My "new" 360 spider vs. my "old" 355 spider

I have just in the last three days driven my "new" 2002 360 spider about 50 miles. My 355 spider is still in my garage, but it is sold and waiting to be picked up. I would like to share some initial thoughts and comparisons between the cars. I did own the 355 spider two years. I want to preface my remarks by stating that for the money, the 355 spider has to be one of the best ragtops in the world. The 360 spider is $100,000 more and should be a lot more car. I will post some pics when it stops raining. My initial impression is that the 360 feels a lot faster than the 355. Both cars are six speed. These comment are random thoughts, so forgive me. The 355 has stock exhaust and the 360 has tubi. Until I owned the 360, I was impressed with the sound of the 355 stock exhaust. The 360 with tubi is worlds apart from the 355 sound. The tubi sound is awesome. Idle sound is a sound to behold. At 65 mph in sixth gear it sounds like a lion is behind growling, but it is in a cage and you can hear the radio without a problem. When you get "on it" the lion is out of the cage and forget about the radio because the sound almost made me "wet my pants". I just love the tubi sound. Head and shoulders from the stock 355 spound. My 360 has daytona seats and they feel similar to the stock seats on the 355. I really believe the daytona seat difference is just the look and I love that look. I can't say enough about the convertable top. It is a wonder and a work of art. It must be magic. No comparion to the 355. The 360 seems easier to get in and out of, almost feels higher. Maybe The power seat are a little higher and that it why it is easier to enter. The interior is larger and feels more comfortable. Having the cars side by side, the 360 really is a bigger car, but feels more nimble that the 355. I happen to like creature comforts. The 360 has the modular wheels and that really sets off the entire car and the look is spectacular. The red calipers are a must on a red car. Let's talk about the shields. When I was thinking how I would spec out my new spider (I am still on "the list" for a new 430 spider), I didn't think I would spend the $1000 for the shields, WRONG!!!! Everytime I look at the car the yellow shields with the red background is really something. If you only look at the money, you can't beat the 355 spider. If you want to spend some of the kids inheritance, the 360 spider is "priceless". This is my fourth Ferrari and by a long shot is is the best yet. Wait until I get the 430 spider (Sean Harris, I hope you read this). In conclusion, "my redhead" is more than I expected. I am driving it to Boise (150 miles) in a couple of weeks and I am sure I will be impressed. Those of you out there in Ferrari land, if you can afford a 360, but have been waiting, just do it. You won't be disappointed. I want to thank everybody on FerrariChat out there because you all have helped me get to where I am in Ferrari land.
Happy trails everybody,
Al LaPeter

PS: If anybody in the future wants a great 360 spider, I will sell her when my number comes up on the 430 spider!!!

 

If money were no object and "management" (the wife) would approve I would definately own both cars. "Try it, you'll like it"