i'm new to the forum and new to ferraris. i'm in the market for a ferrari but couldn't decide whether if i should get a first year F430 (2005) or a last year production 360 (2004). I like everything about the 360s but I'm concerned about the maintenance but 430 is about 30K~40K more though. what are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

First, welcome to TS, I'm new as well. There are so many differences between the two cars that I'm not sure where to start.

I assume by 360S you're referring to the Challenge Stradale? The stradale is a light, nimble race car for the street. It's loud, raw, bumpy and just one of the best cars I've ever owned. No major creature comforts just amazing performance and feel.

The 430 is much more refined with many more creature comforts. The 430 is a much easier car to drive at speed. It's easier to balance and much more forgiving. The 430 has chains instead of belts so one less thing to replace every 3 years (per Ferrari).

As for price, depending on years, they're very close. My old CS is currently for sale locally and they will let it go for $130k. It's got 24k miles and is current on all services. I've seen '05 - '06 430's with 20k miles going in the $140k range. If you're looking for a low miles version, of either car, it will cost you $20k - $40k more give or take a little.

The cars are so different you really need to drive them both. It's usually an easy decision after that. Good Luck.

Btw, if you're talking about a 360 Spider, than the major differences are power (lots more in the 430) and once again a much easier car to drive at speed. The price difference will be much greater as well.

 

If you do not care about miles, this one looks like a great deal for an '07.

'07 430

 

Tough Call... If it were me I would take a 360 CS over a 430 Coupe, but I would prob go with a 430 Scud, over a 360CS - If its 360 vs 430 straight up, I would prob go 430 for the price difference. But I would wait until the 458 comes out, because the prices will drop on both models.

 

My friend was looking at that one earlier today. It looks pretty good on paper.

I know of a Black/Black 430 with 21k miles going for around $125k. It has some rock chips and probably needs about $5k in a respray.

 

F430 no doubt...Totally different Ferrari then anything prior. Yes I have a 2005 F430 and all I can say is that everytime I take it out I come back with a smile. Slap a Tubi on it and you will never look back.

 

Check out Barrister's guide to buying a 360. He helped me out a lot when I was shopping. I went through the same question: 360 vs 430 (vs Gallardo). I drove an F430 and loved it enough to justify the price difference over a 360. The 360 will cost you more in maintenance (I believe due to the annual belt service) whereas the F430 is much more reasonable.

I went for a Superleggera but you can pick up a nice 06 Gallardo coupe for money right in between the 360 and 430 price range and have more reliability and less in maintenance then either one.

 

go with ATL and get a gallardo

 

Only if you are delivering mail…

Lambos and Ferraris are (IMO) made for very different people and difficult to compare.
If it is between an L-car and an F-car I think my avatar speaks for me

Now which Ferrari is your question…
The see the lines in the 360 as more classic and come from legendary Ferraris but the belts and transmission have there issues and the drive is not as smooth as the 430 (keeping in mind later models 360 are much more comfortable than the early one).
The 430 on the other hand has more modern lines and a more reliable engine and trany. With the 458 coming soon I think the 430 will drop to a even more reasonable price level… winter 2010 might be a good time to buy a 430

 

+1!