Foolishly, sold my Challange Stradale last year and miss it lots. [needed to pay bills at the time] Now in the market for a used 360 or 430 coupe or another Stradale. Paddle shifters on the 360 would be too slow, would get a 6 speed, liked them on the Stradale and are MUCH quicker on the 430. Getting older, maybe 2 or 3 track events per year. Understanding the price differences, feedback please, 430 or 360 or re-buy a Challenge Stradale? Scuderia is out of my price range. I realize this has been answered to a certain degree in the past, need to hear from drivers that have been in the same spot, and what they bought, and, if they are now happy with their choice. I can't sleep at night!!
Just a thought, perhaps drive them all again and see which one you like best. Best of luck my friend.
If you are not too concerned about power the 360 is a great car. I absolutely love it, been an owner for 1 month. Now I am torn between upgrading the power or saving my money for 430 next year.
it is not the fastest. it may not be the best looking. but the complete package of speed, looks, noise, impact, number produced, vs cost is the best proposal for a modern fcar that i know. all the others are either too common, too expensive, not as good looking etc. drive one and you will see.
I don't disagree at all! Thanks for the reply. But how is the handling: Is it safe and predictable, or do you have to be a semi-pro race car driver to enjoy it...?
the handling is fine. reasonably predictable. i have taken it to a few circuits and rung its neck and it was fun. once it breaks its a bit harder to catch, but still fine. not as many driver aids as a 430 or a scud, so you dont need to be schumi, but it wont baby you either.
As a previous 360 spider owner, I was blown away when I drove the 430 coupe and the spider...the biggest difference was the extra 88 hp and significantly more torque- if you let the rpms drop in the 360 you are dead in the water..also the 430 has a much nicer interior, better handling and stiffer chassis...and of course for f1 drivers the 430 system is much much better and smoother.... of course we are talking about a $40-50k price difference , so you have to decide if its worth it--the 360 is an amazing, exciting beautiful car that will always be a head turner....
I cant wait to drive one/own one. Talked to an owner of both who put many km's on both cars and he told me its a "night and day" difference between the 360 and 430. 430 is a WAY better car he said.
I think you already mentioned the decision making point: 2 or 3 track days a year. For track use, Stradale or Scuderia. The Modena, F430 and F458 Italia are heavier cars (plenty heavier), and setup on the soft side (softer springs, lots of sound insulation, reduced feedback). Heavy cars are not fun at the track. The lighter the car the more fun it's at a racetrack, no matter what type of car it is. The Scuderia and Stradale are amazing road cars, but for strict street use with no intended autoX/time trials/ track day / DE use, nothing beats the 360 Modena with a manual transmission, best value.
It depends on you In 6 sp manual, 3 pedals: The 360 spider is the best looking. The 430 coupe will have the best performance Get what you like I love my 360 spider but I drive like s grandma in LA traffic! But the heads turn like crazy... Hoochies on my jock like ants on candy
I don't track my car (at least not yet) but it was an easy decision to choose a 430 over the 360. More performance, newer technology and the interior of the 430 is worlds better.
if you sold your car last year to pay bills you don't need a ferrari this year. but other than that you really only need to ask yourself one simple question: do you think a sports car needs an arm rest?
For those who like to drive farther than around the block or to church then an arm rest can come in handy... To ask this is pointless because its been asked a few times and answered . It's the equivalent to asking do you prefer an Apple or an Orange.