F355 Berlinetta or Spider

TxEddie1111 · 10-07-2011, 04:18 AM

I'd like some opinions.

Better yet, pros and cons from car owners.

I'm down to some final decision making before i rigorously search for "the car" and want the best data (opinions/facts) on this one thing; Berlinetta or Spider?
I love the way the spider looks, top down but I don't care for the looks too much top up. I suspect I'll drive top down less that top up just because I won't want to leave the car top down when I park (restaurant, gym, etc) and if my habits with my other "second" cars is an indication; I don't do a lot of driving "just to go driving". I imagine that some of the car's use could be at the track "for fun" (not abuse).
I also really like the look of the coupe, a lot! But the top down of the convertible...well, hard to beat...rather awesome!

So, what are some things I may be too "in love in general" that I am not seeing, that will be clear with 6 months of ownership?

Oh, I do have a quick "other" opinion. I'm almost positive that I desire red/tan...which red??? I like the tradition Rossa but the Barchetta (blood red) looks sweet in pictures. Any opinions there.

...I've begun dreaming about these cars.....

Thanks for the help!

Eddie

ghardt · 10-07-2011, 03:27 PM

1. Assuming you live in Texas, most of the time it's too hot for a spider.
2. A TB is more desirable in my opinion because they are rare compared to the spider.
3. 355 spiders have a history of hydraulic problems with the roof.
4. TB less wind noise at speed.
5. TB is the right choice.
6. Get a spider for the wife or girlfriend.

Killer58 · 10-07-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxEddie1111

I don't do a lot of driving "just to go driving".

Eddie,

That one sentance says it all, get a coupe.

champagne612 · 10-08-2011, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxEddie1111

I'd like some opinions.

I don't do a lot of driving "just to go driving".

Eddie

Bet that's going to change

If you want a Spider get it ... not everything has to make sense!

Boxer · 10-08-2011, 04:49 AM

If you are just going to cruise in the F355, buy the Spider, if you are going to track it, get the Berlinetta.

TxEddie1111 · 10-08-2011, 07:08 AM

Thanks guys!

...for confusing me more!!! haha

...the targa was a good idea I had not considered. I looked and there are a bit scarcer...no worries though, I can take my time. This one has got me thinking.

I guess in the end, any good example, will be sweet.

I assume the "track" (Berlinetta) suggestion is because of frame rigidity? (I could use a Spider if I desired?)

I've heard mostly "now" on the F1 due to maintenance issues. Is this a major deal? I had the paddle shift in my Maserati and never had any trouble but then again, it was a 2005. More intel on this would be helpful (not that I necessarily want the F1...just opens up the availability a bit more).

I'll keep you posted!

(Still welcome to opinions)

Boxer · 10-08-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxEddie1111

Thanks guys!

...for confusing me more!!! haha

...the targa was a good idea I had not considered. I looked and there are a bit scarcer...no worries though, I can take my time. This one has got me thinking.

I guess in the end, any good example, will be sweet.

I assume the "track" (Berlinetta) suggestion is because of frame rigidity? (I could use a Spider if I desired?)

I've heard mostly "now" on the F1 due to maintenance issues. Is this a major deal? I had the paddle shift in my Maserati and never had any trouble but then again, it was a 2005. More intel on this would be helpful (not that I necessarily want the F1...just opens up the availability a bit more).

I'll keep you posted!

(Still welcome to opinions)

Personally the F1 on the F355 would not be recommended. Regarding the track, the Berlinetta is stiffer than the Spider. GTS is compromise between the two. The roofs on the GTS do leak though.

m5guy · 10-08-2011, 03:52 PM

Rosso Barchetta is a pretty rare color for the 355 so I think your choices will be better with Corsa. This is Barchetta.

Boxer · 10-08-2011, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m5guy

Rosso Barchetta is a pretty rare color for the 355 so I think your choices will be better with Corsa. This is Barchetta.

What wheels are those

m5guy · 10-10-2011, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxer

What wheels are those

Advan T5 in 19" on all 4 corners.

Jett Ferrari · 11-22-2011, 10:30 AM

Buy the Spider as you desire it first, then look at the removable hard top for the 355 Spider and now you have a B car and a Spider. Check out the thread "Removable Hard Top for your 355 Spider" There are pictures there. Problem solved.

bobzdar · 11-22-2011, 10:37 AM

If you plan to track it, I would (and did) go with a Berlinetta. I prefer the GTS to the spider if you want an open top, but that's personal preference. F1 equipped GTS is the rarest of the 355's, so may one day have some value, though I kind of doubt it...

TxEddie1111 · 11-22-2011, 05:34 PM

Got a spider!

I do love the Berlinetta and the GTS equally. I was at a Ferrari show this weekend and saw Ferrari-overload (if there is such a thing). there were several of all types and at the end of the day...they are all just brilliant!

Boxer · 12-04-2011, 05:13 AM

Have you taken delivery?

Kurby69 · 12-04-2011, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxEddie1111

Got a spider!

I do love the Berlinetta and the GTS equally. I was at a Ferrari show this weekend and saw Ferrari-overload (if there is such a thing). there were several of all types and at the end of the day...they are all just brilliant!

Good call on getting the Spider!!! Believe me, you will not be disapointed. The music from the exhaust note is intoxicating!!!

White Knight · 12-20-2011, 07:26 AM

When I was deciding...the wife wanted a spider, I wanted a berlinetta. So, of course...ended up with a GTS.

Love the car. The only annoyance I have with the GTS is the rattle of the targa top. It can get annoying...but then I just blast it up to 8K and the noise goes away. :-D

I always envisioned a 3-pedal, and the spider's just didn't asthetically appeal to me as much as the coupes/GTS'. Plus, being gen-1, the spider top and F-1 transmissions are prone to hiccups.

All the best. Enjoy!

Boxer · 12-20-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White Knight

When I was deciding...the wife wanted a spider, I wanted a berlinetta. So, of course...ended up with a GTS.

Love the car. The only annoyance I have with the GTS is the rattle of the targa top. It can get annoying...but then I just blast it up to 8K and the noise goes away. :-D

I always envisioned a 3-pedal, and the spider's just didn't asthetically appeal to me as much as the coupes/GTS'. Plus, being gen-1, the spider top and F-1 transmissions are prone to hiccups.

All the best. Enjoy!

Does yours leak from the front corners in the rain?

gothspeed · 12-20-2011, 05:20 PM

I prefer the spider because I think it looks better than the B .......... especially with the top up

!!!! the smaller rear window just looks right to me

............ and this is coming from a lifelong proponent of hard tops ........ the F355 spider looks perfect IMO .....

White Knight · 12-21-2011, 05:24 AM

Boxer --

I've noticed a bit with mine but nothing drastic. I think some of the leaking may have to do with the age of the gasket material, as it does degrade.

I've noticed a few water droplets here and there both when I wash it and when out in the rain, but only from the front right corner, not the driver's side.

Boxer · 12-21-2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White Knight

Boxer --

I've noticed a bit with mine but nothing drastic. I think some of the leaking may have to do with the age of the gasket material, as it does degrade.

I've noticed a few water droplets here and there both when I wash it and when out in the rain, but only from the front right corner, not the driver's side.

It sounds like your gaskets are in very good condition. Mine used to leak from both front corners in heavy rain.

10-07-2011, 04:18 AM	#1
TxEddie1111 Owner Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Ferrari Life Posts: 34 Name: Eddie	Berlinetta or Spider I'd like some opinions. Better yet, pros and cons from car owners. I'm down to some final decision making before i rigorously search for "the car" and want the best data (opinions/facts) on this one thing; Berlinetta or Spider? I love the way the spider looks, top down but I don't care for the looks too much top up. I suspect I'll drive top down less that top up just because I won't want to leave the car top down when I park (restaurant, gym, etc) and if my habits with my other "second" cars is an indication; I don't do a lot of driving "just to go driving". I imagine that some of the car's use could be at the track "for fun" (not abuse). I also really like the look of the coupe, a lot! But the top down of the convertible...well, hard to beat...rather awesome! So, what are some things I may be too "in love in general" that I am not seeing, that will be clear with 6 months of ownership? Oh, I do have a quick "other" opinion. I'm almost positive that I desire red/tan...which red??? I like the tradition Rossa but the Barchetta (blood red) looks sweet in pictures. Any opinions there. ...I've begun dreaming about these cars..... Thanks for the help! Eddie

10-08-2011, 04:49 AM	#5
Boxer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Ferrari Life Posts: 12,793	If you are just going to cruise in the F355, buy the Spider, if you are going to track it, get the Berlinetta. Boxer Current: F40, F50, 612, 430 Scuderia Past: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge, 550, 575, 365BB, 512BB, 456 GT, F355 GTS, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, 308 GTB

10-08-2011, 03:52 PM	#8
m5guy Owner Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Southern CA Ferrari Life Posts: 34 Name: Greg	Rosso Barchetta is a pretty rare color for the 355 so I think your choices will be better with Corsa. This is Barchetta. Attached Images

12-04-2011, 05:13 AM	#14
Boxer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Ferrari Life Posts: 12,793	Have you taken delivery? Boxer Current: F40, F50, 612, 430 Scuderia Past: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge, 550, 575, 365BB, 512BB, 456 GT, F355 GTS, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, 308 GTB

12-20-2011, 05:20 PM	#18
gothspeed Owner Join Date: Dec 2006 Ferrari Life Posts: 170 Name: oz	I prefer the spider because I think it looks better than the B .......... especially with the top up !!!! the smaller rear window just looks right to me ............ and this is coming from a lifelong proponent of hard tops ........ the F355 spider looks perfect IMO ..... ........... F355 ...........

10-07-2011, 03:27 PM	#2
ghardt Owner Join Date: Oct 2009 Ferrari Life Posts: 17	1. Assuming you live in Texas, most of the time it's too hot for a spider. 2. A TB is more desirable in my opinion because they are rare compared to the spider. 3. 355 spiders have a history of hydraulic problems with the roof. 4. TB less wind noise at speed. 5. TB is the right choice. 6. Get a spider for the wife or girlfriend.

10-08-2011, 07:08 AM	#6
TxEddie1111 Owner Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Ferrari Life Posts: 34 Name: Eddie	Thanks guys! ...for confusing me more!!! haha ...the targa was a good idea I had not considered. I looked and there are a bit scarcer...no worries though, I can take my time. This one has got me thinking. I guess in the end, any good example, will be sweet. I assume the "track" (Berlinetta) suggestion is because of frame rigidity? (I could use a Spider if I desired?) I've heard mostly "now" on the F1 due to maintenance issues. Is this a major deal? I had the paddle shift in my Maserati and never had any trouble but then again, it was a 2005. More intel on this would be helpful (not that I necessarily want the F1...just opens up the availability a bit more). I'll keep you posted! (Still welcome to opinions)

11-22-2011, 10:30 AM	#11
Jett Ferrari Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada Ferrari Life Posts: 4 Name: Tim Wilson	Buy the Spider as you desire it first, then look at the removable hard top for the 355 Spider and now you have a B car and a Spider. Check out the thread "Removable Hard Top for your 355 Spider" There are pictures there. Problem solved.

11-22-2011, 10:37 AM	#12
bobzdar Owner Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: VA Ferrari Life Posts: 28	If you plan to track it, I would (and did) go with a Berlinetta. I prefer the GTS to the spider if you want an open top, but that's personal preference. F1 equipped GTS is the rarest of the 355's, so may one day have some value, though I kind of doubt it...

11-22-2011, 05:34 PM	#13
TxEddie1111 Owner Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Ferrari Life Posts: 34 Name: Eddie	Got a spider! I do love the Berlinetta and the GTS equally. I was at a Ferrari show this weekend and saw Ferrari-overload (if there is such a thing). there were several of all types and at the end of the day...they are all just brilliant!

12-20-2011, 07:26 AM	#16
White Knight Owner Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Goldsboro, NC Ferrari Life Posts: 22 Name: T.J. Snyder	When I was deciding...the wife wanted a spider, I wanted a berlinetta. So, of course...ended up with a GTS. Love the car. The only annoyance I have with the GTS is the rattle of the targa top. It can get annoying...but then I just blast it up to 8K and the noise goes away. :-D I always envisioned a 3-pedal, and the spider's just didn't asthetically appeal to me as much as the coupes/GTS'. Plus, being gen-1, the spider top and F-1 transmissions are prone to hiccups. All the best. Enjoy!

12-21-2011, 05:24 AM	#19
White Knight Owner Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Goldsboro, NC Ferrari Life Posts: 22 Name: T.J. Snyder	Boxer -- I've noticed a bit with mine but nothing drastic. I think some of the leaking may have to do with the age of the gasket material, as it does degrade. I've noticed a few water droplets here and there both when I wash it and when out in the rain, but only from the front right corner, not the driver's side.

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