For those of you who have driven or owned both cars. My current budget would allow a 360 spider, but not a new 430 spider. many people are telling me to wait for the 430 as I'll be disappointed with the performance of the 360. My turbo is making somewhere around 600 HP and 550+ torque. My friends are saying the 360 with 400HP and 275 ft/lb will be a let down. My big question is the F430 is rated at 483 HP and 343 ft/lb. That's not really an enormous jump in power. Is the driving experience really that dramatic b/w the two cars? Thanks

 

I didn't think so, but you should know my opinion seems to be in the minority.

 

I think both will feel (and will be) slower than your Turbo but the Ferrari experience is a completely different one. Like I said before, Stradale!

 

I was about to order a 360 spider 2 years ago, but when I drove one(being used to a SL55 at the time). The power was really rather disappointing. The engine really had to work to get the car going. There is a big big difference in the f430, you can definately feel it. The engine response is so much better and more smooth. The torque differences can be felt too, don't need to change gears as much as the 360.

Coming from a 600hp turbo, i think you'd be rather disappointed with the 2 of them performance wise

 

I think the 430 is more exhilirating than the 360 but either one is a good choice.

 

Havent driven the 430, but the 360 is an amazing driving experience. It is a bit under powered if your used to high HP cars, but it more than makes up for it in every other way. The 430 must give the same driving pleasure, but takes care of the HP problem..so that makes the car perfect in my eyes. Either way....it's a Ferrari!!

 

I really like the lines of the 360 and especially the rear. It apprears lower and wider. I was considering a 360 spider vs a 430 spider. Besides the $100k spread, the 360 is more than enough in the street for me. Now I have not had her on the track yet, so I can not really compare a 430 vs a 360.

I purchased my 2002 - 360 spider in April of '06 and then installed 19 & 20's wheels, lowered, yellow brakes to match the shields, Tubi NGT exhaust (huge difference between a tubi and the tubi ngt). Love the car !!!! I had a sweet 996 C4 yellow cab with 19 HRE, GT-2 front blah blah blah,

IF you do not care about a spider vs a coupe, I would get the 430. Spider to Spider for the $$$ difference - 360 all day long !

 

Drove a 430 today, and all I can say is do it. Fan frikkin tastic. It felt like driving a giant rubber band. Very comfortable but also incredibly quick with amazing acceleration. Frankly, I'm sold even if my wife, and my checkbook, aren't.

 

I'm curious, but for those who've driven the 360CS and the 430, what would your opinions be about either? If you had to choose one which would it be? Also I've heard rumors that there wasn't going to be a 430CS? Is that true?

 

I haven't driven the 360 but the 430 I drove belongs to a guy who got rid of a 360 for the 430.

 

The F430 is astonishing in every sense. Acceleration is great, looks, feel everything about it, the interior smell is intoxicating! I wish i could afford one, a friend's father picked one up, and i just stood their in amazement. Then for the ride, well yea ive been in tons of exotics and it was just amazing, do it!

 

never driven a 430, but Ive owned a 360 and I can tell you PASS on the 360!!! Yah it looks cool, and it sounds cool, but it has zero *****. It is all show and no go. Ive heard the 430 is a nice improvement.

 

The 430 is a lot faster than a 360, I also had a 600+ hp porsche and I can tell you is you pick up a 430, do High flow cats+ a good exhaust, you will feel right at home, the car just kicks *** IMHO.

 

Hey Will, I have a 360 with larini hi flo cats, gruppe m intake and fuchs exhaust. It is a euro car so is 200lbs lighter than US models. Not only is it very fast, it is thrilling to drive. I love the 430, its a wonderful car and a better all around car than the 360. Personally I prefer the looks of the 360. I do not think you would be disappointed. As far as the car not having any *****, if you love driving and are a good driver you will appreciate the car immensly imo.
For me the choice comes down to 430 or 360 and tt.
I chose the latter. My setup makes 643 hp and 603tq and yes, its a thrill and much faster than the 360 but is it more fun for a long canyon drive?
No.

 

chalk and cheese
360 is a poor drive compared to 430 (relative)
430 is first F Car that is as good as a 996TT on road, handling and performance, brakes.

i would take the 996tt over the 360.
the 430 is a better car than the 996TT (but much less practical)

i just sold a 550hp 996TT and the F430 is a thrill.
doesnt have the straight line torque but it will outhandle the TT

totally exhilirating

had a 360 - it does NOT inspire confidence anything like the F430 does.

my 0.02

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