| Author | Message | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 269 Registered: 1-2002 |
In terms of stopping distance, I don't think there is much difference between them until you get to 89's with ABS and "anti-dive" suspension. But 328 brakes feel better. I have driven both on tracks and the feel factor allows me to go deeper into turns in the 328 with more confidence. Also, 328 brake systems seem to require less maintenance and repairs. 308's often have sticky calipers (especially if not driven regularly) problems with vacuum assists and master cylinders. All of these ills seem to be cured in the 328. Here's more about cooling systems. Recently, on a short, twisty, relatively low speed local track, I ran flat out for 45 minutes in the 328 with the oil never getting over about 230. I have run the same track with 308's and 348's and would get the oil to 280 long before 45 minutes. I confirmed with a friend running a QV at the same time and he said the oil got to 275. In the 328, I could sit in stopped traffic on the hottest day with the ac full blast and never worry. Unfortunately, 308's have marginal cooling systems that must be kept in top shape or modified. I do like 308's. I think they are fun, cool cars but the extra 10K for a 328 is money well spent. You'll get most or all of it back in reduced maintenance/repairs alone and will still recoup it when you sell the car. Add in the reduced aggravation, and it's a no brainer for me. For those that appreciate "rawness" a carb 308 is the best bet and they are cheaper than QV's as well. I had a 77 GTB for a while, I still miss it, even all the quirks. Dave | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 396 Registered: 4-2001 |
Ken, some don't really consider the 328 as an upgrade, rather more of a side grade... If I were into that body style I would opt for a 881/2 with the updated suspension. But that just my 2 cents worth... One of the things I find amusing, is when I'm at Ferrari get togethers, all the 328, 355 guys want to drive my sucky old carb 2 valve.  | ||
| Giang Hoang (Spidersense)
New member Username: Spidersense Post Number: 16 Registered: 10-2002 |
well, if you start upgrading, then things may be different. you can upgrade the 328 brake pads, fluids, and tires as well. I have a friend with an 85 308gts and I know the brakes bother him. What is difference between the two systems? The pads and rotors and fluids and tires can all match when it is time to replace. But the caliper and booster vastly differ? btw, I don't regularly track my car, so I'm strickly talking about normal driving/commuting. | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 288 Registered: 5-2001 |
The brakes ARE better, but I don't think it is that much of a difference, and you could make some meaningful improvements to your stock 308 brakes just by upgrading the pads, brake fluid and TIRES. I did notice that the 328 has much better initial bite when stabbing the brakes, but neither have any fading in normal street driving...I'm not a track driver.... | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
New member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 42 Registered: 10-2002 |
So if the brakes are so vastly better on a 328, is there an upgrade avail for the 308? I faced the 308/328 choice myself, but went with the 308 QV. Mostly because FORZA mentioned, that the QV is the better value for cash (however they also mentioned, that if you have the extra $$$ you should go for the 328). Although I'm happy with my QV I'm still second guessing myself whether I have done the right thing for some of the reasons mentioned in this thread. However I never thought about the brakes and never having driven a 328 I couldn't tell. Also coming from a non Ferrari before, I never thought they were that bad. | ||
| Giang Hoang (Spidersense)
New member Username: Spidersense Post Number: 15 Registered: 10-2002 |
I have a 328GTS, my brother has the '85 308GTS and GTB. The only thing that I like better on the 308 are the console switches. The 308 does feel a little more 'raw' which I like, but all the little things about the 328 makes me feel more secure in driving it anywhere - stuff like much stronger headlights, power windows are fast, A/C works well (mine does!), starts easily, doesn't overheat, etc... I like the dash of the 328 more as well, with the stitching. The 328 just feels like more of a solid car. As far as performance, the 328 doesn't 'feel' any faster. One of the biggest factors is the brakes. I really like the 328 brakes and really do not like the 308 brakes (this alone would push me to the 328). They are very different cars. I'll prefer to take the 328 on a date or plain cruising around or daily commute, but maybe take the 308 for spirited driving. My brother and I opted to buy our dad a 328GTS instead of a 308GTS for the above reasons. I don't think I'll dream about the 308 when I have the 328, but I may ponder about the 328 if I had a 308. Back to the original question, I did opt to spend extra for the 328. my 2 cents. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 268 Registered: 1-2002 |
Ken As you already know, I have had 2 of each. While there are some things I like better about the QV, the 328 is just a much better all around car and, in my experience, actually cheaper to own over time than the 308's despite the higher initial cost. The main benefit is that the 328 is a much better designed and built car, especially the systems like cooling, electrical and brakes. The performance boost is not great, but is noticeable. The suspension change in 88 1/2 models is quite noticeable but you pay more and get uglier wheels. I just put 17" wheels on my 89 to improve the looks and performance. Handling is clearly improved. As far as missing your QV goes, you probably will, especially since it is your first Ferrari. I have felt sadness with the sale of each of my Fcars, but I can't keep them all. Dave | ||
| stephen r chong (Ethans_dad)
Junior Member Username: Ethans_dad Post Number: 87 Registered: 3-2002 |
Lawrence: If you count all 308 production; carb,2V,QV in both GTB/GTS, then yes, there are more. But if your talking just QV's, then your 328 far surpasses QV production: 1986-89 328 GTB/GTS: 7412 vehicles (1344 GTB/6068 GTS) 1983-85 308 QV GTB/GTS: 3790 vehicles (748 GTB/3042 GTS) Actually, the 328 GTS is the highest production 308 series car produced at over 6k. Just shows how popular it was/is! Steve | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 880 Registered: 7-2001 |
All the 328's are in Dallas. If you don't believe me, come to one of our events, the 308's are the rarity here. | ||
| Lawrence Coppari (Lawrence)
Member Username: Lawrence Post Number: 348 Registered: 4-2002 |
Are there more 308 around than 328's? The 308 was made for more years. I think there are only about 4K 328's in the US. Don't know number for 308's but I suspect there are more of them. | ||
| Grant Gilmour (Grantgilmour)
New member Username: Grantgilmour Post Number: 19 Registered: 8-2002 |
I'm with Dave, I prefer the 308 QV. | ||
| Lawrence Coppari (Lawrence)
Member Username: Lawrence Post Number: 345 Registered: 4-2002 |
If you like it buy it. I prefer the exterior appearance of a 328 to the 308. Otherwise I would have bought the 308 15 years ago instead of the 328 that I have. Tastes differ. | ||
| Peter B. (Gts308qv)
Junior Member Username: Gts308qv Post Number: 240 Registered: 5-2001 |
More power, far better brakes, improved radiator positioning and cooling, maybe ABS on later 328's, BUT loses old style charm of 308 interior switches/ dash. The wheels on a 328 are fairly ordinary looking compared to QV 16" wheels. The front has the Ferrari (Testarossa)look of the eighties, (bland). When I was looking for my first Ferrari I did look at a few 328's and having enough finance to buy either, I chose a low mileage '85 GTS QV. | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 282 Registered: 5-2001 |
Noticable improvement from carb 308 GTS to 328 GTS (I did this this year)(in power, miss the carb sound), but all the reports I've read say the differences from a QV to 328 are not worth the dollars involved. Ultimately it's your money, and your choice, no one elses. Do you like the change in looks to? That is also a personal thing. I really like the look of the 308 a bit better... Dave 87 328 GTS | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3270 Registered: 2-2001 |
10/4 on that Peter...... | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 2120 Registered: 12-2000 |
I think it would matter more if you were coming from an old carb 308 to a 328. Your QV... I'd keep it. | ||
| Ken Ross (Kdross)
Junior Member Username: Kdross Post Number: 162 Registered: 2-2002 |
Do is the opinion of other Fchat members about upgrading from a 308 QV to a 328? Is it worth the extra money (about $10K)? I love my 308 QV, but wonder if I would miss it. Thanks. |