Ferrari 360 Coupé (99-04) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 10 December 2008
The 360M may have been the 'junior' car in Ferrari’s range when it was launched in 1999, but that doesn't hold it back from being one of the best cars in the modern era of the company. The 360 is easier and cheaper to service than previous mid-engined Ferraris, and it brought new levels of build quality and the widespread use of aluminium in the construction of the body and chassis. The 360 also introduced the optional F1 gearbox that does away with the clutch pedal and uses paddles behind the steering wheel in place of a gear lever. This gearbox was a feature of the Challenge Stradale version that traded comfort for lightweight and increased performance. It also gained a further 25bhp, more powerful brakes and can usually be distinguished by 'Y' spoke alloys and optional body stripes.
4 out of 5

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4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£105,948 - £135,673

Used price range:

£19,225 - £73,594

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Storming performance, useable as an everyday car, supreme handling

Running costs, expensive servicing

The 360M may have been the 'junior' car in Ferrari’s range when it was launched in 1999, but that doesn't hold it back from being one of the best cars in the modern era of the company. The 360 is easier and cheaper to service than previous mid-engined Ferraris, and it brought new levels of build quality and the widespread use of aluminium in the construction of the body and chassis. The 360 also introduced the optional F1 gearbox that does away with the clutch pedal and uses paddles behind the steering wheel in place of a gear lever. This gearbox was a feature of the Challenge Stradale version that traded comfort for lightweight and increased performance. It also gained a further 25bhp, more powerful brakes and can usually be distinguished by 'Y' spoke alloys and optional body stripes.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    5 out of 5

    "The mid-mounted all-alloy 3.6-litre V8 engine produces 400bhp with peak power coming in at a heady..."

  • Handling

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Ferrari 360M is a fine introduction to the world of supercar handling as there are no nasty..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3.5 out of 5

    "There's plenty of head and elbow room in the 360M, which makes it a practical proposition for..."

  • Practicality

    2 out of 5

    "The 360M has a cabin that’s reasonably easy to get in and out of plus there’s also a small, square..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "Ferrari was not mean when it specified the 360M originally in 1999. Leather seats, air conditioning,..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "Ferrari banished its old-style straight arms and bent knees driving position once and for all with..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2 out of 5

    "No Ferrari is ever going to be cheap to run, but the 360M definitely makes a nod towards reality..."

  • Green credentials

    0.5 out of 5

    "With a 3.5-litre petrol engine capable of at least 400bhp and a top speed in excess of 182mph, it's..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3 out of 5

    "A driver and passenger airbag are fitted to all 360Ms, but side and curtain airbags were never an..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "Ferrari owners face a quandary between using their cars to keep it in fine fettle and not putting..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    4 out of 5

  • Buying used

    2.5 out of 5

    "It's been around long enough for used examples to appeal to buyers with lower budgets but be aware..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "The 360 is still a sought after car as long as the mileage remains low while a specialist sports car..."

Gallery

  • Interior Ferrari 360 Coupé (99-04)
  • Exterior Ferrari 360 Coupé (99-04)
  • Exterior Ferrari 360 Coupé (99-04)
  • Exterior Ferrari 360 Coupé (99-04)

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Owners' reviews