Hello, I’m new to Ferrari ownership with a 2001 360 F1 spider. I’ve now done about 500 miles in it and am thoroughly enjoying it so far. I’ve been gaining more confidence and feel like I’m starting to explore its limits a little. What’s concerning me is reading a few people describing the handling as very snappy at the limit. I normally drive in sport mode for the faster gear changes. I understand this makes the traction control worse. How much worse? Should my driving accidentally slightly exceeded my talent is the traction control likely to stop me from spinning? Can someone also confirm that the traction control does include stability control and isn’t just a system that stops the rear wheels from spinning? Thanks!
As someone who has actually spun a 360 (on the track, fortunately) I can tell you that stability control is not gonna save your butt if you overcook a turn. D
The system is stability control. Does that mean it will compensate for exceeding talent and limits on the car? Definitely not. The limits on the car are pretty far out there and you shouldn't approach them on the streets. To do so is just reckless. But if you are concerned you probably should take some performance driving classes and learn to handle a car better. THEN you can explore the limits on a track.
Wet roads or even damp.. yeah.. open the wallet. TC or not you're going to be paying for body panels..
The ASL is basically limited to reducing power if it senses wheel spin. But that doesn't do anything for lateral movement, i.e. a snappy rear end. In sport mode might as well turn the ASL off completely.
I got tired of the ASR kicking in too soon and turned it off. Big mistake. The 360 will snap spin with no warning. Luckily, I too was on the track both times when I spun.
Lift or not, when it goes it goes with very little warning. Training and racing experience will help but 360s are notorious for snap spinning. Saw a pro ball one up on same turn where I spun two years later. I had been racing for ten years and countless laps around that same track in Miata, 944s, 911s and there is a subtle high spot in that particular corner that can be felt and the ASR kept on going on killing momentum. Got tired of it and turned it off. Spun. At another track, turned it off to try to steer with the throttle as I could easily do in 911 race car. Spun. My experience is that the 360, in street trim, is nasty at the limit. But, it still my favorite car by far.
Yep, a high spot and you lose some traction when you crest. From there it is a merry-go-round and there is little you can do about it. Wet or rain and it is crazy too. Not to mention it is very sensitive to tires.
+1 to what everyone's said. I tracked my (previous) 360 a lot and found it could "surprise" you unexpectedly.
Spun my 360 on a desolate road upon a spirited take off from a stoplight. It was a "colder" (about as cold as it gets in Florida) night and tires hadn't warmed up yet. But with that said the tires needed to be replaced. Plenty of tread just too old, too hard-- which I knew and even had a new set in the loft. My bad. Lesson: Check your tires manufactured date on the sidewall. While the 360 can easily get away from you if you don't pay attention-- don't make it easier to get into trouble. PS: good on you for approaching your 360 with a conservative mindset. I too had my 360 for over three months getting acquainted with it's power and mannerisms before I got "brave". And I'd been driving 911s for years and even have a bit of track experience with those cars. Driving experience is one thing, but each car is it's own animal. Enjoy the experience!
My Ferrari 360 says in it's Italian voice "you maka mistake I kill ya!" Nothing but a bunch of crazy Italians in the 360. She has a "Wet" button for a reason
