TORN! R8 or 360 F1

M3PO · 03-09-2012, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Im4citadel

I have tested the 997 Turbo and it is undoubtedly a great car. I am not purely looking for the performance end though. I am looking to have a weekend, mid-engine supercar.

So if you are asking me if looks and the "wow" factor are more important than pure performance...yes it is.

Here in the Tysons VA area a 911 Porsche is almost as common as Camrys (a joke, but seriously the Porsche dealership is down the road from my office and I see a new one rolling off the lot on a daily basis).

They are driven exclusively by 50 year old execs with cellphone holders (whoever lives in the DMV area...just try and deny this).

I want something unique that will be a show stopper.

I love having the M3 and discussing the car with other true enthusiasts and gear-heads, but if its truly going to be my "weekend" toy....I'm sorry, but I want attention looks.

My goal is to keep it close to $85000 as possible.

Again, I am headed down this weekend to FL and am testing the V8 R8 in question (I am very much leaning towards this one).

I would like to test the 360, but have no real time to head up to Cleveland to take a look at the red one.

I did however see one at the Sterling dealership here in DMV, but the sales manager there is like the Gestapo about test drives.

Based on this post, it seems to me that the R8 would be a mistake. What you are looking for is a Ferrari, not an Audi. Audis are boring, R8's are ho-hum. I see them all of the time and they don't interest me. I'll snap my neck and almost drive off the road to get a second look at a Ferrari, even an older one like a 355 for example.

On the issue of maintenance and reliability, you really need to read up. Audi has arguably the worst reliability track record in the luxury market. The V8 WILL 100%, WITHOUT A DOUBT, suffer from carbon buildup. The RS4 guys are losing 10% of their power due to carbon buildup before the car starts misfiring and they are forced to pay ~$1500 to clean it. Now your not-so super 420 HP super car may as well be a 4.2L A6.

There's also a possibility that a cylinder of three will inexplicably become scored and you'll need a new motor like the S4 and RS4 guys. If one of the 17 timing chain tensioners fails, the motor will have to be pulled to replace the timing system. The B6 and B7 S4 guys are paying upwards of $5k to have this done (this is a 80 to 100k mile issue though).

My point is, the R8 is boring and not the "maintenance bargain" super car that you might think. Please, whatever you do, do not buy an R8 without driving a 360 first. At least give us that.

Im4citadel · 03-09-2012, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3PO

Based on this post, it seems to me that the R8 would be a mistake. What you are looking for is a Ferrari, not an Audi. Audis are boring, R8's are ho-hum. I see them all of the time and they don't interest me. I'll snap my neck and almost drive off the road to get a second look at a Ferrari, even an older one like a 355 for example.

On the issue of maintenance and reliability, you really need to read up. Audi has arguably the worst reliability track record in the luxury market. The V8 WILL 100%, WITHOUT A DOUBT, suffer from carbon buildup. The RS4 guys are losing 10% of their power due to carbon buildup before the car starts misfiring and they are forced to pay ~$1500 to clean it. Now your not-so super 420 HP super car may as well be a 4.2L A6.

There's also a possibility that a cylinder of three will inexplicably become scored and you'll need a new motor like the S4 and RS4 guys. If one of the 17 timing chain tensioners fails, the motor will have to be pulled to replace the timing system. The B6 and B7 S4 guys are paying upwards of $5k to have this done (this is a 80 to 100k mile issue though).

My point is, the R8 is boring and not the "maintenance bargain" super car that you might think. Please, whatever you do, do not buy an R8 without driving a 360 first. At least give us that.

Sound info and advice....Fair enough

Erhan · 03-09-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Im4citadel

The truth is I stopped by twice to try and test drive the 360 (mentioned it in an earlier post).

Of course I want to have a fair view of things...it's a Ferrari...

Flat out.....they won't let me.

Right a check (without signing) to their name for whatever they're asking (or whatever you want to pay), and go show the check to them. If that still doesn't give you a test drive, they're morons...

Im4citadel · 03-09-2012, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erhan

Right a check (without signing) to their name for whatever they're asking (or whatever you want to pay), and go show the check to them. If that still doesn't give you a test drive, they're morons...

I told them they could keep my Amex info on file (not a centurion, but Platinum is nothing to snarl at).

Still no....

Im4citadel · 03-09-2012, 02:40 PM

Guys:

i found an 02 360 Spider in MD in a used lot. I called ahead and the sales rep said a test drive would be a go. (I never knew a Ferrari test drive would be this impossible)

Leaving work in one hour and heading up there.

Quick question: Is it a huge difference from the coupe?

dtmwerksm3 · 03-09-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rekrul

Neither. Both overrated IMO. Pony up, get a v10 R8 or 430.

+1

Erhan · 03-09-2012, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Im4citadel

Quick question: Is it a huge difference from the coupe?

Mostly should be same. Only difference is the spider will have less rigidity, so it will feel a little less solid. In other words, if you like the spider, you'll love the coupe.

Im4citadel · 03-09-2012, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erhan

Mostly should be same. Only difference is the spider will have less rigidity, so it will feel a little less solid. In other words, if you like the spider, you'll love the coupe.

Leaving....I'll keep you guys posted.

If you were wondering, the 360 I am about to TD has one of the ugliest interiors I have ever seen....

jcaptain · 03-09-2012, 03:29 PM

Glad you are getting to drive the 360 first. Awful lot of dough to be spending without at least trying both of your alternatives. Good luck and happy driving!!!

Smoltz · 03-09-2012, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Im4citadel

Leaving....I'll keep you guys posted.

If you were wondering, the 360 I am about to TD has one of the ugliest interiors I have ever seen....

Have fun, can't wait to hear your impressions.

-Adam

Im4citadel · 03-09-2012, 05:11 PM

Just got done and staying up here until the traffic frees up a bit.

My Impressions:

HOLY SHIT!!!!!

The power may not be spellbinding, but the way it was delivered...OMG

The F1 shifter was instant and THAT ROAR BEHIND MY HEAD!

I wouldn't even want a stereo in this car. I've always heard Ferraris from a distance or at a valet, but when you're in one...when you're in one....

I'm really glad I got to test this first.

Bcube · 03-09-2012, 05:35 PM

^^^ Congratulations. You'll will always remember your first Ferrari drive.

Near red line, the F360/F355 sound the closest to the infamous Ferrari F1 shriek. As mentioned, it is about the driving experience, rather than what cars' spec sheet rules.

Not my quote but revelant all the same:

Quote:

If anybody catches wind of me buying a car based solely on specs, feel free to hit me with a crow bar.

Yesterday, I was coming up an on-ramp in my F430. It was one of those long, straight approaches with concrete barricades on each side. I was with my twelve year old daughter and both of the windows were down. I squeeze the loud pedal and crack through the gears with the F1 at about 8000 rpm. The barricades serve as a rolling sound room, and the hair stands up on the back of my neck. My daughter, who is deep in a text message frenzy, looks up, smiles, and says "now THAT sounds like a Ferrari." We immerge from the chute and onto the freeway like a sparkling red jewel in a sea of the ordinary. I felt like singing in Italian, but I didn’t know the words.

Erhan · 03-09-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Im4citadel

Just got done and staying up here until the traffic frees up a bit.

My Impressions:

HOLY SHIT!!!!!

The power may not be spellbinding, but the way it was delivered...OMG

The F1 shifter was instant and THAT ROAR BEHIND MY HEAD!

I wouldn't even want a stereo in this car. I've always heard Ferraris from a distance or at a valet, but when you're in one...when you're in one....

I'm really glad I got to test this first.

Cool! I haven't been into a Ferrari, but I've been into a V8 R8 (as an instructor), and I was impressed with the handling, but not much with the engine.. It sure sounded good, but not $100k+ good.

KJ · 03-09-2012, 06:11 PM

Ferrari's probably have the best sounding engine and exhaust notes in the business.

It may not be the fastest, but it definitely sounds the nicest!

NYBulldog · 03-09-2012, 06:47 PM

That's awesome. Sounds like you are basically sold. Pics of the car? That interior shot had me drooling.

I remember a guy in Greenwich who had a titanium exhaust on the 360 and it sounded like engine note heaven. The stock exhaust is amazing alone, but that exhaust was just unreal.

The R8 is just not in its league.

SANguru · 03-09-2012, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christopherchenm

How about the clutch? My dad's F430 clutch is gone every 10k-15k miles

30k miles so far on my 6 speed manual clutch and my F430 sees track duties all the time.

SANguru · 03-09-2012, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ec_E92

Maybe it's the engineer in me or maybe I'm sick in the head but the thought of pulling the engine on a F car to maintain and go over each winter gives me goosebumps, in a good way. I've been watching 512TR's, 355's and 360's for awhile and it's on my bucket list until I can get into the orgasmic vintage stuff. I stopped drooling over the R8 a few years back. Just my opinion, but I vote 360.

there is no engine out on the 360's. There is a back panel that you can access the belts through. It's still a $6000-8000 job. The F430's are chain driven so none of that required.

SANguru · 03-09-2012, 10:37 PM

If I were you, I would not get an F1. F1 control unit goes out = entire tranny needs to be replaced. Very expensive proposition. Stick with a gated 6 speed manual.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Im4citadel

Just got done and staying up here until the traffic frees up a bit.

My Impressions:

HOLY SHIT!!!!!

The power may not be spellbinding, but the way it was delivered...OMG

The F1 shifter was instant and THAT ROAR BEHIND MY HEAD!

I wouldn't even want a stereo in this car. I've always heard Ferraris from a distance or at a valet, but when you're in one...when you're in one....

I'm really glad I got to test this first.

MrClean335i · 03-09-2012, 11:37 PM

neither I would go for a 991 Carrera S

Sniz · 03-10-2012, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrClean335i

neither I would go for a 991 Carrera S

really? I wouldnt.

I'd go for the Ferrari OP, got to drive a f430 Scudi last year and while obviously not the same car as the 360 the experience is still sticking with me.

Owning a Ferrari would simply be heaven IMO. I'd probably sit in my garage with a beer after detailing it and just smile for hours.

The sound is spine tingling. The R8 to me is not nearly as exhilirating. Not even close.

a few of the comments about a 6 speed f360 being the better choice are interesting, check into that.

Robin_NL · 03-10-2012, 10:04 AM

I've been to the Ferrari factory in Maranello back in 1992 and did the tour, it was a blast. About 20 F40's outside and I saw a +700 BHP NART F40(LM)

A bit like this one(a REPOST I know).
Put on the volume to the max

>700BHP driven by F1 pilot Jacques Lafitte. From 0:30 seconds on:

Sniz · 03-10-2012, 10:26 AM

boner!!!!!

03-09-2012, 02:40 PM	#137
Im4citadel Der Stalag EUA 30 Rep 158 Posts Drives: 2013 Carbon Black 550I Xdrive Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: McLean VA iTrader: (0)	Guys: i found an 02 360 Spider in MD in a used lot. I called ahead and the sales rep said a test drive would be a go. (I never knew a Ferrari test drive would be this impossible) Leaving work in one hour and heading up there. Quick question: Is it a huge difference from the coupe? __________________ 2013 CB 550I Xdrive/2011 Grey 335I Xdrive(Wife's)/2002 Red 360 F-1/2012 SB S1000RR "A BMW can't take you as far as an Education, but the ride there will be amazing."
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03-09-2012, 03:29 PM	#141
jcaptain Private 0 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3-DCT-Blk/Blk Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (0)	Glad you are getting to drive the 360 first. Awful lot of dough to be spending without at least trying both of your alternatives. Good luck and happy driving!!!
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03-09-2012, 05:11 PM	#143
Im4citadel Der Stalag EUA 30 Rep 158 Posts Drives: 2013 Carbon Black 550I Xdrive Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: McLean VA iTrader: (0)	Just got done and staying up here until the traffic frees up a bit. My Impressions: HOLY SHIT!!!!! The power may not be spellbinding, but the way it was delivered...OMG The F1 shifter was instant and THAT ROAR BEHIND MY HEAD! I wouldn't even want a stereo in this car. I've always heard Ferraris from a distance or at a valet, but when you're in one...when you're in one.... I'm really glad I got to test this first. __________________ 2013 CB 550I Xdrive/2011 Grey 335I Xdrive(Wife's)/2002 Red 360 F-1/2012 SB S1000RR "A BMW can't take you as far as an Education, but the ride there will be amazing."
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2012, 06:11 PM	#146
KJ First Lieutenant 32 Rep 392 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 - Alpine White Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Ferrari's probably have the best sounding engine and exhaust notes in the business. It may not be the fastest, but it definitely sounds the nicest!
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03-09-2012, 06:47 PM	#147
NYBulldog Specialist 1321 Rep 2,708 Posts Drives: Nikes Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NuYawk iTrader: (19)	That's awesome. Sounds like you are basically sold. Pics of the car? That interior shot had me drooling. I remember a guy in Greenwich who had a titanium exhaust on the 360 and it sounded like engine note heaven. The stock exhaust is amazing alone, but that exhaust was just unreal. The R8 is just not in its league.
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03-09-2012, 11:37 PM	#151
MrClean335i FBO+Methanol Injection 76 Rep 346 Posts Drives: M Sport 335i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	neither I would go for a 991 Carrera S
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03-10-2012, 10:04 AM	#153
Robin_NL S0THPAW 8970 Rep 7,863 Posts Drives: HS M2 Competition Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	I've been to the Ferrari factory in Maranello back in 1992 and did the tour, it was a blast. About 20 F40's outside and I saw a +700 BHP NART F40(LM) A bit like this one(a REPOST I know). Put on the volume to the max >700BHP driven by F1 pilot Jacques Lafitte. From 0:30 seconds on:
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03-10-2012, 10:26 AM	#154
Sniz Lieutenant General 680 Rep 10,584 Posts Drives: e92 335 - gone // e36 M3 turbo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (1)	boner!!!!! __________________
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