Ferrari 360 Modena Gated Manual
Both are awesome. When I read comments about Lotus concerns I think to my self, "they haven't experienced used/old Ferrari problems and it shows haha". The lotus overall is an upgrade thanks to the interior, refined handling, and warranty. The power and speed feel similar to the 360. ( I heard the Emira is more similar to the 430, but I've never drove one of those.)
Its very easy to stall out in the 360 due to its narrow sweet spot when releasing the 3rd petal. (It happens with experience drivers.) The Emira is way more forgiving, I'm not worried about stalling at a red light every time and cars honking behind me lol.
car sound:
-The Lotus 3rd Decat and Valve Controller feels like a necessary game changer. Without it, the older Ferrari had more personality.
-The lotus does have awesome pops and crackles in sports mode which the 360 never had.
-The Ferrari has a slightly higher pitch sound note when going through tunnels.
Looks:
-To each is their own, they're both timeless designs. The only thing that really ages the Ferrari is the headlights and interior. I believe you sit lower in the Ferrari as well.
-Personally ONLY thing I'd say is def better than the lotus is the engine design. It simply is more of an event look at when you pop the trunk than the Toyota v6.(mainly b/c of the shape)
Branding: The Ferrari logo is recognized everywhere, so you'll run into people with predetermined opinions. Sometimes extremely supportive, sometimes random challengers.
The Lotus brand isn't as recognizable, so there's more of an intrigued /curious reaction. The Emira community is a bit harder to build( since its new) vs grabbing a Ferrari and showing up to the monthly Ferrari meets.
After driving the Emira for 2months, I can say it's what I was hoping for as a new weekend toy. The YouTube Emira comparisons are interesting, b/c I never was cross shopping the lotus with the cars they compare it to. It was more of a debate New Lotus vs. used R8? New Manual Last ICE Lotus vs. Last Edition Gallardo automatic convertible? The honest answer is...I just need a bigger garage.