[ferrariforum]

What are your opinions on the choice between the different 355's?

About the Spider, does the car look good when the roof is down and the cover isn't on? (I've actually never seen a picture without the cover) Is the roof electrically manouvered on all Spiders?

Is there alot of difference in handling between the three? How about noise (road, wind)?

I've just driven a GTS and kind of liked that. There's a bit of convertible feeling and not too much trouble putting the targa top in place.

 

[adlinyusman]

okay..first things first, it depends on which part of the world you live in. If you live in a place where it is cold and rains more often then you get sunny days, then go for the berlinetta. The wind noise is noticebly less in the GTB, and you don't run the risk of getting a leak everytime it rains too heavily (my spider roof doesn't leak but i do get worried everytime it pours). I've driven the GTB, GTS and own the spider, and i chose the spider primarily because i like how it looks.

If i had had my practical shoes on, i would've probably gone for the Berlinetta, for the sole reason that it doesn't sound too noisy when i'm flooring the car at 3 times the national speed limit. The GTS on the other hand has the best of both worlds, with a roof which is easy enough to dispatch. If you do decide to get one, choose the one with the colour coded roof, it looks better and you can tell yourself that it's a berlinetta version whenever if you feel the need to.

Now regarding the Spider; the roof is not fully automatic. You have to slightly nudge the roof up a bit, until you hear a beep, and only then will you be able to bring the roof down with the motor. Fortunately bringing the roof up is a lot easier since it comes up all the way by its own, you only have to latch it in place; be wary though, the roof slams itself on the way in, so just put your hands above your head to slowly bring the roof in. I have heard of some faulty roofs for the spider, but i'm sure if you find one with a good owner, it should bring you some great motoring days for years to come.

Regardless of what you may choose, you'll love it, the 355 is a joy to drive, and the sound it makes...?? Nothing even comes close. Get it with the Tubi and you're set, oh and make sure you're a true blue (red?) ferraristi, because the Tubi is LOUD, and if you don't like it loud, then don't get it. But the way it sounds past 5,000 rpms is brutal, almost like a banshee diving it's way through the atmosphere...wailing all the way down. Baritone burble below 3500, but anything above on full throttle will most definately freeze your blood. remember...a ferrari is not just a car, it's an emotive expression of yourself, so choose with your heart as well as your mind and you'll be happy...for a very very very...long time.

 

[Bob348]

For me Berlinetta or Spider

 

[Bazil]

Fantastic post adlinyusman.

 

[ferrariforum]

adlinyusman, thank you for your advice. However, do you have any info on the handling issue? I haven't intended to use it mostly as a track car but it would still be nice to know if the differences are barely noticable or substantial.

And I totally agree on the coloured coded roof issue. Right now, I'd say I'll go for a black GTS, but... :-?

Another question: What about development and added features/fixed problems over the years? Is it better to get a 50000km -98 than a 10000km -95? Or is it better to add some money to get a 10000km -98?

 

[e_jacob77]

Hi all,

THE GTS!! GTS!! GTS!! You get the best all around for hard top, jus in case, and convery too!!! GTS!!! GTS!!!

 

[Stradale]

Hi all,

THE GTS!! GTS!! GTS!! You get the best all around for hard top, jus in case, and convery too!!! GTS!!! GTS!!!

That may be, but living with a GTS is another horrifying experience all together. The "targa" roof is the problem. It doesn't seal 100%. Be prepared to see water drips in the car during heavy rain. In fact the spyder is better in the rain. Secondly, there will be squeeks because of the movement between the "targa" top cover. You have to constantly apply silicone grease to stop the noise. All my friends who had the 355 GTS regretted buying the model.

I had the 328GTS and it became a problem becaise I have to be wary of the weather before I take the car out, simply because the targa roof leaks.

 

[ferrariforum]

Why can't you guys make your minds up. Together... :wink:

Anybody have any comments on handling differences? Anybody with testing experiences themselves?

 

[Urban996]

Hi all,

I'm new here and have been asking myself the same questions - GTB, GTS or Spider... Luckily I'm a year away from having the cash together to make the decision but I've thought long and hard about it and I figure that if the car is going to be mainly driven at weekends for pleasure, then I'm unlikely to go out in the pouring rain... so I might as well go for the Spider. Think it depends how much and what sort of use the car will get.

If I was planning to use the car more regularly I'd probably go for the GTS although reading comments here I'm even more worried about the fit and seal of the roof panels than I was before..

Cheers

 

[355GTB]

Ok I will try and be unbiased as best I can GTB GTB GTB!!!

Seriously though,

I obviously opted for the GTB for a number of reasons including:

-I love the aggresive look of the GTB over the other 2 models.
-great value for money and cheaper than GTS and Spyder
-less squeaks, leaks, rattles associated with others.
-should be safer if you are in a bad accident(i.e, more metal around you)
-very trackable
-I am sure its just me but I think men look silly driving aroung in convertibles:wink: present FF members who own convertibles excluded of course

Good luck in your search, either way you wont go wrong. The 355's are awesome ferrari's.

 

[Stradale]

Ferrari must have had a lot of complaints from owners through their dealers service that have this feedback system. All complaints have to documented and sent to the factory service department.

It is obvious then that there are too many complaints about the GTS or "targa" cars, since the factory stopped producing them for the 360 series.

Need I say more?

 

[mchferrari]

I don't like the thought of a 360 GTS. :-?

 

[adlinyusman]

but if the gts had a glass roof....? Like what they have on the new 911 Targa? Or the E-Class? No wait...yeah...then the whole glass display would stretch all the way to the engine cover....nope don't like that either.

 

[Quaid]

I agree with adlinyusman with regards the 355 Spider, but not about the Tubi (guess I am not a full-on ferraristi).

The Spider looks sensational and with the roof down there is very little to beat it. The black roof does stick up when it's down and uncovered, but it's not too obtrusive and the only annoying thing is that all you can see in the rear veiw mirror is the bent over plastic rear screen - it's a bit like having Kojak in the back!

Handling-wise the Spider is super sharp and corners flat, but don't believe any tales of a scuttle-free body because when you hit bumps mid corner you will feel the car shudder. The Berlinetta feels far stiffer in all conditions and is the superior driver's car especially on the track where you will really notice the difference. However...
...racing around is not the point of owning a 355 Spider. This is not a high-g car that you want to thrash. Maximum enjoyment comes from cruising, allowing people to see it, and racing off at medium speeds but at high revs so that you can enjoy the engine without your eyes watering in the headwind.

 

[Stradale]

...racing around is not the point of owning a 355 Spider. This is not a high-g car that you want to thrash. Maximum enjoyment comes from cruising, allowing people to see it, and racing off at medium speeds but at high revs so that you can enjoy the engine without your eyes watering in the headwind.

You said it Quaid. I would love to own a Spyder but never have the courage to do it. Perhaps all my friends are speed demons and Berlinettas are the norm if I have to keep up with them.

 

[4kids3fish]

You need to be an extrovert to go for the Spyder IMHO. I'd just be too embarrassed to drive one much in slow traffic, I must admit, and keeping the top up is just not allowed!

The Spyder would be perfect for fast cruising through scenic countryside though! 8)

 

[Dr. Bob]

You need to be an extrovert to go for the Spyder IMHO. I'd just be too embarrassed to drive one much in slow traffic.

Actually I like it. My dad has a Panther, a cabrio, and I like it, I don't care what people think about being a poser, or whatever they think. I like it to drive through sunshine, and love it when my dad puts the pedal to the metal and you hear that engine give that rattle like those old machineguns. Can't wait till summer