| Author | Message | ||
| Mike S (High_rpm)
New member Username: High_rpm Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2002 |
Guys, Thanks for the advice. I also asked people on the NSXprime.com forum for advice. The general opinion there is that the NSX is definitely the more commutable car, but the 348 is the exotic car of the two. Over the next few months, I will start my 348 search. In the end, I think that the NSX will be too car-like for me, despite its high limits. Thanks for the advice. It's interesting to see the commitment level of a Ferrari owner. I've also always wanted a true Ferrari, and I think that any other car will feel like a substitute. | ||
| Ernie Bonilla (Ernie)
Member Username: Ernie Post Number: 363 Registered: 11-2001 |
Mike, I own a 1990 348ts. I purchased it from a rental company from Hawaii. To put it like my mechanic said, "It was driven hard and put away wet". As you can imagine the car was beat up on pretty good. I have had to put ALOT of money into it already, and it still has a long way to go, but I'm happy I have it. After giving a couple of mine friends their first ride in a Ferrari, two of them went out and bought sports cars of their own. One bought an NSX and the other a C5-Vette. I have been in both. The NSX was a very smooth car and the power was respectable. My buddy put an after market exhaust kit on that did help the engine note sound more agressive, and had a performance chip installed. How ever even after all that my 348, that still needs work, sounded better and felt more powerful. Now my other friends C5 was nice also. The car has very good acceleration and is fast. But what really impressed me was how comfortable the seats were. After he gave me a ride, I got in my 348 and we went for short cruse. I was surprized at how well I kept up with him, and my car is performing at about 80% of where it should be. After having said all that, I still wouldn't trade my Ferrari for either one. As my friend with the C5 said, "Yeah mine is a faster but yours gets all the attention". Just get the 348 you will be happy you did. There is something special about owning a Ferrari that puts a smile one your face. | ||
| Julian Pham (Julian_blk348)
Junior Member Username: Julian_blk348 Post Number: 105 Registered: 4-2001 |
Hey John, you should learn not to hold back and to speak your mind  Mike, I sold my 911 cab to get the 348ts last year and never had a dull moment since. Everytime I take her out, it feels like a big event can'explain the feeling, just something about driving and hearing the sweet exhaust sound of a ferrari. If you buy with your head, then you would probably end up with the NSX. But if you buy with your heart and passion, then it's ferrari all the way! | ||
| Dan Patel (Dpatel)
New member Username: Dpatel Post Number: 6 Registered: 9-2002 |
I HATE car repairs and car problems. I have a Lexus LS400 and LX450, a Maxima that I have put 185,000 and still going strong, and an absolutley trouble free 1990 red Miata. Obviously I'm very concerned about quality and reliability. I was debating between the same two cars: NSX or 348. After test driving several models of each, I noticed I could not stop smiling after my 348 test drives. So I bought one and I am still smiling. Good Luck! | ||
| Bak-a-lack-a Bak-a-lacka-lacka ! (Chris_n_chicago)
Junior Member Username: Chris_n_chicago Post Number: 93 Registered: 3-2002 |
I agree with Stech and Chris. I used to own an NSX and a 348 Spyder. When everyone started f'n with America and the economy went sour I had to sell somethin'. My garage now has an empty bay and I kept guess what.... the Spyder! | ||
| Chris A. (Asianbond)
Junior Member Username: Asianbond Post Number: 62 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mike, below is the thread I posted in NSXPrime right after I traded in my NSX for a 348, enough said. I am very confidant that you will not be happy going into a NSX from a Carrera. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm selling my NSX after owning it for less than three weeks. I initally bought a 91 NSX auto because I wanted to experience what everyone was raving about regarding the NSX. My postive impressions were that it is a quick, very easy to drive supercar, the negatives were that it did not handle that sharply (the front end did not give me a lot of confidence in the twisties, it kinda floated out there) and it felt and drove too much like a typical Acura. It just did not deliver the hard core sportscar feel. I did test drive another manual transmission car and that had more sporty feel but nevertheless it still felt like a modified integra. The Ferrari 348 is the best sportscar I ever owned hands down by far. It is extremely direct and explosively responsive. Driving it on the same twisties as I took the NSX, the Ferrari gave me much more confidence in pushing it and the front end really sticks extremely well. I was able to initite power slides on turns that I couldn't or was afraid to do with the NSX. The Ferrari also feels and sound much more hardcore sportscar like. Btw, I have the 348 Challenge model which is a step up performance wise over the stock 348. I am not knocking the NSX, just saying that it wasn't my cup of tea. I do understand why NSX owners raves so much about their cars, it does deliver extremely competent perfomance in a no-nonsense way. But for the prospective NSX buyers looking to spent over 40k you should definitely test drive a 348 for comparison sake. I never realize how good the 348 was until owning one, it is the real deal. Btw, I prefer the 348 over the 355 because it has a much more edgy at the limits feel, plus it is almost half the price of a 355. | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 303 Registered: 1-2002 |
I have to disagree with Martin and Stanley that the NSX is a better car than the 348. I think that just the opposite is true when it comes to purchasing a sports car, if you want a daily driver then opt for the Honda. My 348 is every bit as fast, if not faster than any NSX built including the latest and greatest 97+ models. Dont get me wrong NSX's are great cars and handle like no other but they are so tamely styled and quiet. My daily driver honda accord seems to make almost the same sounds out of its V6 as the NSX does! The 348 gives you all the quarks that you should expect with a Italian car but also gives you all the rewards! There is nothing bette than that beautiful Ferrari symphonany behind your head under hard accelleration in 2nd and 3rd gears when the car really hits its stride. The 348 is also surprizingly durable if you take care of the car...yes I have had to replace the clutch and alternator but besides that the car has been flawless for over 4000 happy miles from when I purchased it last fall. The greatest thing you can do to keep you car in shape is to drive the damn thing like it was meant to be driven, never shift below 4000RPM's, enjoy the scream of the engine at 7500RPM's, and then before you put her back in the garage at night make sure she has a few miles to cool down. I try to put at least 100 miles on my car every two weeks, I bought the car to drive not to sit in my garage and admire it, and the funny thing is that the more you drive it the happier it seems to become! Drive her properly and she will treat you every bit as well as any NSX ever could!! P.S. This is not a biased opinion because I have driven my fair share of NSXs both crusing the highway and flat out and think they are spectacular I just think the 348 is so much more!! | ||
| neal ezra (95spiderneal)
New member Username: 95spiderneal Post Number: 21 Registered: 3-2002 |
interesting choices. i have a 348 spider for about 1/2 year and my business partner has had 3 nsx since 1994 so i'm familiar with both. he has never had a problem with the nsx as daily driver but he doesnt drive it hard at all - hes 65 yrs old - never tracked either. my spider is like a formula car compared to his which is what a "toy" car is all about. if you need a superb commuter get the nsx. if you want a toy get the ferrari. one other thought - a modified nsx thats lowered with big wheels/tires, body kit, exhaust, etc could be exciting. No convertible option with nsx also. good luck | ||
| billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member Username: 89tr Post Number: 237 Registered: 4-2001 |
I own a 92 NSX and a 355 rather than a 348. All I can say is the NSX is a good car but the Ferrari is better. Maybe I am lucky, but it seems my 355 has had absoloutely no problems in 1 1/2 years as where my NSX (35,000miles) I have spent over 1,000 dollars so far(6 months*-and that is not including oil changes and services. Seats broke, window regulator, AC problem, headlight motor, and a few others. So I don't buy into the NSX as being the most ultrareliable car in the world. And don't be fooled in thinking it is a Honda when it comes to parts because they are very expensive. Clutch alone, not labor, will set you back 1,500-1,700 dollars. In the 348 it will cost that much installed--less work involved. The NSX is a fun car to drive but there is something missing when you drive it back to back with the Ferrari. The Ferrari will put a grin on your face that will last for days as where the NSX won't do that. But the bottom line is you can't go wrong either way. They are both good cars and so far have held their value pretty well. So if you are not ahppy with one you can sell it and buy the other. But first take them both out for a ride, not a ride around the block, but a spirited drive and thenm decide. If it is an early 348 make sure the electrical upgrades have been done and if it is an early NSX make sure you are out of the snapring range. A new tranny will set you back big bucks. Hope this helps in any way. | ||
| Noelrp (Noelrp)
Junior Member Username: Noelrp Post Number: 69 Registered: 8-2001 |
....please save any NSX questions at the NSX board Any Ferrari will never be as reliable as Japanese cars. A Ferrari gets you heritage and mystique that no other cars can give. | ||
| Stanley DiGuiseppi (Standig)
Junior Member Username: Standig Post Number: 61 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mike Both cars are good but as Martin said the NSX is a better car. However you'll never go back after a Ferrari. I sold my 97 nsx recently and have a 90 348ts. I have also read many stories as to reliability or lack there of. I have gone almost 1200 miles since buying and other than a speedo speed sensor needing replacement to the tune of 135 dollars I have no issues with the car. If you are looking for a great driver and reliability is the issue buy the nsx. It is as relaible as a honda accord but with much much more zoom.... If you are looking for a true sports car experience go Ferrari...go for a 348... If the f-car doesn't work for you sell it and buy an NSX. I would however buy 97 or above NSX. Let us know what you decide. | ||
| Omar Hameed Butt (Auraraptor)
New member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2002 |
Good stuff! Fun to drive and the shifter is just wonderful! If you have an specific question feel free to email me! ________________ Auraraptor 99 Prelude 98 750iL 97 NSX 82 633CSi | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2889 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mike you can find a lot of discussion on the reliability of the 348 in the keyword search. I am sure you will find tons of reading material there. As for both cars. I drove both and the NSX is the better car of them, however it is lacking the soal of the sportscar. One thing you will never be able to replace. The Ferrari is pure bread, the NSX is a japanese mix. Again, the better car, but not a Ferrari. The 348 will suit you good. But be prepared to never go back to life without owning one. It does not work. Just ask the other guys here! Once oyu had one everything else is just 3rd best if at all. | ||
| Chris Richardson (Boozy)
Junior Member Username: Boozy Post Number: 212 Registered: 11-2001 |
The NSX is very reliable, but doesn't have the style of a Ferrari, especially the 348. You have to test drive the 348. NS-what? You'll forget all about the Honda. | ||
| Mike Staniszewski (High_rpm)
New member Username: High_rpm Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2002 |
I am the former owner of a '91 Porsche Carrera 4. I'm currently considering either the Ferrari 348 or an Acura NSX as my new toy car. As further background, I have a van that I use for daily commutes, so this car will not necessarily be subjected to the grind of a daily commute. For you Ferrari owners on this site - are the 348's as unreliable as their reputation makes them out to be? I've worked on many cars over the years, including my Honda race car and my old Porsche, so the engine-out maintenance isn't as big a deal to me as the threat of constant electrical gremlins that can only be traced with a dealer's diagnostic unit. Even on my 911, I had no issues with maintenance and mechanical issues, but the electrical gremlins usually involved a trip to the dealer. Also, what do you guys think of the NSX in general? In my opinion, that car is expertly designed and built. And reliable. But how exotic is it, compared to the 348? |