[danthemanjayhawk]

Hello-

I am new to the forum and have always been an admirer of Ferrari (who isn't?) . I have ordered a new Porsche 997S but the same has not arrived.
I am having second thoughts and am considering a low mileage F355.
Has anyone on the forum has experience with both of these cars?

I am concerned about service costs and reliability, as well as resale.
My perception is that Porsche is more reliable and has a lower cost of service.

Your thoughts would sure be appreciated!

 

[Andrew]

Dan,

Welcome to the forum, I think you'll find the F355 Buyer's guide very helpful on the cost of ownership.

The F355 will have a higher resale value for sure.

As far as service, I'm not sure. There are owners on here with experience with both. The 911 can be expensive to work on because the engine needs to be dropped from the bottom. The F355 on the other hand needs to have a sheet of metal removed to do underwork.

The F355 isn't unreliable by any means, but you are correct, a Porsche 911 is probably more reliable.

I hope this helps.

 

[Stradale]

danthemanjayhawk, my view is you can't compare a 2005 car with a 1995-1999 car. The technological advancements etc on the 997 obviously makes it a better car especially if your concern is that of service etc, the new car has warranty and you're better off with the 997 from that point of view.

But if you have a passion for driving and pride in owning a sports car, then the 355 is a better car. It evokes so much passion and excitement which a Porsche (non-turbo) just can't equal.

I had owned a 360, an F355 and a Porsche GT3 all at the same time, so I'm describing my own personal experience on this.

 

[mchferrari]

Dang another new Kansas guy. That's 2 in one week. Which part of the state are you in?
Go for the Ferrari you'll love it more than a Porsche.

 

[Boxer]

danthemanjayhawk, From personal experience, I have owned both a 95 993 C4 and a 95 F355 GTS. The 993 came 1st with the F355 following about a year later. I had both for about a year and finally sold the 993 after realising that it was getting almost zero usage after it started sharing garage space with the Ferrari. The two sets of keys hung side by side, but whenever I had time to go out for a drive, it has the fob with the Prancing Horse on it that always ended up in my hand. The Porsche is a great car mechanically but it does not stir the soul the way the Ferrari does.

 

[Pete04222]

You: "Hey guys, I just bought a new Porsche"
Guys: "Oh, Cool."

or

You: "Hey guys, I just bought a Ferrari."
Guys: "Really? No kidding? Where is it? Can I have a ride?"

 

[zwoemba]

Did you drove them both?

 

[Andrew]

Pete,

That is a very clever way to look at it and not far from the truth.

 

[danthemanjayhawk]

355 versus porsche 997

No< I have only driven the Porsche. Unfortunately, there are no 355's for sale in the city where I live. However, there is one for sale about 4 hours away.

 

[Boxer]

IMHO, given the size of the investment you will be making, it is worth making the trip to go see the F355. 8)

 

[zwoemba]

Exactly, drive them both

 

[mchferrari]

Re: 355 versus porsche 997

No< I have only driven the Porsche. Unfortunately, there are no 355's for sale in the city where I live. However, there is one for sale about 4 hours away.

There's some dealers in Springfield that have/could get some.
www.motorcars-intl.com
www.teammotorsports.com
www.premiercars.com

 

[Andrew]

I would also recommend not rushing things. If you are considering the Ferrari, and we hope you do, then I would say look at a few. That could take about 30 days but will be well worth it.