Quote:
nberry said:
Have you had an opportunity to drive a 430? It is superior to the 360 in so many ways including handling.
My impression is you have a greater comfort level driving rear engines cars. You probably "cut your teeth" in them. As a result, you prefer them to mid-engine or front engine cars. As I wrote earlier, it all depends on what you are used to.
Actually, adopting the 911 as 'my car' came through much trial and tribulation. I am a bmw guy, recently moved on to 911s due to bmw's hideous styling and lack of interest in a true sports car. Most of my track time is in an E36 M3.
I purchased my first 911, a C4S about 2.5 years ago, and since then had a 996 C2 a 996 GT3 and a 997S. I migrated to RWD layout (C4S was terrible on the track), and appreciate the intensity of the GT3 but the additional suspension refinement of the 997.
I then moved to Ferrari. I think the on the limit handling of the 360 is much more a function of execution rather than design. As you note, the 430 is much more the pussycat at the limit. . . and this supports my point that fundamental design is important, and the midengine layout is technically superior, but the modern 911 is superior in
execution to the 360. Looking at the 430, all bets are off, as Ferrari seems to have righted the wrongs of the 360. I view the 360 - 430 jump very similarly to the 996 to 997 jump. Both cars sets of cars share the same basic architecture and design, but the later generation is so obviously superior from a dynamics standpoint that it's hard to believe they have the same DNA.
The 360 is not a bad car by any stretch, and appeals to those who prioritize the ferrari experience and allure over the better engineered on limit handling traits of the 997 chassis.
The 430 is an interesting alternative, but quite a pricy one!
Here's my very technical, PhD explaination:
