First time buyer 360?

I have driven the PDK a ton ( on the track too) and couldn't stand F1 in a 360 or 430. You would love a 458 but PDK is so good you are now spoiled. Recommend you drive a 430 in all modes (don't even consider an F1 360) before making a decision. I went 6 speed and absolutely love it.

 

CS>430>360 is how i saw it before i made my purchase.

 

DCT on BMWs is better, too, by a lot. As others note, you're probably spoiled by how good the PDK (or any dual clutch automated manual) is. So you really should drive both an F1 and traditional 6sp manual before you buy. F1s are still easier to drive fast and unless you are exceptional with a manual, an F1 360 is faster than a manual 360. If you have the budget, try an F430 F1. The F1 gearbox is not only better than the 360's F1, but the car has significantly more HP and there are a number of other refinements as well. Still, for me it's more about driving involvement than all out track quickness, so I chose a manual, and my budget didn't really allow for a F430 (yes, factoring in the maintenance and repair, etc. - note that 430s have cam chains, not belts that need replacement every 3 yrs/36k, so are a bit less expensive to maintain).

 

I agree.

 

right off the bat you will see a night and day difference between a 430 and 360 f1 just like you would if you compared the 360 f1 to a 355 f1. A ferrari will not always be the fastest car out there or the best bang for you buck, but it will give you an experience that other cars don't have. you should buy a 360 based off passion rather than looks and being the fastest.

 

1+

 

I have an '03 360 Modena F1 and I Love it! Its so much fun to drive! I wouldn't go back to manual now. I guess what I am getting at is to each his own!

 

+1 -
Get a 360 because you love it. Not because the shifting is great, better, worse than anything else. I drove a 430 scud and was absolutely blown away by the shifting, the exhaust, everything. Got back in my 360 and drove home all bummed out. That went away quickly though. I actually really enjoy the 'violence' of the shift at WOT in the 360. I mean, it's just cool when you feel the car move/jerk during the shift and you feel like you are getting shot out of a cannon. I re-drove the 430 scud later and that sheer acceleration is there, but not the sheer raw violence of the shift that the my 360 has.
I am keeping the 360 because I love the looks, the color, the speed, all of it...

 

+1. Describes my own experience and observations perfectly.

 

This is why I LOVE my 355 F1. And it's so hard to explain to owners of cars who use paddles that shift so seamlessly you can barely tell when it does shift.

 

Yea. My 360 Spider has the raw road feel that is unique to that model. Fun, Fun, Fun. Today's pricing makes it a true bargain.