Yes the old 355's were much quicker that used the 2.7 engine management system and had more of a growl to them as well...this is the type my old 355 GTS used...here is a picture of a 2.7 and 5.2 with a ram air intake charger mod fitted
....
all RHD spiders came with the slower 5.2
but I have a better exhaust and some other tweeks that has made it a bit better