[CanadiannGuy]

Hey everyone I joined this forum recently so I can get the opinion of some Ferrari experts. I'm about to make my first Ferrari purchase, either a 1999 F355 Spyder or '01 360 Modena hardtop. I really can't choose between them...They both have amazing looks (though the 355 is a bit better) and they both have amazing performance (have test driven both). My current budget allows me to afford a F355 right now, and for a 360 Modena I'll probably have to wait about a year. Maintenance costs is another issue, as I have heard a Modena is more reliable and a 355 "spends most of its time in a garage". However, I have also heard a 355's driving experience is like no other and the maintenance costs are totally worth it. I would use the car as an everyday car mostly within the city, so this may be another factor. I'd appreciate if everyone could share some of their opinions and steer me in the direction of either one of these fine cars.

[wetpet]

Tough question. specially as an everyday driver in the city. Leaning toward the 360. But it really is more of a personal decision. Have you driven both?

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Welcome to FL, CanadianGuy. My choice would be 360, based upon your intentions. Good luck with your purchase. w/ smiles Jimmy

[360 Modena]

Go for the 360 - love mine and it has been problem free as it approaches 20,000 happily driven miles

If you go the 355 route (or is it root?), make sure it is fully sorted out

Both cars are fanstastic rides IMHO

[ECSofVirginia]

The guys are right, if you really want to use the car regularly the 360 will do it much more easily.

The 355 is a great car but does require a real investment to iron out the bugs. It's much more difficult to buy a sorted 355, most of them are being held onto. If you bought one very inexpensive and then had a qualified shop address the know problem areas before you start really driving it you will be ok.

Realistically you'll have nearly as much in vested into the 355 as you will the 360 to make it right. It's a matter of finances and preference.

[Gcalo]

Despite the great advice maybe you should drive each back-to-back to get a more personal feel.

The 355 spider is a beautifully designed car.

The 360 is as sleek as ever.

Maybe a closer look will help you decide.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by wetpet

Tough question. specially as an everyday driver in the city. Leaning toward the 360. But it really is more of a personal decision. Have you driven both?

+1, would definitely lean towards the 360 but you need to drive both.

[CanadiannGuy]

Originally Posted by wetpet

Tough question. specially as an everyday driver in the city. Leaning toward the 360. But it really is more of a personal decision. Have you driven both?

Yup I've test driven both and loved the feel of both cars. I'm also pretty sure I have enough money to not financially worry about the maintenance costs of a 355 unless their like astronomically high?

Originally Posted by ECSofVirginia

The guys are right, if you really want to use the car regularly the 360 will do it much more easily.

The 355 is a great car but does require a real investment to iron out the bugs. It's much more difficult to buy a sorted 355, most of them are being held onto. If you bought one very inexpensive and then had a qualified shop address the know problem areas before you start really driving it you will be ok.

Realistically you'll have nearly as much in vested into the 355 as you will the 360 to make it right. It's a matter of finances and preference.

I see your point. I'm pretty sure I can purchase a 355 for much less then a 360 modena and use that extra money to help pay for the maintenance. I'm still leaning towards the 355 ....would it give me alot of problems in city traffic?

Originally Posted by Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS

Welcome to FL, CanadianGuy. My choice would be 360, based upon your intentions. Good luck with your purchase. w/ smiles Jimmy

Thanks Jimmy was your choice based on the fact I must drive mostly within city limits?

[wetpet]

always go with the gut. 355.

[bst1]

I happen to have both (I have the spider and my wife has the 360). The driving experience is different. The weight is the same, horsepower similar, but the feel is quite different when driving. The 360 is noticably wider, making it a bit trickier to stay in the lane on narrow twisty roads. The 355 feels smaller and the handling is a more precise.

The biggest difference , of course, is do you want a convertible or hardtop? If you like the loudness of the Capristos and the wind in your hair, there really is no choice. If you want a more modern, more conventional (more Porsche-like) daily driver, the 360 may be better.

Of course, our 360 is an F1. That might be a PITA if lots of stop and go. And speaking of maintenance costs, those F1's eat clutches compared to a regular 6 speed. The 360's are not immune to header and cat problems just like the 355's. The engine out major costs more in a 355 of course.

All things considered, both are great, but definitely get a well-sorted one either way.

[CanadiannGuy]

Originally Posted by bst1

I happen to have both (I have the spider and my wife has the 360). The driving experience is different. The weight is the same, horsepower similar, but the feel is quite different when driving. The 360 is noticably wider, making it a bit trickier to stay in the lane on narrow twisty roads. The 355 feels smaller and the handling is a more precise.

The biggest difference , of course, is do you want a convertible or hardtop? If you like the loudness of the Capristos and the wind in your hair, there really is no choice. If you want a more modern, more conventional (more Porsche-like) daily driver, the 360 may be better.

Of course, our 360 is an F1. That might be a PITA if lots of stop and go. And speaking of maintenance costs, those F1's eat clutches compared to a regular 6 speed. The 360's are not immune to header and cat problems just like the 355's. The engine out major costs more in a 355 of course.

All things considered, both are great, but definitely get a well-sorted one either way.

Definitely like a convertible the wind in hair feeling = amazing I understand what your saying, the feel of the 355 was better to me somewhat (felt more connected). I guess my minds already somewhat set on the 355, however will it be a major problem for daily driving or just a few hassles?

Nice avatar btw

[a1exander]

Welcome and my 2c worth.

Clearly both cars are with a dedicated following but for different reasons.

The 355 is a "raw" "involving" drive.
The 360 is somewhat more detached.

The 355 has a few issues which are consistent with a car that is fundamentaly 20 years old.
The 360 is modern technology with a lot more reliability.

As a daily driver I am of the opinion that the 360 would suit you better.

In summary you are asking for a rational decision on an emotive isssue.........
Go with the "gut" as this type of car is bought on the basis of feel smell touch and looks.

No matter which one you choose you will be imensely satisfied.

[Boxer]

One more comment, for a daily driver, definitely recommend a 6 speed stick over the F1.

[CanadiannGuy]

Originally Posted by a1exander

Welcome and my 2c worth.

Clearly both cars are with a dedicated following but for different reasons.

The 355 is a "raw" "involving" drive.
The 360 is somewhat more detached.

The 355 has a few issues which are consistent with a car that is fundamentaly 20 years old.
The 360 is modern technology with a lot more reliability.

As a daily driver I am of the opinion that the 360 would suit you better.

In summary you are asking for a rational decision on an emotive isssue.........
Go with the "gut" as this type of car is bought on the basis of feel smell touch and looks.

No matter which one you choose you will be imensely satisfied.

Thanks for your advice! my gut says to go with a 355... but then again everyone on this forum is saying a 360 would be better suited to me. I'm torn between my liking and the advice of several ferrari owners haha

Originally Posted by Boxer

One more comment, for a daily driver, definitely recommend a 6 speed stick over the F1.

Is this because it burns out the clutch quickly in city traffic?

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by CanadiannGuy

Is this because it burns out the clutch quickly in city traffic?

F1 and traffic are not a great combination.

[CanadiannGuy]

Originally Posted by Boxer

F1 and traffic are not a great combination.

Why exactly? Just wondering

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

To answer your question, yes, city driving and better reliability, which means more time on road than in garage.

That said, personally I prefer the shape and looks of 355. Years ago, I still remember driving along LA freeway behind a yellow 355 spyder. It was a splendid sight and the sound was exquisitie. Good luck. w/ smiles Jimmy

[CanadiannGuy]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS

To answer your question, yes, city driving and better reliability, which means more time on road than in garage.

That said, personally I prefer the shape and looks of 355. Years ago, I still remember driving along LA freeway behind a yellow 355 spyder. It was a splendid sight and the sound was exquisitie. Good luck. w/ smiles Jimmy

Yeah the 355 really is an amazing car! If lets say I were to buy that one, how much trouble would I go through to keep it running on the road? Would it be worth it? Thanks for the help.

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by CanadiannGuy

Yeah the 355 really is an amazing car! If lets say I were to buy that one, how much trouble would I go through to keep it running on the road? Would it be worth it? Thanks for the help.

I am not a gearhead, thus I can only say from my own ownership experience. I used to own a used 1997 model F355B manual for almost three years from 1999. During my ownership, the car was trouble free. Very reliable. Maybe I was lucky. Nevertheless, it boils down to finding a well kept and maintained 355. As long the basic rules are followed, I have no doubt you would luv the car. w/ smiles Jimmy

[CanadiannGuy]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS

I am not a gearhead, thus I can only say from my own ownership experience. I used to own a used 1997 model F355B manual for almost three years from 1999. During my ownership, the car was trouble free. Very reliable. Maybe I was lucky. Nevertheless, it boils down to finding a well kept and maintained 355. As long the basic rules are followed, I have no doubt you would luv the car. w/ smiles Jimmy

I would trust ownership experience more in this case :P I guess your right, what should I look for in a reliable 355?