So I finally got to drive a 360 Modena yesterday

so i got to drive my friend's modified 360 modena this evening having sold my rolex to him in exchange all i gotta say is as predicted, it absolutely crushed any remnants of wanting yet another 911. at the end of the day, the ferrari 360 is so much more fun to drive than any 911 i've driven (997S, 997TT, 996GT3)... i can't see how anyone could say no in picking one up from a driving experience, looks standpoint. you see that yellow/black prancing horse shield on the front side panels and you're just like... "i've arrived". -I believe his car was a lightened version from the factory so it topped out at about 3000lbs -the car feels very rigid -suspension was firmer than my car on pss9s in medium -revs fall much quicker in between shifts than my car and in turn blipping throttle gives you that brrap brrap in quick succession -interior is rather sparse in a good way -car is wider and lower and longer (more interior space and truly feels like you're riding on your ****) the thing is, i don't care for the stock look of the 360, but since his was lowered on 19" HREs... (wider, bigger) with capristo exhaust and some other intake.... goodness gracious it looks like a damn space ship rolling down the road. it was a 6 speed manual which i'd get on the 360 since the F1 tranny is always being updated... and i must say i rather enjoyed the clink clink of the metal gates. the throws were quite good (i.e. no SSK needed ). it makes my look ... pedestrian any of you guys drive another car where you were just blown away by the experience?

I have always loved the 360, and the 430 even more so. For me, it would just be a weekend car as I could never drive that car into NYC and certainly not when there is even the chance of a cloud. That makes the Ferrari expensive in epic proportions. However if I had FU money I'd own one in a hearbeat... pure sex on wheels.

While I love P-cars and there are all sorts of rationale reasons to own one over a Ferrari, the F-cars are stunning to look at, never mind drive. Agree with Riad - if I had the FU money, I'd have one in my garage tomorrow.

yea bro i can't imagine driving the 430 if the 360 is THIS good. the 360 didn't feel much faster if at all than my pork4s in the straights... in fact it felt less torquey off the line and that's fine with me. i like high revving n/a engines. i'd love to try out the 430 for comparison. the 360 is certainly fast enough for me like my c4s. where the 360 kills is the feel, sound, looks, and just the fanfare within you and the fans looking at you. I def get the hater looks in the 911, but in the f-car... my friend tells me it's all been love from the public (he used to own an aerokitted 997S). the 997 TT is the last car i test drove. that car just feels like it grips and grips and is just stupid fast, but at the same time, there's really little feel, bit 'o lag, lack of good sounds (my 996 sounds better without a doubt) and when i got back in my dated pork4s, i didn't feel like i'm missing out 2x my car. in the ferrari, i felt... sheesh, time to hustle and move it on up. it's just an incredible machine and the romance of it all is just... powerful.

I like that phrase, "FU money". Some non-Porsche owners may argue that's thats the reason we have a Porsche. We Porsche owners know better. But, yes. I, too, would buy a Ferrari if I had the FU money.

Good for you Ben for driving an F car. I have driven a 430 before with the F1 trans and it was a blast, I won't say blown away though. Personnally I would look at only the 360 or 430 if out shopping for a F car. But then neither car is cheap as chips, even a used one is going to set you back a lot. To have one, as Riad stated, would be a weekend toy and not a DD and grocery getter. Does it out perform and make more of a statement than a Porsche (the ones you listed), most definately more of a statement, performance is questionable though IMHO. So if you can swing keeping your Porsche and getting a 360 go for it I say

"FU money", great way to put it RIAD. I would not leverage myself to own one. That said, if I wanted (and could afford) to **** away twice the money, I would certainly take an F over a P ..and I'm sure it would provide twice the thrill!! Benjie, my advice, if you have the disposable income and you can "live with" pissing it away for an expensive thrill, do it!

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http://www.forza-mag.com/art2/art2p1.html from a guy drive his 360 in NYC: ...This was my beater, my every-day car, since I only had one car at the time, he says. I wasnt afraid to get door dings or rock chips. I actually had 24 door dings on my passenger-side door at one time. ..

Nice ride!! I am off to buy lottery tickets...

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I'm perfectly fine with the p-car for now as it fits my lifestyle and where I'm at. I'm still excited by it everytime I look at it and drive off in it. For me, I'm big on *life balance* so until I feel like my lifestyle can back-up the "smack talk" of being an F-car owner (balanced out by a large contribution to a charity of mine or having a building named after me at my private high school), I will stick to what's good at the time. The time right now is to travel the world, work hard, drive a decent car I love, and just go out and do the thang with my crew. But damn my grandparents, mom/dad, aunt... are coming down on me to start settling down.

Nice. I like the 360 better than the 430. I've always liked the V8, smaller kid brother Fcars.

just like the 996:997, the 360 doesn't look any more dated on the outside than the 430.. now the interior... yes.

I rode in an F355 F1 Spider recently and was only impressed by the tightness and quietness (even though it was a convertible). Then of course there is the exhaust sound. It was bone stock and sounded wonderful. I was rather disappointed in how poorly the interior looked. I think it was a 1999 with only around 10,000 miles, but the interior looked crappy. It hasn't held up well at all.

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the diff. between 355 and 360 is like 933 and 996, interior-wise.

As much as I love the taste of the Porsche koolaid, I would own an F-car if I had FU money. How could you be a car enthusiast and not? But, if I had FU money, I would have a small stable of cars. I wouldn't give up one for another. Ben, you can settle down without completely growing up. Don't ever lose all of the kid in you.

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Gotcha, Ben, however; when you made that comment that you don't even "want" another P, makes it seem as if you will move to an F, or is this statement purely hyperbolic? Either way, i'm curious; whats (possibly) next for Ben and when do you think you'd make a move?

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there's a lot of other life factors that are up in the air so switching up cars is the last thing on my mind but the first thing on my rennlist mind u know what i mean? i love coming here because it's a little haven of just pure entertainment/hobby/pleasure thinking. glad i could share it with you guys and glad you guys share some of your "haven" thoughts with me.

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Ya, I gotcha. My car is up for sale, although i don't really want it to sell. I always list my cars (usually high) around 6 months after ownership. I have NO idea what I'd move to from this, but if the price is right, I will sell, then decide ..and the search will be ON, yet again!

Ben, Your friend's car sits really nice, lowered and with the black wheels - it's the cat's pajamas.

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yea it's the whole package which is THE reason why i enjoyed the whole experience so much. i really don't care for the stock 360 as the wheels are RV style inset, too small, too narrow... and i know that my bud's car is setup to sound much more aggressive which wasn't bad at all. inside the cabin, it's not boomy, but outside... oh boy parents pls keep the children inside!

Does it have cupholders? That would be a deal-breaker.

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one of the reasons why i gave up on my mint M3 is that i knew i wouldn't be cool with it once the new E92 came out. one of the reasons why i picked up a 911 is because i knew i would be content with it for a good several years before getting the itch to upgrade yet again and lose thousands of dollars in between the transcation (depreciation, mods, sales tax, etc). as crazy as i am about cars, i think i've hit the point where the rather timeless 911 meets my needs and the next car since there's always better... will be a seriously deserved jump v. fuqin around in the under $100K car territory... and just load up on a couple truly exotic cars in the $200K+ territory that i just am not able to touch right now but i know would make me feel like a kid again. call me jaded, but as i go thru more cars, as i get older... less and less cars get me excited (kinda sucks actually) so i think really for me to go gah gah again... is to go ball in the big leagues which means stop fuqin around with trading in cars for another car that's maybe $10-20Gs delta. i kinda have it figured out along this front now let me go figure out what i need/want in my financial freedom pillar so i can go ahead and make that appt w/ mr. pagani.

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Cool article... it is true that the modern day Ferrari's can be used more I still wonder how much he has spent in maintenance on the car.

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One that holds extra large 7-11 slurpees?

While I am a big Ferrari fan, I've never done more than sit in one. Sure, I'd love to own one, but only as a fifth or sixth vehicle--there are plenty of other cars that would be MUCH more reasonable to drive on a semi-regular basis. I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not looking for another child right now. My C4 gets driven in the sun, rain, and snow and I'm not looking to start a car show every time I park it at Best Buy or Costco, which is exactly what happens if you do that with a Ferrari around here. I guess it's kinda like a boat--I don't want to own one...I want my best friend to own one.

i'm sure in IA it'd be a car show... but as you go to bigger metros, it becomes less and less of an "issue" e.g. seattle -->San Fran --> South Beach --> Sunset Blvd --> Crystal Cove in the OC... etc.

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Yeah... I was in Newport Beach this weekend and was following 4 Lambos (3 Gallardos, 1 Murci) on the same road. I was in my lowly Porsche. Only in the OC. At least I got a wave from one of the Lambo guys.

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SIQ! yea i am going to be crashing at a friend's house in Laguna B next weekend... the air smells sweet there it is just another world or what i call hawaii in the mainland. your red c4s can hold its own lowered on them siq 19" brombachers pls believe

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Oh, no doubt, but Riad's comments about not wanting to drive one downtown on a daily basis--coupled with an article bragging that someone is actually using one as a daily driver--sure seem to imply that Iowa isn't the only place in which exotics attract attention of all kinds. That said, I've often commented in the past that Iowans tend to notice my Miata more than the Porsche. BTW, Iowa keeps a Porsche owner's ego in check at all times; the only P-car dealer sells mostly GM products, Mazdas, and Subarus. The last time my 996 visited the dealer, I had to wait behind a 20-year-old in a Pontiac Vibe.

Hey Ben, Been reading some of your posts in the past and you've come across as an opinionated guy, with passion for cars and a quirky attitude that at times have pissed people off with you candid remarks. That having said, you also have a sense of practicality and seem rather grounded and responsible. Those are attributes that are not commonly found in F car buyers. Don't mean to open up a can of worms or cause trouble....I'm sure there are exceptions to my comment (eg. your friend that drives the 360) but have you seen or met the people who drive an F car. You will never see me in one even when I can afford to... the lable is over baring for me and by the time I could afford one, I will already be going through a mid life crisis and my 25 year old mistress will be more than I can handle for attention. Just my opinion

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it's like saying i don't want jessica alba as my girl because she just attracts too much wandering eyes in public i'll deal with it the best i can and to the guy bragging about driving one as a daily... what, does he want a cookie?

F is nice but if you want the real deal go for the Lambo

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I was thinking the same thing myself...Would you like a cookie?

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you're an astute man i think people tend to assume a lot of things about me here without realizing we are in a hobby forum so i share but a small niche of my life and opinions, though i think i have been sharing more of who i am because i am so passionate about good cars and pretty things. i don't blog anywhere else. i blog thru you guys here. anways sure you'll have your typical f-car idiots, but for me, i remember how i felt when i picked up my first car which was the s2000 and how pure and good that felt. then 16k miles later i totaled that thing and while gazing on that crumpled mess of metal and plastic on the slick interstate asphalt, i had a mini epiphany that this thing is just a nicely assembled mass of material that has become an automobile. so for all that waxing, and modding, and focus i put on this car as a 23 year old, it became what it is - a toy. and so goes the m3 and now the 911. i'm big on hanging around with good people measured not necessarily by wealth or status or fame, but by their integrity, character, and perspective. no one is forcing me to befriend any or all of you. i'm not asking any of you to like me. so in a sense, i couldn't give a rat's **** about what people may stereotype me as in my honda, my jeep, my porsche, wearing my breitling, wearing my diamond/gold chain, my suit, etc. i'm just going to be as honest as my opinions here and just be me with the full knowledge that at the end of the day, i have my integrity to uphold and truly believe that i am a good person who wants to do good things for others whatever i may be driving, wearing, etc. so in a sense, i guess in most situations i'm just comfortable enough in my own skin to not even hesitate. sure, the one thing i always ask for is more wisdom as i age. so in a word just like my f-car owning friend was so unconditional about me driving his ferrari, i will also be like this with other friends who wants to drive my... (hopefully a ferrari) in the near future. and being a rather social person, i'll totally be self available and self depricating with people and in a sense... play down the f-car just as i consistently play down my p-car here and in real life.

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it's ok to love both

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chocolate chip pls

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Sure thing...

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Eh, I'd be more apt to liken it to the difference between dating a supermodel versus dating a "regular" hot chick that's down to earth with a decent personality. The supermodel is always going to attract more attention, but at the end of the day I'd rather go home with a "regular" girl, i.e. a 996TT or something. To each his own...YMMV. I dunno, but the fact that you hear it mentioned like it's a big deal so many times, coupled with the extremely low mileages on the used Ferrari market suggests that there's a reason people aren't driving these things on a routine basis. Hell, look at the people on RL that own Ferraris...most of them don't try to hide the fact that they use a Porsche as their daily driver.

I have driven the F430 a number of times and it is the most amazing driving experience I can imagine. That said I think my 997S is about 80-85% of the F430 at half the cost. That is NOT in any way a negative on the F430. As stated it is the most amazing thing I have ever driven. That said I do not think it is light years ahead of the 911. I think the current crop of 911's acquits itself very well against the current F430 which is the ultimate compliment to the 911. At the end of the day the cars are not like kind replacements so honestly comparing an F car to a P car is not apples to apples. If I could only have one and it was my daily driver there is nothing I would rather have on a day to day basis than my current car. If I had one as a weekender that I would drive twice per month the F430 would be the one I would choose. Those two decisions would take me mere milliseconds to make.

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Dude keep on posting......you are an entertaining ****!!! You say what we young people hesitate to say on these forums and like myself...from looking stuck up and spoiled. Get your F-car....i will be in my Aston blasting some Biggie & TUPAC. Always keep it real doggy!

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in case you were a b-ball fan, i liken the 911 to ray allen. i absolutely love ray allen aka jesus shuttlesworth. he is my favorite player in the nba. he played in milwauk, seattle and now boston. the ferrar f430 though is kobe bryant. as good as shuttles is and as much as i like his style of play, kobe bryant is at another level, an LA laker for the life of his career thus far. it took me a while to appreciate his talent, but now that i better understand his work ethic, his outstanding defense, and the outrageous competitive passion he has... i am a kobe fan now. but am i happy with being a ray allen fan? no question. i recall you mentioned you had a brother who has an F430. fantastic. to me, 80% isn't good enough. and the problem with the 911 in my eyes is it's just never going to be this: all or nothing so even with a 997 GT2 in the garage, i'd always end up driving the f-car. now if i had an aston martin vanquish on the side, there would be times i'd pick the vanq over the f-car since it's a much more comfy, smoother, quieter ride (GT coupe).

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2 of Amerikaz most wanted, ain't nuttin' but a gangsta party baby boy! WESTSIDE!

Nice anology with Kobe as the F car and Allen as the P car. No doubt Kobe is the best and most talented player in the current NBA, but will always be remebered by the adultry he had comitted and the dumb *** ring he bought to buy his love back. Unlike Allen...timeless, repected by many, keeping a low profile while playing phenominal basket ball at his age. Much like the F cars...nice to look at, fantastic to drive but who's in those cars is certainly not an accurate reflection of the car itself. So remember my fellow Asian grasshopper, its not what's on the outside but what's on the inside that makes the difference.

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Don't forget the (awful) Porsche dealer in Davenport. There are two in the state.

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Yea, I really couldn't care who is in what. The Ferrari would be MY Ferrari and it would be me representing the ROK. HAHA Good advice, man. Keep it on lock in 'onto.

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What, so now you feel compelled to divulge your sensitivities to us as if we give a ****? I hope that was cathartic for you. I hear ya and can, in fact, relate in many ways. I've always had a keen eye and great appreciation for the finer things. That's not to say I equate them with personal success or substance. I simply enjoy the finer things life has to offer. Yet because of my affinity for such things and discerning tastes, those who don't know me often tend to charaterize me as being snobbish or "too-good" for regular things. I have as much fun hanging with family and friends in a Luby's as I do in a 5-star joint. Locales and socio-economic class don't mean anything to me, it's the company that makes all the difference. I have a fairly small inner circle, but friends I make I keep forever. Most acquaintances will likely depict me as uptight, formal, and not someone you can cut-loose with, but they couldn't be more wrong. I learned long ago to do what it is that makes you happy, and never buy your own hype. Now back to the topic...I love the F-car, but just not sure whether I'd actually want one as a trophy. I don't know, maybe my hang-ups will change if/when I have stupid money.

TMI.

Ben, Buy an F. F is for Fun! Buy it now, take care of it, keep it 20 years, sell it for a handsome sum. Consider the maintenance cost to be commensurate with your driving pleasure. BUT Keep the P. P is for Practical. Drive it daily, upgrade to another P car for daily use when you tire of this one. Ray Allen's a gamer. Celts seem unstoppable now. Unfortunately, he is no longer a Sonic, as I've got a luxo suite at Oracle next Tues to see the Sonics and Warriors. Durant will have to do (still partial to the skinny kid cuz he went to Texas).

When I was looking for a TT, I was offered a 99 Modena in the Ferrari yellow. The fellow had just gotten it and was going to go thru it in his shop and flip it, but it needed a little work. He offered it to me for $70K and I was tempted. I took it out and drove it with a friend, and although it was a wonderful and first time experience, I can truthfully say that I wasn't all that smitten. I thought about it overnight, and decided to go for the 02 X50 that I had been negotiating for. I went by the guy's shop several days later and he confessed that he was glad I didnt' buy it...but he had to put about $10K into some issues with the tranny....since I don't have that kind of money to throw at a car I just bought, I was glad I didnt' pull the trigger and must confess, I'm totally happy with the X50....plus it has a hell of a lot more room in it.....AND the fact that upkeep and maintenance is a bitch....

The super exotics are hard to deny, the F-car is flat out ridiculous. The thing is, it does come down to having stupid money, being in THAT league. For me just having the ability to own one is not enough to get one. Reaching financial freedom FIRST is way more important. I much rather have a bad *** house that is paid for than that F-car, lambo, etc... Most can never reach that ultimate $ level but have done very well and are willing to sacrafise something. FREEDOM I am almost 40, still young but not full of....

ls, agreed my friend

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Whoops...you're right--I forgot about Lujack's. How awful are they? They might be my "backup" at some point in the future.

Didn't really read on all the posts, but while I'd love to have basically any F car in my stable, I always argue sour grapes. When that F car aint runnin or is getting the oil changed, I would imagine it would be somewhat pricey to get back on all fours. What does an oil change run on that? Is it an easy DIY gig? I know that replacing our engine is about 10K, I wonder what a new engine is on that beast? Aside from my sour graping....if I had the don't give a hoot wallet, I think I'd grab that Stradale Challenge....have fun Bennieboy!!!!! -one sour grape J

I originally never wanted a 911. It was in fact my search for an older Ferrari that got me to drive a 911 for the first time. I always wanted a 308 GTSi QV or 328 GTS. I kept looking and driving them. They were wonderful cars to look at and hear, just not the best to drive. I looked and drove 7 or 8 of them, including a Norwood Turbo. There were just certain I didn't. The driving position is simply terrible. You have a flat profile steering wheel, with very reclined seats (even at the lowest recline setting) that are unsupportive and flat. Your legs are skewed way to the right to make room for the wheel arches. The gas pedal is actually in the centerline of the car. Teh shifters come in 2 versions: so loose they wobble a couple of inches in every gate or so tight they are a bicep machine to move. The clutch has no feel and just engages someplace in the travel. They brakes feel unassisted with a heavy pedal. The steering was heavy and choppy at anything below 35 mph. In fact, it felt just like an old fiero (for those who remember them). Above 35 the steering became perfectly smooth. Above 70, the steering lightened up substantually. The engines on the other hand are wonderful, especially the 328. It pulls from 1000 rpms with good torque all the way to 7700 rpms. Other than the engine, I hated the cars when I drove them. When I would drive them I would also voice my concerns with the dealer and they told me on multiple occassions to look at a 911. I went out and drove an 911 S/C and bought one within a month. What sold me on my first 911 was not looks or prestige, it was a great driving position with no offset pedals and a vertical steering wheel, brakes that were easy to modulate and powerful, a clutch that was easy to feel (initially strange due to the floor pivot) and steering that even at 5 mph you could not tell it was not power assisted. In the end, what mattered most to me was how the car felt behind the wheel and not how it looked on the outside. It is kind of funny that it was actually a Ferrari dealer that got me to drive and hence buy a 911. Since buying my S/C, I have driven 348s, F355s and a 512 TR. Each has gotten better. Both the V8 cars still have driving position issues. The front wheel well forces your legs to the center. The steering wheel position was finally fixed with the F355. The 348 in some ways went backwards: the engine didn't pull as well down low as the 328 and the rear suspension felt very nervous. The F355 was almost liveable. I decided against a 355 when I chose to go to a 996 Carrera instead because it was a much more liveable car. One significant surprise to me was the TR. Despite what appears to be a big intrusion of the front wheel arches, was actually none when you got settled in the car. Remember to duck when you get in as the roof is very low. A TR is so wide that after going over the wide doorsills, you find the pedals position perfectly directly in front of you. The steering wheel is vertical like a 911. The shifter and the steering are still heavy, but much smoother than the older V8 Ferraris. The clutch takeup is heavy, but smooth and easy to feel. The brakes are almost soft and feel a lot like a 993. The engine is a marvel with a perfectly smooth idle, a tremendouse flat torque off idle and the ability to rev to 7K. Visibility was also surprisingly very good. It is was not for the cost of maintenance and rapair on a TR (it is the highest of any Ferrari), I would probably own one today. I will probably own one sometime as an extra car. I have been in a F360, but never driven one. I haven't considered one until recently, as it is now in my price range. From sitting in it, they have finally fixed the driving position. I just don't know if I could go to one knowing it won't even perform as well as a 997 Carrera S. Remember that even an F360CS can't outperform a 996 GT3.

When I was shopping for my P car, I had the opportunity talk to several high end car salesman and they have all said the same thing about F cars. They are expensive to maintain and the pervious owners never drove their F cars because of that reason. $16,000 brake service after 15,000km....it now makes sense why the pre owned F cars usally have less than 10,000km. LOL

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E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G requires two trips to get (almost) right. Everything. And I'm not being nit-picky. I'm referring to subtle things like my Targa roof not closing. Or not ordering the part I drove in to have replaced. And many others but I won't hijack the thread. They can kiss my hairy bean-bag. Ferraris are pretty (to get back on topic).

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an evo or sti with simple mods will easily outperform a 997S and the modena. but we all know why we'd never get the super duper econo box cars because it doesn't look good, doesn't have the history, it doesn't look good, it doesn't sound good, the interior is not so cool, the image.. etc. same deal for the modena to 997S, 997 GT3 etc. my approach to loving cars is holistic. the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and for me, for my style, for my tastes, the ferrari modena (its whole) is just that much greater than the 997 GT3 (i pick this car because i think everyone would universally agree it's the best water cooled 911 out there to date) that i wouldn't think twice to pick up the older, less laptime capable car. i value style, driving fun (power, feel, sound), quality, history in that order, but then again, i want it all. the ferrari's got it all in spades. my little test drive just obliterated any doubt. and if you're a dude who picks a 996GT3 over a CS because u think it "outperforms" it, we wouldn't be hanging out anyways as buds so F u. j/k

I'll add one more to the list: style, driving fun, quality, MARQUE, history. In THAT ORDER!! Ben, you're making way too much sense lately. It's starting to scare me!

nah, it's your lack of reading comprehension or apparent complacency or just simple hate for me so you take up only what you want to take up. i've been preaching the same ben choi sermon all along, bud

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Haha!! Right on! Anyway, no hate for you or ANYONE on here, brutha!! Always like to hear what you have to say, just don't agree with some of it, or maybe just the way it's delivered. But you're a great part of the Renn-brotherhood, nonetheless! Cheers

I drove this car about 6 or 7 years ago, owner had too much to drink otherwise I doubt I would have ever had the chance, actually another five minutes and it would have been stuck in parking garage overnight. I noticed on the parking garage wall there was a sign that said they charged an extra 20% for Bentley, Ferrari and Porsche parking! The 360 was the real deal. made the hair on my neck stand up. The pinnacle of the sprint racing car. But completely impractical, I was scared to drive the car.. a mishap could put me in debt for life! And the four year waiting list for Ferrari doesn't help matters. Amazing to think that you could have the caysh to plunk down and they'll tell you "we'll call you in 2010-2011 or you can pay me an extra $40K in my back pocket here and maybe we can find one in six months". Too many dudes with too much moolah and not enough Ferrari. The opposite situation of Porsches, everyone has one that can afford one. Porsches are meant to be driven everyday and pushed to their limits on track days and autocross. Ferraris are meant to be waxed and driven slowly past a trendy outdoor cafe full of chicks with fake ***** and guys with hair plugs. P.s. CaymanS had nearly the same effect the first time I drove one, A REAL drive...something I could never do in a 355/360/430/550...CaymanS is a near perfect car with ugly headlights.

perfectlap, too funny man. I mean all it took was just starting up the car, engaging the clutch, turning the wheel and slowly getting out of a parallel parking situation onto the street to understand what's up. The gauges, the yellow prancing horse steering wheel stamp in the middle, the metal gated shift, the seating position... i mean game over. i'm behind the wheels of a thoroughbred. I enjoy outdoor cafes full of chicks, I like my hair, and I like track days just am honest with myself to understand that I'm rarely going to drive any of my cars on one again but do enjoy a few drives now and then with friends in the back-backroads. The flywheel/engine's reciprocating mass is so lite... braa... braaa braa in quick succession. not quite at CGT speeds, but darn well good enough to put a smile on my face.

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off the heezy fo sheezy

Ben, if you say "blog" ever again we can't hang.

WHAHAHAHAHAH so this isn't blogging? i guess it's teh closest thing to me writing anything down that's not work-related.

Grasshopper...seems like you take very good care of your current P car. Frequent car wash, wax, windex, leather clean/moisturise, vacum etc. Drive it in nice sunny weather, no rain, worry about scratched, stone chips, bird ****, finger prints, dings and dents etc. CAN YOU IMAGINE THE STRESS YOU WILL HAVE IF YOU DROVE A F-CAR. You won't have time to actually enjoy it.

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WHAHAHAAHHAHHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHA you know me well but i'm trying to get better and i've made progress sensei

So from my experience with the 360... Awesome track car - sucks on the street. Paddle shift clutch on many early models fails repeatably when sitting it traffic getting hot. You simply can't see traffic around and beside you, visibility was V poor. You can't leave it parked anywhere without ****!ng a brick - I've seen 'tourists' leaning and even climbing on parked 360s for a picture! You'll have to repeatedly bend over and take it from the rear for servicing. So probably perfect for Ben - you can roll with the Prancing Horse and believe you're the man.

They do look awesome on a track I admit! But the bend easily and cost a king's ransom to repair! And they're so common these days!

no wonder you didn't like the Ferrari, those Italian dudes put the steering wheel on the WRONG SIDE OF THE CAR...How the hell do you expect to parallel park your F-Car when your sitting next to curb?? That's like tapping your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time...

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That's what it was!

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he hate me

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completely agree on old TR or 512M! but hard to reverse, hard to park. remember my first ride in one in the early 90s, that flat plane 12 is still one of the most ridiculous sounding motors ever. Thunder and lightning between your ears. don't know why they bothered with a radio. in terms of this v8 conversation, Ben by all means buy a 360 or a 430 (drop in my opinion, hold value better), but IMHO don't do it if it means selling your daily driver or levering up. just don't put too many miles on 'em and you'll lose very very little aside from taxes of course (unless in Delaware). rack up mileage and you'll be bleeding on depreciation AND maintenance. If I didn't have employees or investors, you'd better believe I'd keep a 430 somewhere for sunny days. I might still break down and do it with all the real estate people in cali going broke. theres deals out there! (am I a prisoner to my fear of depreciation?) incidentally for you sunset folks i was at katana the other day and a very very short guy was parked right in front of me when I came out. black f430 spider with what looked like a big foam booster seat on the driver's side. I guess yellow pages don't fit in new ferraris!

Remember that the engines come out for tune ups 5K and that same engine (de-Tuned of course) is in the Masseratti line and the Alfa Romeo.

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Hate's a strong word Ben...

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Hey bud I'm not planning on unloading my 911 anytime soon! I still very much enjoy the drive even after having driven the 360. It feels like gt coupe in comparison. I definitely would want the drop top over the coupe. With Ferrari's, due to the mid-engine layout, the drop top in some ways looks better than the coupe whereas in the 911... it just does not translate well (not a dig at the cab guys here). I'll always have my trusty Jeep Cherokee 4.0 4x4. I wouldn't DD any car sports car/gt coupe. I always would want a trusty utility car I don't necessarily beat on per se (I take good care of my cars), but just throw stuff in like dogs and mud and costco junk with 0 worries. Is Katana a pretty siq place to be? I'll be at the Mondrian next weekend and hoping for some good weather. I hear the Sky Bar is pretty tite.

Hey Ben, Do yourself a favor and drive a 2003-2004 Maserati Spyder GT or Coupe GT. Would be interested in your comparo to the 360. I went to look/drive one with a buddy and honestly can't believe how friggin cheap they are these days... sweet music from that 390 hp 4.2L V8

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if someone threw me the keys and said go for a spin, i would. but in all honesty, paul, i couldn't care less about any maseratis even that new catfish looking coupe that's coming to market. it's cheap for a reason. nobody cares about it. i mean not nobody, but certainly not I. to me, it's an old man's car. sure way back when it may have had an identity in motorsport, but for me... i just can't relate and there's just too many other cool brands/cars that i love (obviously p-cars, f-cars et al) plus, outside of ferrari/lambo/pagani etc i really don't trust anything italian.. if not for the prestige and history of such brands, would I buy an italian commuter car over say a japanese one? no way. and i know from a detailer that does all the work for the ferrari seattle dealership... he said that the maseratis are cheaply made (they undo panels and such to do the full on $2000 detail jobs).

interesting observation.. I'll pass that on to the potential buyer. I was just impressed with the engine and gearbox. Oh and the noise

Why not wait for the Porsche Carma. http://www.porschecarma.sup.fr/

The reason I brought up the Maser is that it struck me as a poor mans Fcar.

i don't wanna drive a poor man's anything

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Waiting for Godot

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Yet you and I drive the poor man's Turbo. j/k I love the C4S as a NA car, not as a watered-down Turbo.

How'd I guess someone would say that? "11" steps up to the plate predictably. Unless you're driving a Buagtti Veyron or a McLaren F1, you can be a poor automobile man to a lot of other dudes. And if I wanted a Turbo, I would've gotten one, but like you I don't do turbos. At least the 911 is the flagship Porsche model. We're good.

I think I'd take an Aston over a Ferrari, BTW

I'd take the DBS over the 360, but would take the 430 over the DBS. Pretty simple logic.

Grasshopper, the Aston DBS is currently the best looking car on the planet?

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Just not the same to me since they stopped making their engines. The Aston thing used to be all about the hand-built motor. Enthusiasts claimed to be able to tell which guy at the factory had built a given motor just by the sound. Lots of great folklore. Now, Aston has amazing motors, there's no doubt. But they're Fords. The V12 block casting is literally 2 x the Taurus/Escape V6 motor, with practically the same specific output. To me, that takes it out of the old-school, legendary supercar club and puts it into a category where performance and looks are its only reasons for being. Just not the same, to me, fully acknowledging that it's got plenty of both. Trivia question: What do Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Porsche have in common? They all have tractors in their past. The 'DB' in Aston's model nomenclature stands for David Brown. Seriously. Okay, I'll shut up now.

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The only way for me to say outright that I don't want the DBS over a similarly priced F-car because it's no longer handbuilt back in a time when I probably wasn't even alive or just a toddler... is to actually drive the thing. Maybe that'll happen sooner or later, who knows. At this point, it's all conjecture. I just don't know. I do know what it looks like and I like what I am seeing a lot. And I absolutely love the Vanquish S and would love one in the latest year model with the manual 6-speed as I've read its semi automatic sucks. Like so except in dark gray: The Vanq S is still better looking than the DBS, but I'd love the DBS because it is the best looking GT coupe being produced today. I'd slam that thing on a set of 20" Work Brombachers and I'd be good to go. It would look so insane I'd poop my pants on sight. Now, my guess is the F430 is jus going to drive so much better and sound so much more "FERRARI" that there'd be no way I could go back into the rather sedate confines of the DBS to ever pick it over the prancing horsey mobile.

Again, if I had the FU money, an A-M would be in my stable as well. I would have the flat-six, the F-car V8, and the A-M V12. Beautiful tunes all around. And if you're at Sebring next month, you'll get to hear all three in race trim at the same time. A total win the lottery pipe dream for me. But hey, I have the flat-six now, so I gotta have something to dream about.

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You better keep some of the FU money aside for repairs and loaners - AM have a terrible reputation back in the UK. Mostly transmission issues. Guy I know got a refund on his yearly vehicle tax because he could prove the car spent most of the year being repaired at AM!

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Flagship? Don't tell the Carrera GT guys.

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err I think you mean the Cayenne guys...

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[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:] https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif

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Katana is actually right across the street from Sky Bar. It's fun, lot of celebrity traffic which can be annoying, but more a scene than a destination restaurant like a Nobu. A lot of chinese/japanese fusion on the menu which s good though, like whole fried fish etc. Plenty of authentic Japanese food down on Sawtelle in Santa Monica. Sky is a very old place with a slightly older, more West LA and tourist crowd, but is in the Mondrian along with a decent iteration of Asia de Cuba. Definitely drop in and see, nice view, just don't wind up in the pool with ten of your new friends and short out your iphone (cough cough). Blackberrys better anyway. Places you'll want to go if you want to scratch a nightclub itch: Villa, Les Deux, Social, maybe still Mood, and Goa or Opera if you like bigger spaces

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Not all services are engine out, they don't come out nearly as much as the old ones

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A good friend of mine down in Florida had a Maser coupe, loved it but hated the F1 trans, now has the new proper torque converter auto quattroporte (which I dislike intensely) and will probably end up in a Murci or Zonda too the way he's going. Way more GT than 360 or even 911 Coupe/spyder motor sounds amazing, but not as raspy or free revving as the 355/360 but deeper sound too. More recip. mass, less titanium. He did have the tubi on it, stock cats i believe. But you can't own it for more than a few months before you o exhaust, rims, intake, run out of mods and spring for the ferrari. Some stigma as well if you can believe it: Just like many porschefiles say everyone in a boxster couldn't spring for the 911, many tifosi look down their nose at the Maser coupe/spyder owners.

"many tifosi look down their nose at the Maser coupe/spyder owners" I own both Ferraris and a Maserati QP. Anyone who looks down on his nose at a Boxster or Mas owner is a tool.

Yeah, what he said expect the Boxster part BTW love that Vanquish...since we are having fun dreaming

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i've got a date lined up for saturday nite so looks like i'll go by your recommendation and make a reservation at katana. i partied at les deux back in oct and my friends and i had a good time. if you have any vip list contacts at opera, social, etc, pls let me know. i'm drugged up on cold medicine right now, but hopefully i'll recover in time to enjoy the LA scene next weekend. P.S. I use a windows mobile phone (so not LA hehe)

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i saw it rollin down the street and i was mesmerized (rare occurrence). deep dish, lowered... am rumble... it was unreal automotive beauty.

My thought on this Ben is you're young, you don't have other responsibilities like a wife and kids (and they are HUGE responsibilities), so if you can swing it go ahead and pull the trigger. Once you start amassing life's responsibilities buying self indulgent things becomes more and more difficult to justify. You may find if you wait you won't be able to do this again until you're middle aged.

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I concur 100%. I am 34 and married with a 9 year old son and our budget continues to find ways to get spent. These costs add up fast, and it I were a single man, could have afforded leases on "several" Ferrari's with this money.... Bottom line - enjoy it NOW. The wife/kid thing is great, and I wouldn't change it for the world. But, I wish I had bought that Ferrari when I was 26 and had the means... For now, I have to wait until the little one is in or out of college (another decade away)... Live large! -Blake

He seems to be indulging and enjoying quite fine to me, bad *** car with plenty of moods, traveling, etc, etc and etc. An FN F car might not be the best thing right now. Invest, be patient and rewards will follow. In the mean time try to put up with just a P. Poor young lad. Keep on dreaming on though, you'll get yours Well that's my dos centavos

good advice all around and thx for looking out. i'm not as young as you guys probably think. i am a bachelor. i'm old enough that my grandmothers and mom/dad have begun putting on the half-court trap about finding a good hearted woman and settling down. soon, i'm sure, should i fail to comply, the full court press is on. the ferrari can wait. it was an awesome drive, but the p-car... is awesome in its own right. i def need to figure out first what i wanna do with my career before embarking in any sort of trip to the fcar dealership. saw an f430 spider, 360 mod/spider out and about today.... even the f-cars look rather staid to me without aftermarket wheels and lowering. p.s. so what's your transition story from bachelorhood to husbandhood? smooth? adjustments? nightmares?

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For some reason, maybe read it, I thought you were 24ish. If so you are correct, not that young....well at least not snotty nose young. Half court to full press is no issue as long as you don't get caught in a trap and turn it over. Hold it until the very last precious seconds, then shoot and hope like hell, ha. It will come to you, 20's, 30's or whatever. Those who seem to rush/want it so bad get blinded by their own desires. Air ball The one for you will FU up in every way. Happen to me when I least expected it. Destiny, left no doubts, nothing else mattered. Transition was smoooth, nothing but net. Fatherhood is the greatest joy of a mans life. Slam dunk Your time will come, until then keep your dribble alive, beat the full court press

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LS911 is... BALLLLLLLLNNNNNNNNN

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agreed, i'm no snob, but many sports car people are

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crazy looking car. i actually really like the way the little one (v8) looks in person.

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http://www.theghostfacedoll.com/

dipset, time to bring the party up in the RL reezzzzy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGt-Wcyhg3o

Ben If you can do it than do it! Ferrari is so much more than a car it is a lifestyle As for marriage....completely individual choice. I have never been into "big pimpin" or flashing the keys to the women folk. Ferrari draws a lot more attention from women, no doubt, but that has never been part of my reason for buying it. My wife is friggin' awesome....but more than her being awesome I think I was at a place in my life when we met that allowed me to see how awesome she was/we were...it is a timing thing. A couple of days ago we were driving through Scottsdale, top down when I here this frantic beeping and the sound of a car franticly trying to catch me up. I look back to see a hottie beeping and waving at me....this promptly stopped when she got close enough to see my wife in the passenger seat, phat rock on hand Gucci bag in lap...the women ducked away and my wife and I just laughed. I have been stopped more times at gas stations and stop lights for questions/pictures in the last month than I can shake a stick at. Its kinda cool that a car attracts such attention. Again, I say if you can do it than do it. Modena's can be had in the 90's now. If you need any help PM me. Also, start reading ferrarichat.com you are going there eventually may as well start educating up Best

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if i'm already getting some mad punani pulling power in my dated 996, i can't imagine what it's like in the f-car slammed on some 19s! if i could share some of the stories...... but that's for another time. thx for the pic kind sir. i love teh spider.

Agent 0 Enough said http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgrmU...eature=related

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i love gilbert man, his blogs are on point and so is his game but i love this even more double OT.... prob a 30 footer + nothing but net. i can't even do this on nba 2k8 on the xbox. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ncSI...eature=related

for as much as i love the ferraris, i must admit, i am still in love with the 911. my buddy and i met up right quick for some tea/coffee... very nice 997S. sport seats (trying to get hiim to paint the backs). i love those brakes he's got. no brake dust is the best part. btw, jesus shuttlesworth has a 997S on 20" chrome wheels.

This is turning into one of those "status kill!" threads...

Very nice pics! Both p-cars looking great together, double trouble The yellow/black combo looks better than I imagined it would. Ray is as classy as it gets, love his game, few if any better shooters. Another great Seattle move, hard to pull for them lately. The thing I liked about the Arenas shot is the confidence to raise up before the shot dropped in. Ray's was way more difficult to make. Both are clutch.

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agreed. agent zero is one crazy dedicated player. love him for that. i made a mistake on teh link. i meant to post this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9aWE...eature=related no better looking jump shot in the game ever. so smooth. so quick. can do it at every spot on the court and in any action. if i could play like anyone it'd be like him. persona wise, i'd want to be The Glove aka Gary Payton. these guys are unreal! my real passion is futbol aka soccer (korea national team baby!). got a chance to watch him play on my trip to barcelona. hat trick. amazing baller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwlZYExnQbc imo, best footballer in the world right now.

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Agreed. Also a fan of futbol, viva Mexico. I was hoping the clip didn't have his goal against Mexico, near the end it did . He is on top of the game, great clip. A hard loss to Argentina it was. BTW saw that amazing Seattle game on TV, never seen anything like it before or since as far flat out shooting goes. Still can not believe they let Ray go, idiots.

Ben, I figured you'd like women's golf, with the recent Korean dominatrix, I mean domination, factor. lol

im a golf fan... wie and my boy kj

So here's the engine bay of my buddy's Ferrari that I had the pleasure of driving around a bit:

eh, looks like a fiat. LOL seriously f-ing kidding.

I LOVE the 360 - and, I too, think it looks better than the 430. We'll have to see what F brings us in the near future - a supposed new release of a modern day Dino. regardless, I'm a happy camper in my 99, it works for me