Ferrari 355 or Porsche 996 turbo

[CarreraDriver320]

My dad has backed down and has lowered his decision between a F355 and 996 turbo. I guess his financial situation isn't as good as I thought it was, haha. Well anyways I just thought that I would ask all you avid Ferrari enthusiasts any advice you could give him on making a final decision. They are two completely different cars and I know this, but either will not be daily drivers. The Porsche is a much better performer and has good reliability, but the ferraris V-8 and looks are awesome. When I was looking up stats on the spyder I noticed that quarter mile times can vary significantly. Most sites claim 0-60 in about 4.6sec and quarter mile in about 13sec flat, but I have seen some variation from sites claiming 12.8-13.5sec quarter mile times and 4.6-4.9sec 0-60 times. So does anybody know officially what the spyder really can do? The porsche times have been verified in most car magazines.

[S Brake]

It all depends on what your dad will be using the cars for. If he wants a functional, reliable, "normal" looking car then the porsche is his car. I say normal because some people might actually mistake the Turbo for a carrera 2 or even a boxster. Climate may also play a huge roll in which car is best for him.
If he wants an all out sports cars that looks like heidi klum on wheels and will get attention everywhere, then the 355 is his car. but since the car will not be a daily driver, I say go with the 355.

[Menu dei Motori]

go for a 355 spider
really good car not too expensive good for boulevards but not for big shopping

[450HPviper]

Both are great, but I would chose the 355 spider if I had the money.

[jeru]

996 Turbo:
Less problems, Runs forever
Maintenence and parts are a little less expensive.
Way faster (Ferrari 360 Territory)
All wheel drive.
Very modable engine up to 650hp with a stage 5 upgrade.
"Robb Reports" car of the year "last year"
Lighter clutch and softer gearbox.
Better Brakes
The 996 Turbo is less of a vandal target.
More dealers to service the car.

I have spent time in both these cars so belive me I know.
My Modena is strictly a weekend toy.

[BMW-Hamann]

Originally posted by jeru
996 Turbo:
Less problems, Runs forever
Maintenence and parts are a little less expensive.
Way faster (Ferrari 360 Territory)
All wheel drive.
Very modable engine up to 650hp with a stage 5 upgrade.
"Robb Reports" car of the year "last year"
Lighter clutch and softer gearbox.
Better Brakes
The 996 Turbo is less of a vandal target.
More dealers to service the car.

I have spent time in both these cars so belive me I know.
My Modena is strictly a weekend toy.

Hi Jeru .. I am new comer ... Can you please explain why Modena is a weekend toy? Is it so troublesome to use it frequently?
I ask this becoz in the near future I have plan to buy a used 355 or maserati 4200 gt or porsche 996C4S but I have no expirience with these kind of sport cars. :flash:

[jeru]

-Very tight steering. Almost no power assisting.
-Heavy clutch, Bad news when stuck in heavy traffic.
-Never a good place park it, and feel like it's safe. Accept in my own garage.

Just some factors to concider

[BMW-Hamann]

Thank u Jeru for your input ... I really appreciate it. I am glad I can talk with the owner of Ferrari.

For the tight sterring I think I can handle that but about the heavy clutch maybe I can solve it by find 355 with paddle shift. What do you think Jeru?
how long u've been using your ferrari? how about with the ferrari reability/durability? Can you give me an illustration of enjoying the ferrari and porsche? this can really help me to make decision.
Sorry to ask u many question becoz I really need the input before I make decision. The car price here is about 3 times more expensive than in US ... so I better spend it wisely by choose the right car .... hehehehe .. .. once again thank u for your respon

[450HPviper]

Jeru, You say that you have spent time with both of these cars. I wish I could say the same.

[Blitzen]

Porsche Damn, I have even seen 9 second Porsches, and Porsches are modable up to 1000hp.

[Scot - SJIRadio]

So out of curiosity, looks aside, what is a better car? Please use these factors for comparison:

Handling
1/4
0-60
top speed
and full on track events.

[jeru]

Handling
1/4
0-60
Top Speed and Track Events well let's see.

My Ferrari pretty much kills my 996 in most of these catagorys
I have had the Modena up to 186mph, and it was still climbing. Ferrari claim's a 185mph top speed but my car is a Euro conversion so It is a little faster than a U.S. model. I have had the 996 up to 174 MPH

The handling in the Porsche is amazing, At higher speeds 150mph + it can feel a little squirly though. The Modena has much tighter steering than the 996. Much more snappy response , The modena also squat's more to the ground the higher your speed gets, It's very impressive because it does so with no visible spoilers. When I let off the gas, It will pretty much maintain the speed I am going because it is so aerodynamic. My 996 is better planted now because of the addition of a set of H&R Springs.

The Modena Has a sound like a Lions Growl behind you, It still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up when I throttle it. Such as taking off in third gear from a low speed. A great weekend toy.

The 996 is a better daily driver, lighter clutch, easier shifting and less attention getting than the Ferrari

As far as track events, I'll let you know after the 26th because I am bringing both cars to a track day.

[Menu dei Motori]

do you have a sports exhaust system on your 360?

[jeru]

Still pretty loud just stock, I want to add a Tubi in the future.
A challenge grill for the back is first on my list.

[Menu dei Motori]

good idea


could somebody post pics of cars with challenge grills and without? front and rear?


thanks!