Always wanted a 360 coupe manual and am thinking of making it happen soon. Currently have a few other sports car, one of which is a Lotus Exige. That might be the one that gets sold. Market is pretty good on them and I’ve had it almost 8 years. I had considered the Emira but the 360 just has so much character, and I think will be a safe investment. One thing I’d miss the most on the Exige is the telepathic, lively steering. It is very go cart like. The Emira is satisfying to steer too, and probably something I’d be willing to compromise on. But wondering how the steering on the 360 compares to an Elise/Exige, or even Evora/Emira if anyone has driven them. I’m trying to track one down to test drive (I’m in CT), which is tricky as I really want to drive a 6 speed coupe for the full experience to see what I’d be getting into.
I can only imagine that they're not really comparable based on size! Yes, the 360 imho is very precise and responsive, both on the steering and handling in general, but I guess they're a world apart! The 360 is actually quite a large car (in British terms) and even though it only weighs circa 1400kg, it's quite a bit heavier than any Lotus. Personally, I would have a 360 over any Lotus, but that's my opinion! Hope this helps
There is nothing that I've experienced that has the steering feel of an Exige/Elise ... The 360 will feel quite a bit safer though ... I was regularly worried in the Elise that I'd be squashed on the motorway, it feels extremely vulnerable imo especially with all the massive SUVs on the roads these days
Agreed! I’ve driven an Exige S and that steering was incredible. But…it weighs nothing. Truly go kart like! But yes…the Ferrari will feel much safer lolol
Steering feel is hard to quantify. Later cars like the 458 and newer are supposed to have excellent steering feel. Very sharp and well weighted. I've only driven a 488 GTB once for about 5 minutes so I can't really recall too much but I thought it was pretty good. Older cars like the 355 specifically the steering is supposed to be one of the weaker parts. I think it was the first mid engine car with power steering and they hadn't quite figured it out yet. Now the 360s(and presumably 430s) fall some where in the middle. I have 0 complaints and don't see anyone else saying much of anything negative about it but I don't see many people celebrating it ether. It's hydraulic like most things of that age so that contributes to what I think is a good weight and feed back. The rack is a little slow compared to my Alfa but those cars have a super sharp rack that feels like using a scalpel maneuvering the car. I would probably go as far as calling it good but not great. At least not if the benchmark you're comparing it to is a Lotus with manual steering.
Alignment will make a difference in steering feel. Go to a track oriented alignment (e.g. less toe) and it is much more lively, and better handling.
Yes, I've found that to help in the past. Often what helps even more is tires. Something like a track-orientated DOT tire will always have more feel than a more mainstream high performance street tire.
I love hydraulic steering. Only thing better is manual. Electric power steering is ruining the feel of new sports cars IMO. I'm probably in that niche that wants more sensation and weight to my steering. The Emira is hydraulic in a new car which I appreciate. Felt great. I had an older Cayman that had great steering. Recently drove a GT4 and while everything was pretty great about it (though the powerplant and sound wasn't very exciting), the steering I found to be really lackluster and dead. I've driven a newer base Cayman and it was even worse.
agree on the steering; I hate the electrical assisted systems - I think it's a big attraction that McLaren have kept hydraulic steering; saying that, from recent reviews it sounds like the 296 is the first to offer something really close to the feel of the old hydraulic systems
I sold my '05 Elise about a month ago and picked up a manual 360 coupe. I think nothing else will feel like the Lotus, which is pinnacle of pure driving feel (short of like a Caterham or some bespoke kit car). But, one of the takeaways that I felt after driving my new to me 360 is that it feels like a bigger Elise. Which I mean in a very complimentary way. Steering is light but direct and communicative (just not AS communicative). Steering inputs translate into immediate reaction. I don't want to call it twitchy, that's a negative term, but it really does react to steering very quickly. Might be my alignment too. I never thought I'd sell the Lotus, but overall I am ecstatic with my switch to the 360. Its noises, feel, and sense of occasion it delivers puts it in a unique place in the market right now IMO.
I’ve never owned an elise or a 360, but I do own an Evora GT and an F430 if that’s of any value. I will say that the steering feel of the lotus is better than the 430 when compared in isolation, but in terms of overall driving experience it doesn’t deter from it IMO. The best way to sum it up is that the lotus driving experience is led by steering feel and the Ferrari is led by chassis feel. Although I feel less through my finger tips, I feel more in the seat of the car. It’s almost like the chassis speaks to you as much as the steering. I find it to be extremely talkative and engaging.
That’s interesting. I have heard anecdotes that the 360 steering is a bit more tactile than the 430, but can’t confirm obviously. Having driven the Evora, I’d be very happy with something in the 360 package with equal steering. Evora and Exige steering is a night and day difference.
I wouldn't discount the importance of tyres too on steering feel... My scud had tyres that were over 7 years old! when I tested it (car was in a collection when I bought it) the transformation in feel when moving to a fresh set of P4S was absolutely *unbelievable* - I think the improvements in tyre technology over the last decade is somewhat underappreciated
Drove one recently. A 6 speed coupe. Unfortunately the test drive itself was terrible. I was in an area of congested city streets and only got on a straight section of highway for a moment. Really did not get a good feel for it. I will say the low speed feel wasn’t great. Rather vague, with more “play” than I expected. Not that anything was loose, it just took more movement to change direction than I’m used to. My Aston and especially my Lotus have enough feel and response at low speeds to still be fun/tactile. It was on Michelin PS4S’s. Loved the shifter and it felt like it had plenty of power to be fun. I need to give it a proper drive. Also considering a McLaren 570S, which I realize is worlds different!
Assuming the 360 is the same as the 430, there can be play in the steering U-Joint. Some can be adjusted out, sometimes you need to replace the joint which is about 2k. I forget if you push the wheel all the way in or out to minimize the "play" to determine if you can just tighten the nut on the steering U-Joint and then reset your steering angle sensor or if you need to replace the joint. I had a new joint in mine, so I knew that I just needed to tighten the nut on the joint. Drive more than a few cars to see if the "play" is specific to that car.
Ok thanks. I have read about that issue in 360’s. It didn’t feel like something was loose in the rack but it’s possible. I could still feel the tire moving, but it felt slow/squishy. It was pretty tight at highway speeds. I know it sounds silly but low speed feel is important to me, but I really need to drive one of these in the twisties.
360/430 are notorious for consuming suspension components/bushings/engine mounts/etc. From the sound of it, I think you would like an Evora GT. The low speed feel is excellent IMO.
Yes have driven an Evora GT and an Emira. I like the styling of the Emira way more so that’s been in my consideration set. It’s not as “special” as the 360 or 570S though.
My 430 steering was a little off as well, sort of loose. I swapped ball joints and it solved everything. But then I swapped motor mounts and the car feels completely different now...extremely precise and confident. I really had no idea shot motor mounts can affect steering the much.
I have driven a 360 and an F430 and thought I would update the thread in case others can benefit from this info. I’ve also driven an Evora GT, Emira, and 570S. 360: keeping in mind that the car I drove might not be the best example. But the steering feel didn’t do it for me. It was overboosted and sort of numb at low speeds, and not particularly responsive. It reminded me of some 90’s sports cars I’ve owned in that regard (though not as good as my old NSX). Once at speed it was much more responsive, but still too light. It just didn’t “speak” to me. I loved the gated manual and the car is something I wouldn’t be mad to own, but not for me. I realized steering feel is very subjective, but this was my least favorite of the bunch. Car had 22k miles and Michelin PS4S tires. 430: I LOVED this car. Only complaint was F1 gearbox but I would convert anyway. Steering was lovely. Perfectly weighted and, while not as responsive as modern supercars like the 570s, plenty fast to have fun. Lots of feedback. Car was a joy. This is a top contender. 28k miles and PS4S tires. Emira/Evora: very similar to 430 steering. Great cars but I think coming from a Lotus I’m ready for something diffferent. Both cars had very low miles. Michelin Cup 2 tires 570S: this car is incredible. So capable. Liked the throttle response on 430 better as there’s a smidge of turbo lag. Worst sounding of bunch. Incredibly fast steering response and turn in, and very tossable and confidence inspiring handling. Good feedback in steering. Gearbox is flawless and on another planet compared to F1, as expected. 430 had more of that “fun at all speeds” feel though. Macca needed more speed to start to feel special. 28k miles and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. Temps were cold, which would have hurt ultimate grip. But it was still insanely capable. It’s now a very close competition between the 430 and 570S. It may come down just to finding the right car with either. Assuming 430 resale value will be better though, so that’s a plus. Holding up to occasional track use (advanced intermediate class HPDE) is concern with both, but I have more research to do on that.
