Wanted to share....

I attended a car show in our small northern Minnesota town last weekend. My friend snapped a few pics while he was there. I just really liked this shot of my Pantera and my Modena. While these two cars share many of the same characteristics, (Italian, mid-engined, two seaters) however there mannerisms are very different. The Modena is wearing it's new shoes, courtesy of F-Chatter LOZ997. Thanks Laurence, the wheels are beautiful!

Enjoy!
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Well, I will admit that I don't drive either car as hard as the drivers in the video.

From my view, I would say the first thing you will notice when entering the 360 is simply how much more room is in the cabin. The Pantera is very tight and cramped for space if your over 5' 10" tall. In the Modena, there is plenty of room for both the driver and the passenger. Last week a gave a ride to a friend whom is 6' 3" tall and he was able to sit comfortably in the 360. You know that's not happening in the Pantera! The Pantera has poor visibility where as the 360 is acceptable. More comfort in the seats and ergonomics, just all around a better interior.

When driving the Pantera I notice that while it's has the exotic car looks, it feels much like a 70's muscle car. Now my Pantera has many modifications which I don't know if your cars shares or possibly your car has better upgrades. I have a 530 HP & 520 TQ 418 stroker, whereas the Modena has 400 HP and considerably less torque. This gives a very different feel in excelleration. Cruising at 4000 RPM in the Modena, punch it and you'll take off. Cruising at 4000 RPM in the Pantera, punch it and it feels as if you were rearended by a semi truck! The 360 is definitely not slow, but you have to stay in the high revs to stay in the power. Very much like a crotch rocket.

Steering in the 360 is fantastic. Very precise and responsive. Will it feel the same as the Pantera, no. When I first got the Modena I had been driving a 348ts for about a year. Upon first driving the car, I actually was dissapointed in the different feel of the power steering as opposed to the 348's manual steering. I felt as if I wasn't as connected to the car/road as before. However, once I put some miles in behind the wheel of the Modena, I became more accustomed to the feel of it. Now when I drive the car I feel totally confident in the steering and suspension. The cars feels planted in the corners and stable at speed. You will go through this same transition if you move from one car to the other. But I assure you, it will pass and you will grow to feel comfortable and secure with steering, braking and suspension in the Modena. When I pass the 110 mph to 120 mph in the Pantera, I'm reminded that it is a 35+ year old car. There are many wind leaks and various vibrations here and there, the roar of the Ford V-8 sitting only inches from you is daunting as well.

Best thing to do is to try and attend a Ferrari event. Have a close look at the Modena and possibly someone would give you a quick ride in one. I would say that you will agree that they are two different beasts.

Think of the Pantera as a hard rock band and the Modena more of a fine tuned symphony orchestra. Both play music, just a different style.

 

Here are a few more. The Pantera pics are three years ago now, although nothing much has changed. I drive my cars often and things are not quite as clean anymore. Funny, I've realized that I haven't taken any Pantera pics of my own in three years! I apologize if the Pantera pics are reposts, I think I posted them quite some time ago when I first joined F-Chat.
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