Ferrari 360 Spider (00-04) - Review

The Spider uses the same 3.6-litre V8 engine as the coupe model, complete with five valves per cylinder and 400bhp to rocket it from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to 183mph. There was no Challenge Stradale version as with the coupe model, but that doesn’t stop the Spider remaining one of the fastest open-top cars money can buy. Driving with the roof down allows you to hear the high revving engine all the more clearly and it sounds superb when pushed hard. However it’s also docile at lower speeds and remarkably smooth and fuss-free in town, with none of the temperament of older Ferraris. The six-speed manual gearbox is the more rewarding to use, but most Spider buyers opted for the F1 transmission with paddle shift, though this is hard on clutches if predominantly driven in town traffic.

Losing the roof doesn't mean that the 360 loses any of its handling prowess. The 360 Spider is one of the best open-top supercars and has the sort of handling that looks after the inexperienced while providing the keener driver with more than enough entertainment. Don’t expect a magic carpet ride, however, as the 360 Spider is firmly set and errs very much on the sports side of suspension set-up. It also has very low profile tyres that help little when it comes to absorbing rough roads. There’s standard ESP traction control and the ABS-equipped brakes are sensationally good, though they need regular, expensive maintenance.