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03 Spyder vs Ferrari 360

9.5K views 30 replies 13 participants last post by  pilaki  
#1 ·
I'm looking for a two seat convertible and the 03 Spyder is appealing. Also the 360 Spyder is nice to. My mechanic works on both so no issue there. Also the price difference is huge.

Any comments on comparing the two?
 
#2 ·
I believe the 360 has a timing belt instead of timing chain, which the Spyder has. I know that is a huge expense. Maintenance wise the 360 will cost you much more.
 
#4 ·
If you want to be cool, get a Ferrari, or also get a Ferrari if you like the color red. If you want to be really cool, you need to get a Lambo. If you want to drive a car that you will enjoy driving, take some test drives & figure it out for yourself.
 
#11 ·
Not sure if you have read it but Forza Magazine issue 51 has a multi day comparison between the 360 Modena and the Maserati Spyder. I think you can order back issues and it is a great read non the less, so I would at least read the article before you make your choice. Cheers
 
#30 ·
Back Issue Forza

So I ordered the back issue comparing the 360 and Spyder. 15 dollars on Ebay. I read the article with amusement. Basically the guy says the Maserati spyder is a "chick" car and the Ferrari 360 is a "manly" in your face car. The wife was impressed with the unexpected power of the Maserati.

Totally worthless analysis. But the old adds were interesting somewhat. Had an appointment to drive a 2003 Spyder but it rained.

Latest thought is to get a 355. 360 is too pricey (I know about the 355 potential maintenance disaster potential) 348 not appealing. 430 way out. But I want to drive the Spyder since it allows me to keep my QP. I did have one person offer to trade my QP for a 700 hp Viper. I passed.
 
#12 ·
I actually heard you do need to do engine out belt replacement on these. Although I could be wrong.
 
#15 ·
The belts cost me about 2k to do with some fluids and ancillaries.
If you did the fluids yourself that is all I can think there would be. I have been changing the belts every 4 years. Usually mileage is about right around the time.

Honestly it has been about as cheap as the GS. The only real change I have noticed is that it has the potential to rapidly use tires if driven hard.
 
#16 ·
The needs to perform acceptable quality engine servicing changes as the cars get older, acquire mileage and need more than was listed in the "when new" service guide. With that said, it is not necessary to pull the motor in a 360, unless it's hammered and needs servicing beyond a lock and swap belt change.

To me, the 4200 Spyder and 360 are no comparison. They make similar power but the Maser is a lot heavier and has a much softer suspension system, amongst other things. You're going to get two very different driving experiences.

With the help of Formula Dynamics, we co do a lot to give the 4200 Spyder some proper attitude, however it's still nothing like a mid engine, flat plane crank Ferrari. Different chassis, different suspension geometry, different centers of mass and different engine power band characteristics.
 
#21 ·
To me, the 4200 Spyder and 360 are no comparison. They make similar power but the Maser is a lot heavier and has a much softer suspension system, amongst other things. You're going to get two very different driving experiences.

With the help of Formula Dynamics, we co do a lot to give the 4200 Spyder some proper attitude, however it's still nothing like a mid engine, flat plane crank Ferrari. Different chassis, different suspension geometry, different centers of mass and different engine power band characteristics.
I don't think it's quite that cut and dry.

My 4200 makes about 450HP and combined with the FD package and a custom chassis brace it easily keeps pace with 360's and 430's at the track. I have been out on many track days with the local exotic club as well as with the FM Calgary Piloti group. I rarely got passed except by Scuds and the odd 599. I know some people here think it's BS but I have also passed my fair share of 430's too.

For those who haven't tried a fully modded 4200, it is hard to describe how far apart they are from the stock car. They are a lot closer to a hard core sports car than you might think.
 
#17 ·
Very good info :) What about the GS Spyder, is that more along the lines of the 360?
 
#19 ·
As has been stated previously, two different cars. The Spyder is a fine grand touring car: good power, god brakes, very comfortable for longer drivers, great AC and heating if needed, decent sized trunk for luggage, etc.. But it is not an all-out sports car. During my four years of owning an '04 GT (stick shift), I found the drivetrain bullet-proof, but the car had issues with errant CEL's and power assists (top motors); not uncommon issues with many modern cars that rely so heavily of computers and are laden with power convenience / comfort items.I enjoyed the car for road trips and boulevard cruising but I can't say that it was "fun"in the way that driving my '86 Ferrari 328 is fun (although not as good a GT car). I've not driven a 360 but would expect it to be more fun than the Spyder and still be a decent GT car. Depends what you want. If money isn't an issue, I would opt for the 360.
 
#22 ·
360/maser

i have had a 360 and have a maser and several other cars/bikes

the 360 spider is a great car but definitely dated by todays standards and is really expensive to maintain if you drive it. you can get more HP cheaper than a 360 and a worked maser is a lot of fun. i am talking about manual for both. i do not like having too much $$ tied up in cars. the gt6sp is one of the best bargains out there. i looked for mine for 3 yrs window sticker was north of 100K with a stick. these cars retail for 25-30 and wholesale under 20k
stock 360s 400HP +/- maser is close its no ferrari.
 

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#27 ·
i have had a 360 and have a maser and several other cars/bikes

the 360 spider is a great car but definitely dated by todays standards and is really expensive to maintain if you drive it. you can get more HP cheaper than a 360 and a worked maser is a lot of fun. i am talking about manual for both. i do not like having too much $$ tied up in cars. the gt6sp is one of the best bargains out there. i looked for mine for 3 yrs window sticker was north of 100K with a stick. these cars retail for 25-30 and wholesale under 20k
stock 360s 400HP +/- maser is close its no ferrari.
The 360 is expensive to maintain if you drive it?
 
#24 ·
I would agree. It's an Italian muscle car.

P.S. Really nice set up for your collection. That's got to be PA. Like the Spyder paint job too.
 
#29 ·
Apples and oranges. Maser is a front end GT car (narrower track, longer wheelbase). 360 is a true mid engine sports car (wider track, shorter wheelbase). You have to drive both.

The 360 will feel more nimble and perhaps 'twitchy' than the Maser.