The 430 is a significant evolution of the 360. Three improvements are immediately evident: much better low end torque; faster shifting; and better exhaust note. I'd imagine that someone accustomed to high torque cars would prefer the 430 to the 360.

I prefer the 430 even to the Stradale. As a keeper, however, the Stradale, for its rarity and unique driving experience, is the obvious choice.

 

I am glad that i read this thread. As far as the whole speed thing, If you want to go fast keep your Porsche. If you want that whole driving/connection experience go with either the 360 or the 430. You cannot compare the 360 to a 430. I have owned 6 porsches, 4 of the turbos and I just got out of my 07 997TT far an 04 360 modena and I LOVE it. I dont even care how fast it is. Its a different feeling in the Ferrari and I know it was a step backwards in speed for me, but a huge step foward for the soul.
As far as the 430 goes, awesome. If you can afford the extra 80-100K for the 430, get it. But if you cant, the 360 does it for me.

 

i'm about to wire out the funds for an '03 360. Does anyone know if the 430 wheels can be retrofitted on to the 360?

 

I'm pretty sure they can be, I have seen pictures of 430 rims on 360's

 

yes they will fit with no mod's required (from what I have heard).

on another note, I also had a porsche (totally modded out) and loved it. You can drive it as a daily driver if you wanted. The ferrari (02 - 360 spider) is just another experience, and unless you are tracking the car, the ferrari is more than I need.

 

cabrios/spyders = FTL

 

I've got a 600HP 996tt and have a fair amount of time in 360's. If it's all about power you'll be disappointed in the 360. Maintenance is high as well but there is a good supply of 360's at what I think are good prices. My case for the 360 is that it's kind of fun to drive something where you can let it rev and play with the engine. It has more than enough power for the street.

It's pretty hard to practice any sanity and wring out a Gallardo, a modded tt or a 430 on the street. A 360 let's you have a little more fun that way.

 

No Ferrari is a let down. Each model presents a different experience.

Your Porsche is a great car but a great car is made up of more than just horsepower.

Try a 360 and I am certain you will so "wow". How many times have you said that about your Porsche?

I love Porsche's and will soon buy a 4S Carrera cabrio for summer fun with the drop top.

However, I know it won't equal my Ferrari feel.

A friend recently bough an 997 S Cabrio. He loves the car but after riding in mine he said he thinks he bought a "me too" car.

Give a 360 a try and forget what others say. Enjoy the fabulous integration of the machine.

 

As stated by a few the HP doesn't make the car. Come take my car for the weekend and you'll buy my spider on Sunday afternoon. The 360 has less horsepower but the 430 feels like a heavier car making them feel almost identical to me while driving them hard. I feel like the 430 has a lighter rear end that wants to step out easier than the 360. My 360 is a spider so it most likely weighs a little more than the 430 coupe but it's driving charateristics are very similar. Yes your TT will go faster in a straight line but at 200hp more have you ever pulled away from my 360? Ferrari's corner on a different playing field. Your driving characteristics cater to the Ferrari very well.

 

I'd go with the F430.. its newer, more powerful, faster transmission, prettier, and more advanced than the 360.

Either one you choose, you'll be driving a Ferrari. And as GCalo said, no Ferrari is a let down!


Edit: I just noticed this thread was created last year. Oh well.

 

Thanks for all the great input fellas. I completely agree the driving experience of a car isn't dictated by HP and torque. I just hate it when I buy something and 5 minutes later a new bigger, faster, better version comes out and I feel like my money was wasted. Since both models are available for discussion, I can make an informed decision. It sounds like the 430 is newer and better, but the differences are not so dramatic that I should hold out and save my pennies for a 430. I want a Ferrari now and love the looks of both cars, but don't want to get destroyed by my buddie's 430 on the way to the mountains. It appears that I will keep up with him just fine. He's a slow driver anyway

 

It's like anything else. Make a decision and stick with it regardless of external factors.

You could say the same about women. There are always new models.


So what again?

Forget agonizing and buy one now.

Just do it!

 

Mind if I ask why you are considering a Ferrari at this point?

From your list of cars, you already have the BMW M6, 996TT, and BMW X5. Are you simply adding another car?

M6 is for work? 996TT track car? X5 is wife's car?

If you're simply looking to pick up a car where you and your so will use to go out at night to a nice restaurant or go for a nice drive then IMO...just get the 360.

 

360CS - slow but more exciting.

430 - faster but less involved behind the wheel.

torque on 360 is a joke. unless u drive it at higher RPM all the time the car is slow as hell. 430 is better in that respect and much better street car.

there's no 430CS. it's 430S. different name same deal.

 

Maybe it's just me but I don't think torque is an issue with my 360. First of all, the way the car is geared, I am only below 4k RPMs when I am just chugging around town.

Any time I floor the car, I am going from cruising at 3k to quickly hitting redline. Certainly, more low-end torque would be nice but I really don't care about the car pulling hard from 1k - 4k when you're instantly out of that range and never back in that range if you are accelerating.