To love the Ferrari brand is about passion for its heritage and its incredible sports car design. As a first-time Ferrari buyer, you certainly want to look out for the sleekest model of the Ferrari car brand that gives you most value for money.
In what seems to be an evolution from the F355, the 360 Modena is a timeless and beautiful sports car that features outer body panels made of aluminum with an appropriate chassis distribution. A thicker section covers the area needing strength, and a thinner section covers the other areas to keep its weight at par. Although the F355 is a great classic Ferrari, the 360 Modena is still ahead. And with its technical finesse, it's safe to say that you can consider the 360 Modena as the first of the new-age Ferraris.
The 360 Modena Has A Great Engine
In comparison to its predecessor, the 360 Modena is larger, more refined, and boasts a larger space than the F355. Indeed, this two-seater coupe is worth every penny.
Although it still retains some basic structures such as the five-valve heads and variable valve timing as in the F355, there are noticeable changes in the 360 Modena, such as an increase in its peak horsepower from 375 hp to 400 hp and an increase in torque value from 268 to 275 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm. Furthermore, there is an increase in its flat-plane crank 90-degree V8 engine capacity from 3.5 liters to 3.6 liters.
360 Modena Performance Options: Drive Fast Or Go Home
The 360 Modena builds up its weight by 88 lbs more than the F355 to make it rigid and appear more muscular to accommodate severe crashes. Its rev range is toned down by optimizing airflow in and out of the engine. Furthermore, it adds eight throttle trumpets to enhance its paths intake and uses subtle valving between the plenum chambers and the exhaust system to switch between high and low back pressure. All of this helps bolster its muscular feel.
There is a better throttle response in the 360 Modena, a first-of-its-kind feature among the Ferrari models – all thanks to its new engine management and very sharp throttle response. However, it proves more effective by combining this with the optional F1 paddle-shift gearbox from the F355, as it provides faster and slicker but quieter gearshifts.
In terms of speed, the 360 Modena is a good investment, having a top speed of 183 mph and is faster than that of the F355 by 4.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. Not retaining the traction of the F355 in the 360 Modena would be one feature that would make Ferrari lovers frown. Luckily, the ASR and traction control stay, but at the expense of its stability control and electronic dampers – all for a faster response rate.
Perhaps it may not seem so obvious, but there is a slight change in the tire sizes, with the front tires reducing from 225/45 to 215/45. In contrast, the rear tires increase from 265/40 to 275/40. Additionally, the 18-inches alloy starfish design wheels are sharper, and the vented disc brakes are more significant to support them.
There are two driving settings for the 360 Modena – Normal and Sport. In Normal, it uses the engine management system or Anti-lock Braking system (ABS) brakes to reduce power to the wheels and enhance traction while focusing on stability in proportion to the road conditions. Moreover, the Sport setting focuses more on the driver's input. You must continuously adjust the dampers, track steering angle, road speed, braking, and acceleration to optimize the driving experience.
The Design Of The 360 Modena
The interior of the Ferrari 360 Modena consists of a rich leather, and behind it is a spacious rear shelf to keep things without compromising your ultimate comfort. The center console, lower door panels, and other interior components of the Modena are all aluminum.
Outwardly, with its elegant design and outstanding performance, the Modena sports car offers less weight, more interior room, and greater comfort.
Overall, traction is superb, the speed is excellent, and the roof mechanism is great. Furthermore, considering that every part of this sports car is repairable, it increases your love for the 360 Modena. And at its price, the 360 Modena is definitely worth a steal. More than a great car to buy as a first-time Ferrari buyer.