 in the 360....but it took me about a mile to fall in love with the F1 in the 430. And if you plan to track your car, the F1 REALLY shines. Besides, it IS a manual transmission, just shifted with a paddle vs a pedal. Any of the cars would make you smile every time you took it out. There are no bad choices here....but get the 430.
Not so fast (no pun intended). What's best for you may not be best for someone else. Power/Performance perspective: Realistically, most people are not pushing the limits of their Ferraris on public streets. The 360 has more performance and power than they will need, unless they are going to the track and serious about lap times. Looks perspective: Although some people may prefer the look of the 430, I think most people would agree that the 360 is the better looking car. Cost perspective: I think the 360 will age better with time, not to mention once you factor that depreciation will hit the 430 much more and will more the offset any additional maintenance cost on the 360. So the "best" car for the OP depends on their preferences and how they plan on using the car and how they weight the items above. For me, my decision was easy. I prefer the looks both exterior and interior of a 360, but that is my opinion. A 360 spider is sex on wheels! Either way you can not go wrong if you get the car you really want. -Jim
I highly recommend you to test drive the manual counterparts, especially for 360. These will be last Ferraries with traditional manual. I too came from NSX. I had a Supercharged NSX with significant amount of weight reduction. I ended up with 6spd 360 and I do not miss the NSX one bit. The F430 is a better car all around, but 360 is better looking car in my opinion and 360 is a bit lighter and plenty quick enough outside of track. I rarely get a chance to stretch legs. I have not even added hyperflow cats yet. No problem so far other than replacing the plastic shifter bushing with a metal piece ($95). If $40~$50k is not a lot of money for you, by all mean go for 430 or go for 360 CS.
I moved from a 355 to a 430 manual gear. If street driving will be the most part of driving, I would advice a manual. Try at least to make a test drive with a 430 manual as mentionned in the previous post. I just love it and each drive take such a pleasure to play with gears exactly as I want. No computer to decide when and how hard I want to blib The last thing, the manual is bullet prove (but make sure the recall has been done if it's a 2005/2006 model), so no bad surprises. Good luck and continue to enjoy choosing the right one. The research part is also a very nice experience
Jason: Tell me you didn't drive these cars in Minnesota! Its 0 degrees F here with way too much snow and ice for me to even contemplate bringing out my toys for at least another few months. I'm jealous. ;-).
I owned all three, and the Gallardo (once it is converted to RWD, and that huge heavy stock exhaust is removed) is the best value, it is as fast as a 430 handles the same, and costs less.
I would not let the timing belts of the the 360 deter you if you love all other aspects of the car...after all NSX is a belted car.
I drove an eGear Gallardo yesterday and was left unimpressed. It might have been the example, however. It also seemed to ride much more harsh than the (same my04) I drove the day before. So sounds like I need to drive a manual 360 and 430 before I go any further. I certainly like the Gallardo, especially at the price point of, even, an 06. Also, I am a coupe guy, so no interest in a spyder of any car. Thanks for all the help so far!
Go for the 430 so you won't look back. The F1/Manual debate remains unsettled - I like them both. With the F1, you can focus on your lines and your braking and carry incredible speed. With the manual, your head hurts after estimating the shift, braking, and turn-in points on a spirited drive. As strange as it may sound, they are equally rewarding.
I drove a 6 speed 430, then an F1 430, then a 6 speed 360. I went with choice #1. If I had bought a 360 I would have been looking to trade up right away. I never considered a Lamborghini. I would at least test drive a 6 speed.
If you are not going to turn the Gallardo into RWD, I'd go with a gearshift Coupe (what I owned) 430, if you decide to save money and buy the Gallardo and make it RWD, you will own a car that is every bit as good as a 430, and you will have a newer car, and change in your pocket. If you drove a 04 egear that did not have an updated system (mine does), it would be like the early 360's not a great system.
