[Aviator]

Good Evening,

I am a Porsche 911 owner for over 25-years, but have admired friends Ferrari’s and always wanted one (like so many, I’m sure!) I may be ready to take the plunge, but am a bit afraid of cost of ownership compared to my Porsche experience. The great thing about the Porsche’s is that they are very fun to drive, satisfying to own and reliable. In my experience - do the required service, expect something to break once in a while, but they are reliable.

Now I am probably in the 355 or 360 affordability range and find both cars pleasing, so I am trying to choose the right model based on reliability and cost to keep. While I am sure that many will say “if you are concerned with cost, stay with the 911”, but I am interested in opinions. All things being equal, I like the 355 and the price range for that is less than the 360, but then I don’t want to spend the difference in maintenance on the 355! I’m located in Fort Lauderdale, so I will be looking for an impendent for support, and welcome recommendations on these cars and service.

Thanks for your insight and time.

[Mike Law]

I've had both cars. They say a F355 is much more expensive to maintain but my first service bill for the 360 was 10k+ euro. And my highest service bill for the F355 was less than half that amount. So in the end, it really depends on the car you'll buy.

You can't really compare Porsche and Ferrari maintenance. Ferrari's are italian, V8's and everything is built the italian way. Change belts? Remove the whole engine from the car...

That being said: buy a well taken care of F355 or 360 and you will have the time of your life. I've had a 911 GT3 aswell and it was NOTHING compared to the Ferrari's. They'll cost more but in the end, you are gonna love her

[il Capolino]

Ciao, Brent!

If you search the threads regarding these two cars you will find all the answers. I have owned both cars and they are both very good. The 360 is a more modern car and the best driver. It is a very, very good sports car. The quality level is definitely higher on the 360 and a cambelt change is not an engine out story like on the 355. In those days I used both cars for short trips and continent crossing and I gave them a very good dose of mileage. The 360 never had a single issue whereas the 355 had some irritating quality related failures.

Try them both and see which one you fall for! My personal recommendation is to buy a 360 Berlinetta, preferably a manual but don't be scared of the F1.

[Killer58]

Brent,

I faced the same dilemma back in August. Short answer: I went with the 360 Spider.

I highly recommend that path. Although it's hard to go wrong either way...

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by il Capolino

Ciao, Brent!

If you search the threads regarding these two cars you will find all the answers. I have owned both cars and they are both very good. The 360 is a more modern car and the best driver. It is a very, very good sports car. The quality level is definitely higher on the 360 and a cambelt change is not an engine out story like on the 355. In those days I used both cars for short trips and continent crossing and I gave them a very good dose of mileage. The 360 never had a single issue whereas the 355 had some irritating quality related failures.

Try them both and see which one you fall for! My personal recommendation is to buy a 360 Berlinetta, preferably a manual but don't be scared of the F1.

I also have owned both and completely agree with the above comments. Had very similar experiences. I would buy another 360 again with zero reservations.

[Mighty Joe]

Here's what I did!!! My 360 Modena F1.... No regrets what-so-ever! F1 tranny all the way!

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Having owned a 355 only and have had no interest in 360, maybe I should refrain from making a comment. But what the heck, ...how about considering a 328 ? w/ smiles Jimmy

[gothspeed]

If you want uncertainty, less room and less refinement go with an F355 ............ that is what I went with

[SCM246]

Personally I like the F355 body style and shape better but you mentioned reliability as as prime factor, then I'd recommend the 360 with a manual transmission. It is known that F355 headers develop cracks, the belt change requires removing the engine from the car, oil drips devour the low sitting alternator, valve guide wear is a known to be high, and the cylinder heads develop cracks across the rises between valves.

Both are nearly depreciated to similar levels, but since they made 18,000 360s in all varieties they're not going to be collectables but driveables.

Originally Posted by Mighty Joe

Here's what I did!!! My 360 Modena F1.... No regrets what-so-ever! F1 tranny all the way!

Challenge wheels and rear Challenge grill - NICE!

[cjtownman]

Originally Posted by Mighty Joe

Here's what I did!!! My 360 Modena F1.... No regrets what-so-ever! F1 tranny all the way!

Hey there Joe, I am new to the forum. How did you like dealing with FOA? I can see the dealership in the pic of your beautiful car. I spent many lunch hours walking that parking lot as it was near my old office.

You still love the 360?

[ALEX A]

Both cars are great , all Ferrari's are great. I just sold my 355. I really do miss it. Again guys only my my thoughts. I feel a 355 drive great and sound the best with the right exhaust and test pipes. I DO NOT WANT TO OFFEND ANYONE. Best of luck on your purchase . Have the car inspected if you buy it privately.
Thank
Alex.

[Granucci]

I agree with Boxer and il Capolino but can only relate from all the forum readings, personal experiences of friends and mechanics.

[colonel1961]

Originally Posted by Mighty Joe

Here's what I did!!! My 360 Modena F1.... No regrets what-so-ever! F1 tranny all the way!

Wait a minute - that's my nero F430 at FoAtlanta...

[Barry]

Originally Posted by colonel1961

Wait a minute - that's my nero F430 at FoAtlanta...

What F430???

[needspeed]

Originally Posted by Barry

What F430???

There is a Scud in the background.....Otherwise the black car is a 360......Steve

[colonel1961]

[QUOTE=Barry;134894]What F430???[

Just saw the tail lights - mea culpa - 360.

Sure matched the color, calipers, wheels, shields of mine sold to FoA.

Sorry...

[F1.360.LOVER]

I have never driven an F355 but I have ridden in one. My 360 seems a little quicker. The F1 is much better in the 360 compared to the F355. You'll probably want a stick in a F355. The engine has to come out for the F355 belt service. The service is a little dearer than the 360. The people I have met love their F355 and wouldn't change them for a 360. I would tell you to drive both; however, I took a Challenge Stradale and a manual 360 for a test drive before I bought my F1 360 and it just isn't enough time behind the wheel.

[355dreamer]

The "issues" of the 355, onced fixed, are no longer issues.

Go with a properly sorted 355. A better looking car, with lower production numbers and a sweeter sound. Performance at this point for either car is surpassed by the latest offering from BMW and Cadillac

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by 355dreamer

The "issues" of the 355, onced fixed, are no longer issues.

Not quite, if he replace cracked manifolds with OEM ones, they will crack again in a few years.

[355dreamer]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Not quite, if he replace cracked manifolds with OEM ones, they will crack again in a few years.

Agreed, but why would you ever do that when there are so many good aftermarket headers available?