| Author |
Message |
Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member
Username: Scott63
Post Number: 176
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 07, 2003 - 3:08 pm: | |
As stated before, I would get the 355. I would respectfully disagree with those that state that the difference in power/performance is small between a 348 and a 355. I have driven many 348's and 355's and there is a big difference in straight line acceleration. The 355 is light years ahead of the 348 in terms of structural rigidity, handling and braking. The only thing that is marginally better for some on the 348 is the steering.... |
Michael Vaughan (Vanimal)
Junior Member
Username: Vanimal
Post Number: 85
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 07, 2003 - 2:46 am: | |
Arie
I too love my 348, its strange as its a challenge car but based on a TS. It is now for sale and I will be moving up to a 360 or a 550. I loved it, the direct steering is awsome, the engine note superb, especially with the tubi. What got me was the same things that everyone will tell you, the leaking roof (It rains in europe - A LOT!!) the electrical gremlins, lack of ground clearance especially in small villages with those damn speed bumps and lastly, the fact that my friends Boxter S and Z3 roadster can almost keep up on the initial 0-100mph. I think the 355 and beyond benefitted grealy from the Luca influence regarding quality. The 355/360 does have the extra bhp you need, the styling is a big thing, the 348/255 is as my friends say THE ferrari shape that any school kid will draw when asked 'what should or does a ferrari look like. The shifting on the 355 is light years better than a 348. So there you go, just get one, either one, its a drug, you will always wont another after the 1st. |
Modified348ts (Modman)
Member
Username: Modman
Post Number: 752
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 07, 2003 - 12:04 am: | |
Great handling car at high speeds, liked the non power steering, got rid of the spider belts, the shifter just plain sucks, other than that just have plenty of money saved up for services. Personally I'd go for the 355 for many reasons, I hated cleaning the damn side strakes and rear engine cover, what a pain and I had to get rid of the screen as I hated the rattle every time I had to close the cover, another thing I noticed on the 348 355 as you close the door it sounds horrible like a hard clunk. The 355 seemed to have more legroom esp. in the spyder than the 348ts. |
Vincent (Vincent348)
Intermediate Member
Username: Vincent348
Post Number: 1080
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 11:59 pm: | |
Arie,
I have a 348 and I love it! I enjoy the lack of power steering, the raw feel of the car is very exciting. I like both the look of the 355 and the 348. If I could have I may have bought a 355, but I don't regret the 348 at all. It's very exciting to drive, best of all on some nice twisty roads.
The shifting on mine is impeccable. Make sure you drive a few before you decide.
You can't go wrong either way. But don't hold out, buy one now, play with it, then when you're ready: get a 355 or 360. Don't wait!!!!! You can always trade it in for something else.
Vincent. |
Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Member
Username: Jlm348
Post Number: 718
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 10:37 pm: | |
I have a 348 Spider. LOVE IT. BEST SPORTS CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED.(Previous Porsche & Lotus) Did a major and an oil change. |
j scott leonard (Jscott)
Member
Username: Jscott
Post Number: 569
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 10:27 pm: | |
I've owned a 308,328 and now the 348. Liked the 328 a great deal. It was very reliable and was a kick to drive. However, now that I have the 348, I truly enjoy the interior room and the greater power. It is a little more expensive to maintain. I have done a new clutch and total major service, some cosmetics and tires. The car is much more comfortable and the a/c is good. I like the 355 a great deal and probably will go with it next but at this time, the 348 meets my tastes. I actually like the cheese grater doors better than the 355. It is just a matter of taste. I have a 92ts and don't drive in the rain so have no experience with leaks. Go ahead and get a clean 348. Have fun with it and move on if you want. You won't be hurt much if you buy right and maintain the car. I bought my car for just over 50K but put another 9K into it. Probably couldn't get my money back but there is a cost of admission. After all, it is a Ferrari and the cost of having this much fun is usually worth every penny. I'm not disappointed and intend to keep playing with these cars as long as I am able! Enjoy. |
Ernie (Ernie)
Member
Username: Ernie
Post Number: 831
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 10:09 pm: | |
Ok I have a 348. I got it because the 355's were priced way to high at the time, and as others have said, are just now starting to come down in price. That and I like the styling of the 348. Even though they are an older car they still looks modern as compaired to the 308/328's.
As far as the power goes, yeah the 355 has more, however the 348 has plenty to have fun with. The up keep pricing is the same. Both the 348 and the 355 have to have the engine removed for the major service. So your not gonna save any money there.
Depending on were you live, U.S. vs Europe, the prices will vary. If money isn't an issue, I would go with a '95 year 355 that has some miles on it, and, has had all the issues taken care of. Now if money is an issue, you can't go wrong with a 348, a nice bang for the buck. The only thing I would consider staying away from is the TS/GTS versions on either model. They leak like the titanic going down. I know this because I have the TS. However I don't drive mine in the rain, so this isn't an issue. Matter of fact I even took the windshield wipers off.
Anyway like I said before if money isn't a big deal get the 355, if you are pinching pennies get the 348. Keep in mind that they are Ferrari's and they are expensive to keep up. Oh yeah why a '95? Because of the 355's the 95's make the most power and are priced the lowest.
Happy shopping. |
Chris A. (Asianbond)
Junior Member
Username: Asianbond
Post Number: 158
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 6:51 pm: | |
Being a 348 owner I would recommend it mainly because of the $ difference. At almost half the cost of a 355 it is a great car for the money. I assure you the 355 is not double the car. When you sit in one they are practically the same car since they share the same bodyshell and some interior parts.
David Worth did a good job explaining the performance differences so it really boils down to your personal preference on looks and $ sense.
The other guys are wrong about the 348 being more expensive to service, it won't be as cheap as a Honda yet it's not anymore expensive than servicing a 355 or 550. If you are considering either of these cars then the cost of servicing should not be a $ issue.
Oh yeah, blah blah blah about a proper PPI and service history. Some sellers expect a huge premium if they have a fully documented service history, yeah that's great if the car has it, I think what you should be most concern about is its CURRENT mechanical and cosmetic condition. So I would rather consider a lower price car and used the money saved to bring it up to perfect running order since then you know most of the wearable items are new.
Invest the $40k you save over a 355 and by the time you sell the 348 it would have cost you nothing to own it because you would have made $$$ on the $40k. The 348's will not depreciate much further, whereas the 355 is susceptible to much more depreciation. |
Charles J. Ligon (Exoticbro)
New member
Username: Exoticbro
Post Number: 16
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 6:03 pm: | |
Arie,
A lot of good advice here, I agree with Mitchel, as far as pricing goes.
It really comes down to your personal desires and
how much $$$$$ you want to spend. |
P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 615
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 5:11 pm: | |
No offense regarding the 348, but I think we would all be remise if we didn't mention the 348 SHIFTING. That was the huge deciding factor for me.
The 348 shifting seemed clumsy and not very positive in comparison to my 355.
Just my .002 |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 426
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 4:03 pm: | |
P.S.- I wouldn't let that scare you away from a 348. In my opinion,a really nice car. |
Jerry Slagle (Slag_328gts)
Junior Member
Username: Slag_328gts
Post Number: 104
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 4:03 pm: | |
Arie - There is no bad choice here - You are in a great position either way. If I had the $, I would opt for the 355. I love the 348 also - For me, I like the styling and interior better on the 355, but wouldn't kick either out of bed. :-) |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 425
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 4:01 pm: | |
Arie. Make SURE that you find a car that has been serviced properly and recently. The 348 is about THE most expensive,later model "road" Ferrari to get serviced. Because,they have to take out,basically,the whole rear suspension to get the engine out for a major service. And,all of this "extra" work = "extra" time,which means "extra" money. If you don't believe me,then go to your nearest Ferrari dealer and ask them. The authorized Ferrari dealers by my house had "open houses" and explained that fact to us. It's usually a couple grand more for a service,because of this,on a 348. So,if you find one,once again. Make sure that it has a recent service. If it doesn't,then "bargain" the cost of service into your purchase price. Ask your local Ferrari dealer how much for the next service that would be due on the car that you are looking at. |
David C. (Worth_it)
Junior Member
Username: Worth_it
Post Number: 180
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 3:40 pm: | |
Arie,
You know what they say about opinions - here is mine:
The money factor is in play for most. Yes depreciation on the 355 will be greater since they are newer. I agree that the 348's have stabilized, a little.
Forgetting the money - Drive both, the attributes that make the 355 some peoples choice actually are reasons some choose the 348.
1. Performance numbers - 355 is stronger all around but not by much and the extra is rarely noticed off the track.
2. Power steering - 355 Yes, 348 No - The feel of the 348 is crisper to most.
3. Dependability - later 348's had the bugs sorted while earlier 355 had the beginning of the run problems.
4. Exterior Looks - Only you can decide which "you" like better.
Personally, I purchased a 348 Spider because of item 2 and 4. Another plus for me was that the 348 did not have an air bag. Just silly mouse driven seatbelts. This allows me to take one of my children with me when I go for a drive. Imagine getting credit from your wife for watching the child while you are driving.
Just my .02 - either way it will be "worth it" |
Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member
Username: Scott63
Post Number: 174
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 2:27 pm: | |
Hold out and get the 355. While the 348 is a good car, the 355 is a great car. You will be better off spending more now rather than getting the 348 and wishing you bought the 355. |
Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Intermediate Member
Username: 4re308
Post Number: 1077
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 2:21 pm: | |
I have seen nice 95 355s for $75k. I have also seen really nice 348s for under $50k. I guess it all depends on how deep your pockets are. Both are great and beautiful cars, the 355 is faster obviously.
|
Carstore of Glenside (Carstore)
New member
Username: Carstore
Post Number: 5
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 2:16 pm: | |
Hi Arie:
Depends on what you are paying. You should be able to get a NICE 348 for low 60's. A NICE 355 will cost you about 100.
The 348 market prices will remain a lot more stable in the near furure then the 355. |
ARIE BONSELAAR (Arie)
Junior Member
Username: Arie
Post Number: 76
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 1:53 pm: | |
Any input on a 90 - 94 348 ts/tb ?
should I hold out for a 355? |