Q: COMPARE the F360 & F430 - pros/cons, etc. | FerrariChat

Q: COMPARE the F360 & F430 - pros/cons, etc.

Discussion in '360/430' started by RayJohns, May 4, 2007.

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  1. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    May 21, 2006
    7,936
    West Coast
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    Ray
    I'm giving some thought to selling my 360 and getting a 430 (both manual 6 speeds in this case). I love the 360 I have now so much (and have put so much work into it), it's difficult to imagine selling it. The lines are so smooth and flowing and the 360 is just so amazing to drive on a daily basis. It's a great car on multiple levels. Sure the 430 is faster, has more HP, handles better, etc. but is that enough reason to sell the 360 (especially with the F1 transmission not being any factor here).

    I was hoping to hear from other owners who have actually owned both the 360 and 430. What are your views as far as how the 430 compares to the 360 (or vice versa) as a daily driver, super car, etc. Everything I have seen/read so far suggests that the 430 is a much better car - but is that really the case? And if so, what specific differences have you noticed when going from the 360 to the 430?

    I recently went from the 355 to the 360 and while I miss a few small things about my 355, overall I am very glad I made the change. I just would hate to sell the amazing 360 I have now and then discover that the 430 is lacking in some regard or something.

    Any/all comments would be most welcome and appreciated. Thanks!

    Ray
     
  2. ceroge

    ceroge Rookie

    Mar 24, 2007
    28
    NEW YORK
    Full Name:
    KENSINGTON.CHELSKI
    F430 is much more developed version as u know aerodynamics are better, hps are increased and much more better.
     
  3. fazooley

    fazooley Formula Junior

    Apr 15, 2005
    387
    Hey as long as its "Much More Better" IM IN

    Faz
     
  4. marknkidz

    marknkidz Formula 3
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    Oct 7, 2004
    1,332
    so cal
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    mark
    Hmmm...i was wondering the same thing.


    But i would also factor in....Is it 100k better?
     
  5. Jompen

    Jompen Formula Junior

    May 27, 2006
    718
    I have the same question tbh. Could also add CS or 430 ? I LOVE the CS looks and really wants it, but the 430 is very nice car as well. Strangely enough the CS´s for sale are all way cheaper then any 430 in Sweden.
     
  6. leonard360

    leonard360 Karting

    Jan 6, 2005
    102
    Glendora California
    Full Name:
    Leonard Knight
    I started out with a 360 six speed and had it for about 18 months. I ended up trading it for a 430 six speed and do not regret it at all. The additional torque of the 430 is worth it all by itself. I do prefer the more rounded look of the 360 but overall the 430 gives you much of that with some modern (angular) touches. A nice mix in my opinion. Overall it just seems improved in nearly every aspect.

    If I could get a dino with the power of a 430 I would be in heaven.
     
  7. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    The biggest thing is they fixed the "twitchiness" and tendency to want to over steer. The tranny is greatly improved and won't burn through clutches. Plus no more belts to replace. Manettino and start button is cool, more horseies. You'll be back to having some trouble free warranty. The car is vastly refined all around to the point of night and day, IMO. Personally I wouldn't go back to a 360 again.
     
  8. dsunnym1

    dsunnym1 Karting

    Mar 7, 2007
    182
    MIAMI,FLORIDA
    Full Name:
    SUNNY


    +1
     
  9. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 30, 2003
    19,036
    Virginia
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    Toggie (Ron)
    Agree.
    Also the exhaust and engine sounds are more dramatic in the 430.
    I went from a 6-speed 360 to an F1 430, so my back-to-back comparison was somewhat apples to oranges.
     
  10. rbf41000

    rbf41000 Formula Junior

    Nov 21, 2005
    698
    Delray Beach FL
    Full Name:
    Russell
    I have just read this thread and am starting to dislike all the people who have responded.
    You have got me thinking about changing my 360 for a 430.
    Damn you all.

    Russell
     
  11. SoftwareDrone

    SoftwareDrone F1 Veteran
    Sponsor Owner

    Jan 19, 2004
    7,869
    San Jose, California
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    Mike
    When you buy your 430 can you sell me your lug bolts for what you paid for them ol' buddy ol' pal??
     
  12. Raz (NC)

    Raz (NC) Rookie

    Apr 23, 2007
    3
    I had a 360 F1, now a F430 Spider 6-speed. The difference is huge, although I am reminded of the 360 every now and then when I take the F430 out. The F430's engine is a huge improvement over the 360, it actually makes the 360 feel gutless which I never believed before (although many others did). The throttle response of the F430 is much improved as well.

    There are tangible improvements over the 360 in the handling department, but the big difference here is that the F430 now has an actual stability management system which works very well. If you're ever worried about losing it in your 360, the F430 adds an extra level of safety that works quite well. I had mine on a skidpad a couple of weekends ago to really get comfortable with the stability control and what it could do and it works extremely well, while still allowing you to have a bit of fun.

    Is the F430 worth $100K more than the 360? I guess it depends on how many $100Ks you've got laying around :) The sensible thing would be to wait until the F430 replacement is out and F430s are around the price of 360s, and upgrade then. The emotional thing would be to get the F430 and then upgrade again to its replacement in a couple of years.

    Are there any downsides to the F430 vs. the 360? Other than price, no.
     
  13. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
    11,298
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Dave
    The price difference between an 04 360 coupe and 05 430 coupe is really only 40-50K. Spiders are a different story of course.

    Dave
     
  14. ty (360mode)

    ty (360mode) Formula Junior

    Sep 25, 2002
    807
    Houston
    Full Name:
    Tim
    i've had 3 360's (1 f1 and 2 6spds) and 2 430's (1 f1 and my current car which is a 6spd).

    yes, the 430 is really that much more "ferrari" than the 360. i too was pretty skeptical, but as others have pointed out, all the things that you love about the 360 are just that much better in the 430. steering, balance, feel, power, interior finishes - the whole package is just crazy good.

    the only thing i liked about one of my 360's more than the 430 was the challenge exhaust i had on my '04 spider. the stock 430 exhaust is incredible and louder, but i like the higher pitch a little better on that particular exhaust - more f1-ish. but the stock 430 sounds much better, imo, than the stock or tubi 360.

    the price difference is more than 40-50k on average for comparably equipped cars. '05 430's are still going for low to mid 200's and an '04 coupe is easily around the 150-160k mark. the difference probably isn't 100k, but around 70-80k. at least in my neck of the woods.
     
  15. 2000YELLOW360

    2000YELLOW360 F1 World Champ

    Jun 5, 2001
    19,800
    Full Name:
    Art
    I had a 360 for several years, put about 30k on it. Loved that car. However, the 430 is a much better car. I didn't like the 360 when they first came out, but it grew on me. I still prefer the 360's styling over the 430, but who knows, time will tell.

    The 430 is a hugely better car. The items where Ferrari really improved the car are: much better motor. The 360 was fast, but the 430 is much quicker, and has a higher top en. The 430 handles better when driven hard, but if you want you can set the suspension to a softer setting, and you can enjoy the car on the freeway. The 430 is stiffer, quiter, and the finish is better.

    Lastly, NO BELTS!!!!!! No more 10k service bills.

    If you can afford it, get the 430.

    Art
     
  16. 720

    720 F1 Rookie

    Jul 14, 2003
    2,623
    So. Cal and No. Utah
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    Rick
    they just don't look quite as sleek as a 360 IMHO. a bit bulky in the hips. but not bad :)

     
  17. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    May 21, 2006
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    Ray
    thanks! I'm leaning towards that view as well (the 360 is more rounding looking, but the 430 still has its same appeal, with a few more angular touches).

    Thanks to all the great posts on this subject. Really helps out a lot.

    Ray
     
  18. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    May 21, 2006
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    no more belts? What did they switch to? Sorry, I haven't read up on the 430 motor yet.

    Ray
     
  19. lapeter

    lapeter Formula Junior

    Jun 13, 2002
    885
    SunValley ID&Kapalua
    Full Name:
    Al LaPeter
    I just today picked up my 430 spider ( in Salt Lake City and drove it to Sun Valley ID 350 miles) and traded my 360 spider. I will in a couple of days post my observations, but in a few words- the two cars are a world apart. The 430 spider is UNBELIEVABLE!!! More to come.
    Al LaPeter
     
  20. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    May 21, 2006
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    Might be able to work something out along those lines if they don't end up going with the car. PM me.

    Ray
     
  21. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    May 21, 2006
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    great, thanks for the info!

    Ray
     
  22. rick ollis

    rick ollis Karting

    Dec 5, 2003
    83
    Massachusetts
    Full Name:
    Rick 458
    Had 3 6 speed 360's (only way to go with that car).Got a 6 speed 430 and felt the car was to advanced and motor to powerful for the manual box. I recently got an 07 430 F1. In the past I've been the biggest fan of manual box cars but this car has changed all that.I know that alot of accolades have been aired here about how good the F1 box is but until you own one and can "explore" the cars true potential with this tranny IMHO your missing the point of this truly amazing automobile.
     
  23. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    May 21, 2006
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    I was kind of wondering about that myself, although I'm still sticking with the manual gear box even on the 430. As the F1 gets better, I bet it's quite fun to drive.

    Ray
     
  24. vm3

    vm3 Formula Junior

    Apr 12, 2007
    728
    California
    I have a 360 but have only sat in a 430, not driven it. The 430's build quality is clearly better and according to everyone's opinions, it drives much better. I completely believe it.

    IMO, the only advantage the 360 has is styling -- exterior and interior -- since the 430 is messy all around and the rear end is downright unattractive. Styling is a major part of the allure of Ferraris. For me, it comes down to giving up good looks for quality and performance.
     
  25. Gary(SF)

    Gary(SF) F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2003
    3,637
    Los Altos Hills, CA
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    Gary B.
    Ray -

    It's actually reasonably easy to compare the two cars...the 430 is improved in every way. The biggest difference of course is in power and torque, but the car is simply more advanced in every facet. I thought for some time the 360 was the better looking car, but the more I see the 430 the more I like it, especially the side scoops. Just looks more focused and aggressive. And the 6spd is just as satisfying and appropriate on the 430 as on the 360, you won't regret that decision. If I were ordering a 430 today it would be with a 6spd.

    Gary
     

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