I am on my dealer's list for the new turbo for expected delivery January. Just got a call that I could move up to August delivery. Meanwhile, I've started looking at several 360 coupes and would really like to add one to the garage. Question is, should I go for the 360 and wait on the turbo? I have my 996tt which I still love anyway. I know- I should be so lucky to have such a problem, but maybe some of you with ferrari experience could chime in and sway me one way or the other.

Thanks!!

 

I would buy the 360, and trade the 996TT for the 997TT when you can. The turbo's are faster than the Ferrari, but there is definately something special about the 360.

 

well the 360 is a great car but is now in the same situation the 996TT is in... the 430 replaced it and now the 997TT will replace the 996TT. The question is would you rather have a new hard to get 997TT or a old school 360.

 

But the 997TT isn't hard to get. I just put my deposit down last week. I would get the 360 for its lines and sound, maybe less for performance. I think my 996TT with stage I would be considerably faster. A 430 is out of my range so question is whether to pursue a 360 or not.

 

If you are willing to spend a little more, the best would be to get a 360 CS and trade the 996tt for the 997tt. Since the 996tt or 997tt could be used as a comfortable daily driver, you should get the CS which will give you a very different driving experience.

 

I hear you on that, but most of the 360CS I've seen are 185 and up. My top range is about 140...

 

They're really two different cars. The 360 cannot be driven every day, though there are many who do with varying degress of success. The 360 also has an exotic quality that a Porsche can't match, while at the same time it costs and arm and a leg to service. The Porsche is better for the wallet in that sense.

 

If you can have them both you are in great company. Keep your 996TT and purchase the 360...My guess is that will bring you a great deal of pleasure. The biggest issue will be when you go to service your 360--it will hurt every time.

The 360 will feel very slow compared with the P-Turbo..The 360 still has a bit more room to drop over the next few month...Always buy your F-Car in the winter they bring less money.

 

Porsche is an everyday driver superhero, but a little boring. Ferrari is more exciting, more direct and more connected. Sounds a million times better, but is much slower. It's hard to drive the Ferrari everyday since it's hard to park and resale is punished severely for mileage. Expensive things happen with Ferrari.

Drive both and decide which is for you!

Good luck. Both are wonderful cars!

 

Scott,

If you have to choose just one, between a 360 and the new 997tt, I would go for an early model 360. A '99 or '00 could be had for around $110K, if I am not mistaken. At that price range there should be almost no significant depreciation, as long as you put reasonable milage on it. You should do that just to get the Ferrari out of your system(or maybe you will get stuck for life!?)

As long as you buy a clean one with good maintenance records, there should not be major problems. From what I have heard, the 360's are pretty solid cars. The cost of service is a bit more than regular cars, but the smaller hit on depreciation(compared to a new 997tt, for example) should at least make up for it.

For me, driving the Ferrari is a special experience. I don't really care how slow or fast it is; what matters the most is how the car makes you feel when you drive it. If you have not driven the 360 yet, you are in for a treat. As for that special feeling, I think there is only a 5% - 10% defference between a 360 and a F430, so from that point of view, a 360 is great value.

 

Jlee,
Thanks. I am thinking of doing just that. I figure I have the 996tt that I can always trade on a 997tt. I bought that new and took a big depreciation. Maybe this time, I'll wait for the fever to go down on it and then get one at a better price. An early model 360 seems to be the way to go. I don't know a lot about available options, other than shields, rear grill, exhaust, and different seats. I know I want a manual, eventhough my bro-in law loves the F1. I've decided on red/tan. Other than that I don't know what I should try to get. I also am more of a coupe person.

 

Here are 9 under $120k.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...en&cardist=532

 

If you want to cruise down sunset blvd (as an ex.) than go with the 360. but if you enjoy driving and taking the car to its limits on occasion, than I would definately go the tt. The 360 can't take the abuse.

 

Scott,

I understand you totally, because I was in a similar situation several months ago. I only ended up with an F430 because my wife forced me to get a new Ferrari saying that I don't spend enough money on myself. It was either a no Ferrari or a new Ferrari. I am not complaining, but I would have been perfectly happy with an early model 360.

As for transmission choice, I would go for the 6-speed(more fun, less problem, more rare), red/tan is good(my 430 color), make sure to get one with shields(looks a lot better). If you can find one with sport seats, that would be a plus.

You should also check out Ferrarichat.com and you will get all the information you need. Happy hunting!

 

Interesting dilemma, and one that I faced last month. I have enjoyed my 996 tt cab and tracked it a number of times. As you well know, it is perhaps the best combination of sports car and everyday driver available.

But, once you sit in a 360 or 430, start it up and drive it, it is very difficult not to become aware of the differences. The Ferrari is a much more visceral experience and is almost unique. I took my son for a ride last night and his comment was "Unbelievable, it does not feel as fast as the twin turbo, but between the sound and the ride, it feels like you are going much faster."

Obviously, I sat in one and ended up buying a 2004 360 F1 Spider and love it. I intend to drive it nearly as much as my 996 tt, which is very often with the top down. Most of the cars have similar options, although few have all, which are much more limited than Porsche's. Mine has a Tubi, which is heaven and chromed header, valve and exhaust covers - looks great because of the glass hood, and a few others.

But the real problem for me will be in a couple of years. I am on the waiting list for a new F car, probably the replacement of the 430, but am very interested in the 997 tt, so only time will tell.