[ferluver]

I own a 2002 360 Spider F1 and love it. I enjoy the topless crusing and the car is plenty fast for the laws I am willing to break. My dealer has offered me to swap my car ($ difference pending) for a 2004 Challenge Stradale. I have read up on the Stradale, but never driven one. The rareness & performance of the Stradale is attractive, but the comfort & added sellability (I think) of the Spider is also attractive. Any comments from anyone familiar with both vehicles.

 

[swatx123]

I've never driven either, and haven't seen a Challenge Stradale in person, but I would have thought it would have a better resale value than a spider since it is a special model with a limited availability.

 

[Stradale]

Welcome furluver.

The Stradale is an 'extreme' car. It's a boy racer but built by the factory. If you love that sort of car then the Stradale is for you. The Spyder is the car for Ferrari enthusiast to own. Great looks, unbelievable draw and fantastic feel good factor. But it's not car that you want to track, not on a regular basis anyway, or you would have bought the Modena.

I like my Ferrari to have that bit of 'extra' performance. I want to track the car and I love the loud exhaust sound. So for me I always buy the hardtop and change the exhaust to Tubi. I have had a 328, a 355 and a 360. For me I would choose the Stradale. And I did. Mine will arrive next week.

 

[Andrew]

For me I would choose the Stradale. And I did. Mine will arrive next week.

Wow, next week? I remember like yesterday when you told us it would be coming in a year. Pics are a must!

ferluver,

I think it all comes down to perference and character of driving. I think you stated it well and understand the difference. Not too many Stradales have been delievered so I'm not sure how many have driven it. For a performance nut the Stradale is the right car.

I'm sure "Stradale" the member above will be kind enough to revisit this topic next week and let you know what he feels are the difference in the two when driving.

 

[sims]

I attended the corsa pilota last week in Mugello. We had a lots of fun and education with the standard 360's and 575's. There was one Stradale and I had the opportunity to drive the Stradale and feel the difference on the spot. Stradale is a track car and less so for normal road use (although one can entertain the environment with the incredible sound!!). The standard 360 has enough power even on the track for normal joe blocks, as most of us are. Hence, trade-off between useability and track performance.

Me personally went for track performance. My Stradale will arrive in May somewhen.......................

 

[Stradale]

Sims, if you enjoyed the Pilota, you'll enjoy the Advance Course at Fiorano even more!! Congratulations on your Stradale.

 

[Andrew]

Sims,

Sounds like some fun! If I remember correctly you have plans to do the advance course too don't you?

 

[Rosso]

Well, yeah, as everyone else has already commented, the Stradale is much more of a performance oriented vehicle. But I hear it is actually quite a comfortable ride in the Stradale, and not too much of a difference from the standard 360. ALthough the Spider is definitely not too shabby of a car. Although the sale value depending on what year and miles is very high right now due to the high demand. Most seem to be going for more than the "used" new Stradales.

 

[sims]

Yes, I d like to attend the advanced next year. I was very impressed with the telemetry analysis and I hear that this is going to be used extensively at the advanced.
Stradale, did you attend this year?

Rosso: In terms of ride comfort, for us guys the difference in a short ride is not too big. However, friend of mine wanted to switch from 360 to CS and after a ride with his beloved, the deal was OFF!!!!!

 

[Stradale]

Yes, I d like to attend the advanced next year. I was very impressed with the telemetry analysis and I hear that this is going to be used extensively at the advanced.
Stradale, did you attend this year?

I was there in June 2002. It was very exciting. I enjoyed it even more than the basic Pilota. Yes the telemetry makes us mortals feel humble. :lol:

 

[adlinyusman]

why don't we do a field trip? I bet andrew's up for it! :green:

 

[Andrew]

why don't we do a field trip? I bet andrew's up for it! :green:

I am, just tell me when and where to meet!

 

[ferluver]

Thanks for all you comments. I guess I'm still undecided. The way I look at it, I will be very happy with either one. It's impossible not to love a Ferrari (ferluver! ). I plan to upgrade vehicles every couple of years or so. I can always get a 420 Spider on the next go around. I think I can make it through the torture of driving a CS for two years (tough life). I'll keep you guys posted on which way I decide to go.