| Author | Message | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Junior Member Username: Modman Post Number: 127 Registered: 11-2001 |
I agree on most of the comments mentioned here but it seems I read so much of this is faster than that and so on and it seems for the most part 348 or 355 and there is not a big difference in power, big difference to me is at least 2 seconds or forget it. I've driven both cars hard and depending on how you fix it up, it will do justice for you.Yes the 355 shifting is smoother but I have no problem shifting the 348 just as fast as the 355 and handling is differentiated by how good the tires you are using. My 348 uses the AVS sports and sticks better than stock and is more predictable when drifting through curves, besides I like the steering without being power assisted, I like to feel the road. Besides, this is what pure sports car driving is all about. Now in reality 355 is better overall but it really depends on how much you can afford and there is always going to be pros and cons on both and eventually you live with it temporarily and there will always be another one better waiting for you. Everyones opinion is different, for me, I can't wait. I've waited for so long since I was 15 and finally bought one, and you know what, with prices of cars going sky high it's better to get what you can now or be patient and let someone else drive your dream car. Prices I have seen go up and down with Ferraris but never a loss. A car like a Ferrari will remain at a stable price, just look at the 328, it's price is still in the high 30's and even as much as 348.. oh well,, it's your call... peace.. | ||
| Najib Amanullah (Najib)
Junior Member Username: Najib Post Number: 101 Registered: 4-2001 |
If you are looking for practicality then the Porsche is the way to go. I doubt if you would get a good RHD 348 TB/TS 1994 for 32000 pds. The price difference between a TS/TB and GTS/GTB is only about 1,500 pds. and I doubt you will feel much difference by way of performance. The shift on the 348 is quite stiff and is not very suitable for London driving unless you are happy to change gears quite often. The 355 I am told is quite noticeable faster and easier to drive, particularly the F1 paddle shift. Looks wise... most people I have spoken to like the 348 better...OK OK the purists might disagree but the average Joe Bloggs likes the 348 better and almost 100% of the women do. The roof does leak even though mine has a fibreglass colour coded roof. I would buy the 348 TB now and use it for a few years. Maybe sell after 2/3 years and upgrade to a 355 which will be much more affordable by then. But in London (even Stanmore) no garage - no Ferrari. You will attract all the wrong kind of attention. | ||
| Bernard Rowe (Gtsturbo)
New member Username: Gtsturbo Post Number: 47 Registered: 2-2001 |
I live in London & just traded from a GTS Turbo to a '99 355F1 GTB from Joe Macari. I've known Joe for a number of years & would recommend his service. If he does not have what you want, give him a spec' and he'll find it for you. As to the LHD/RHD stigma, why worry? You'll be getting a better value car with the steering wheel on the "correct" side! When you're on your way to Monaco you can sneer at all the RHD cars on the Autoroute's!! Just had my first long drive in the car last Saturday, lovely weather, beautiful noise from the Fuchs exhaust, & the F1 system makes driving the car on "real roads" so quick and safe, I would suggest that many people who have negative comments on the system have never driven a car on A & B roads, its nothing like using the car on a motorway (freeway)! If you can afford it get a 355, not that I'am criticising 348's, but its just that much more evolved and in my opinion worth the extra money. But whichever you model you chose, the experience is something special! | ||
| Chris Tanner (Ctanner)
New member Username: Ctanner Post Number: 13 Registered: 5-2001 |
For me, in the looks department, the 348 and the 355 are almost the same car. Sure, the door treatment is different--chesse grater -vs- scoop, but the nose slopes the same and the rear side view is identical. On the question of whether to wait for the 355, it always comes down to money. Without a doubt, the 355 is faster. My rule of thumb with Ferraris is it costs 50% more to go 10% faster. If you have the 50% now, the buy the 10% faster (355). If you don't have the 50%, should you wait. If you think the 355 will go from L50K to L40K in a year or so, then think where the 348 will go to! I wouldn't buy either car until prices stabilize. Prices have fallen significantly within the last year, but I wouldn't call it a linear trend. 308s are holding the low end pricing firmly, so the other cars can't fall too far. In the US, I don't see a 20% drop in the value of either car over the next 2 years. So, my solution.....seriously test drive the 348. Also test drive the 355 the same day (hopefully the dealer has a 355, or drive your friend's). In your opinion, if the 348 compares well enough to your 993 and the 355, then buy it. Since I don't think the 348 is going to financially ruin you over the next 2 years (10K miles), drive it for fun while continuing to set aside funds (L10-12K) to buy the 355. I wouldn't be surprised if the value of the 348 is within 10% of its purchase price in 2 years. Finally, to reiterate what has been previously said, the ts top leaks. I would rent a garage by the month, especially in the winter. Last thing you want is a moldy smelling car. That would kill resale. A well maintained, well stored car in resale red will always find a buyer. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2139 Registered: 2-2001 |
They are both so nice, the 348 is more racey to me, but the 355 is a sleeker car. 355 has got a lot more power though. | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
New member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2002 |
I bought a 1995 F355 last year after considerable research. One of the items found during this research was that the valve guides of 348 Challenge cars and early F355 Challenge cars were not wearing well. 1995 F355s after (about) serial number 100000 have the newer valve guides. Does this matter? that depends upon how much time one spends near red-line. Another issue with 1995 F355s is that they produce several (7-10) more HP than 1996+ (OBDIO-II) equipted cars. However, this may be a long term issue as there will be many more 96+ cars and replacing an engine computer down the road may be easier with the 96+ F355s. So far, [6,000+ miles it has been trouble free, tires wearing well.] I have a friend with a 996 C2 Prosche. His car eats/scrubs tires at road events, my F355 looks like I went for a drive down the parkway after a road racing event. We both clocked within a second of each other. One more item: While servicing an F348 may be less expensive, the service interval is 15,000 instead of 30,000 miles. | ||
| Eric Kasir (Erick)
New member Username: Erick Post Number: 7 Registered: 2-2002 |
Thanks Frank, I'll see if I can drop Scott an Email (if its in his profile.) | ||
| Eric Kasir (Erick)
New member Username: Erick Post Number: 6 Registered: 2-2002 |
Manu, I know what you are saying about LHD being what the factory designed the car around, years back I had a couple of Lancia Delta Integrales (3 of them!) all LHD. The non official RHD version (LHD was the only option) was an abortion, and used a Fiat steering rack that was nowhere near as quick, or had as much feel as the factory Lancia item. However you really can't get away from the stigma, you might have some guy in a RHD 355 pull up to you and sneer at you at the lights. OK, I know it *shouldn't* happen, and *shouldn't* bother you, but people being people, its inevitible. Joe Macari (the one on Kimber Road near Southfields) was the building right next door to my old place of work! Great hearing Lambos and Ferraris roaring up and down the road on test drives! The one on the Wandsworth one way system was only about 10 minutes away from my old office as well. They had a great F50 there a couple of months back... I'll have another think about the LHD thing, but really am not convinced. PS, I'm in Mortlake - between Barnes / Richmond. Cheers | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1739 Registered: 5-2001 |
Scott meant the trap Frank. The damn mouse. Just explained to him that I tried to catch the mouse with a regular mouse trap but the darn thing won't take the bait. Now my car stinks like smelly feet!  | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 762 Registered: 9-2001 |
Most of the 348 and 355 interior parts are the same and have the same part number. Just check with T.Rutlands. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 137 Registered: 2-2002 |
Eric, From what I know, LHD Ferraris drive better and are built that little 'tighter' than their RHD equivalents - they were after all designed as LHD cars first and foremost. I do understand the 'so, couldn't afford a RHD model then?' definitely - I have exercised that attitude myself but when I think about it, it makes no sense - A Ferrari is a Ferrari and if switiching to LHD facilitates a better or more low mileage car then it is definitely worth considering. Besides most of the Ferraris/Lambos etc I see (especially in Central) are LHD. Joe Macari are pretty good for LHDs.... Your friend definitely found a good deal but 27K is a hefty mileage (for a Ferrari). You a Londoner? I live up in Stanmore, Harrow.... | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1734 Registered: 5-2001 |
I never saw my interior as dated..  At best I'd say the 355/360 with the console missing is dated. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 761 Registered: 9-2001 |
Eric, there is a FC lister from the UK that has a 911 and 348 Spider. I think his name is Scott Chivers. Check with him about the differences between the two cars and how the Spider suits him in the UK. | ||
| Scott A. B. Collins (Scott)
New member Username: Scott Post Number: 28 Registered: 6-2001 |
Erik--I was in your shoes 6 months ago. All the comments below are good, I will just point out the pivotal points for me. The 348 has a cable operated shifter, and IMHO, was unsatisfying to shift. Bad enough, that for me, it would have decreased my enjoyment every time I drove the car. The box in the 355, by contrast, I think is great. In the US the 348 came with motorized seatbelts--I have a personal vendetta against these, and didn't really want a car equiped with them. The 348 interior is also dated, but its not like the 355 interior doesn't have its own problems (leather shrinkage over the passenger airbag cover, plastics deteriorating if cleaned improperly, etc.) To me, while the advantages of the 355 over the 348 don't seem to justify the cost premium on paper, you gotta like what you drive. Good luck | ||
| Scott A. B. Collins (Scott)
New member Username: Scott Post Number: 27 Registered: 6-2001 |
Erik--I was in your shoes 6 months ago. All the comments below are good, I will just point out the pivotal points for me. The 348 has a cable operated shifter, and IMHO, was unsatisfying to shift. Bad enough, that for me, it would have decreased my enjoyment every time I drove the car. The box in the 355, by contrast, I think is great. In the US the 348 came with motorized seatbelts--I have a personal vendetta against these, and didn't really want a car equiped with them. The 348 interior is also dated, but its not like the 355 interior doesn't have its own problems (leather shrinkage over the passenger airbag cover, plastics deteriorating if cleaned improperly, etc.) To me, while the advantages of the 355 over the 348 don't seem to justify the cost premium on paper, you gotta like what you drive. Good luck | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 301 Registered: 9-2001 |
If I were you, I would keep the 993 and buy a 328 for the weekends. 308/328 are the most beautiful of all and no major problems. | ||
| Eric Kasir (Erick)
New member Username: Erick Post Number: 5 Registered: 2-2002 |
Thanks Ross / Martin, appreciate the input. The reasons I had for not looking at a 348 to begin with are pretty much in line with your comments on the car Ross. It was only the lure of the GTS model that got me thinking, if the roof isn't a good fit, that is a major negative point for me. As you say, living in London, we have to put up with rain for 90% of the time! Manu, the car is from Foskers at Brands Hatch, it is a UK RHD model, they have it up for �42k, but I know I could get it for �38k from them. A friend of mine picked up a 1994 UK RHD F355 about a month ago for �47,000 through a private sale. Had 27k ish miles and a FSH - was bought a year earlier for �60k from Lancasters. Car checked out perfectly at its pre purchase inspecton. He got a good deal though, I guess right time and right place, you don't really see them for that money normally The F355 LHD option is one I also thought about, but it just has a stigma attached to it - kind of 'so, couldn't afford a RHD model then?'. Think I would rather wait and do it properly than rush into something just because I feel I have to have it now. I usually end up buying cars with my heart, but am determined this time to be impartial when I see it (I know thats going to be difficult when sitting behind the wheel of a Ferrari at the dealer!!). Also not helped by the fact that summer seems to be making an appearance at the UK, so the sun is bound to be out when I view it.... hmmm.... | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1727 Registered: 5-2001 |
Get the TB for sure. The TS top does not close all the way. They had never been able to make a TS top that ever fit a car. I remember my first 308GTS that had an inch of a gap in the window. The TS will close but through the front seal it will drip in. You have to get the TB. As for a 308Gt4 blowing by a 348, well maybe my 308GT4 will (if I ever get it to start)but not many other will come close!   | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 136 Registered: 2-2002 |
Eric, I live in London - I'm interested to hear who you may be buying the car from.... Is it RHD? You can get your F355 EASILY for around �40,000 - to �50,000 if you are prepared to go down the LHD route. What do you think? | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
New member Username: Ross Post Number: 4 Registered: 3-2002 |
a few thoughts for you: i owned a 348 ts and it was a real love/hate relationship. loved the aura of the car and history etc (which is why i bought another ferrari afterwards), but the build quality and performance were disappointing. i felt that the car was poorly put together and had several mechanical and electrical gremlins. cost me a fair amount of money just to sell it on. i understand from people that the 355 was much better sorted out and a pleasure to drive, plus the 80 extra horses. i would not buy the ts of either model. somehow they cannot get that roof to seal correctly, and if you live in the uk you will not be a stranger to rain....get the tb. if you are not averse to lhd, i have seen 355's from 95-96 as low as �45k, which is not much more to pay for a considerably better car. and if none of this convinces you to forego the 348 gts, then contact me because i have a friend who has one and would possibly sell it for cheaper than the one offered to you already. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 758 Registered: 9-2001 |
The Ferrari invokes emotion where the Porsche makes you think of high tech. For an everyday driver, the Porsche wins. For a great weekend warrior, nothing beats a Ferrari. I will never own another Porsche unless it is such a deal that I can't refuse. Rent a 348 for a couple of days and see how it fits. I think you will love it. By the way, don't get turned off by the Ferrari shifter when you first drive it. You get use to it after a few drives. Ferraris are not easy to drive like a Porsche. They are like a sensitive woman, you have to coax her into doing what you want. | ||
| Eric Kasir (Erick)
New member Username: Erick Post Number: 4 Registered: 2-2002 |
Frank, yes that is the model I am being offered, a 1994 GTS for �38,000 so circa $50,000. A normal TB / TS can be had for about �32,000 What were your initial impressions stepping from a 993 C2 to a 348?? | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 757 Registered: 9-2001 |
Eric, I had a 1997 993 c2 about three cars ago. I don't recall it being any faster than my current 348. In fact the 1997 993 c2 did o-60mph in 5.3 seconds which is the same as the 1993-95 348. In the UK you can get a 348GTS or 348GTB model which is a little faster too. And you get a much better perception of speed in the Ferrari over the Porsche. | ||
| Ernesto Sgroi (T88power)
Member Username: T88power Post Number: 295 Registered: 2-2001 |
If you can afford it, go for the 355. As with almost every newer model, it has more power, better tranny, is faster, handles better, looks better and more exotic (ie more like a Ferrari), more reliable, etc etc. But like Frank said, a $40K premium is a lot compared to a 348. So, it all depends on how much you are willing to spend. Ernesto | ||
| Eric Kasir (Erick)
New member Username: Erick Post Number: 3 Registered: 2-2002 |
Frank, yes it would purely be for the joy of owning and driving a Ferrari. Unfortunately good old British weather counts out the choice of a Spider. So it would have to be a Targa or Berlinetta. I am not even that worried about it being the fastest thing in the road, I went from a 400+bhp modified Supra Twin Turbo to a 993 Carrera 2, which was a significant drop in performace, I just don't want the 348 to be any slower than this (although I have a sneaking suspicion it might be). Equal performance would be fine for me. The main problem I have with the Carrera is it just seems to lack 'soul'. It doesn't stir much emotion in me when I drive it, its all very clinical. I do admire its build quality and reliability though, but I guess you can't have everything in life... Someone suggested other models, but the V8's are really always the cars that have 'done it' for me. The whole lineage from 308 upwards are my favourites over the V12's. The fact that the 348 was such a radical change shape wise from that blood line is also slightly offputting for me. Please keep the opinions coming, I'm due to look at this car on Saturday, and I have a lot of thinking to do between now and then. Thanks Eric | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 756 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have had five Ferraris, 328GTS, 400GT, TR, 330GTC and now a 348 Spider. I like the 348 most out of them all. It is fun to drive, has been very reliable and is fast enough for me. As for what cars can beat a Ferrari on the track, don't worry about that. Almost any car can be modified enough to beat any other car. I have seen Vipers, 355s, 360s and other exotics passed by Honda Civics at Road Atlanta. Is a 355 faster ? Yes. Is it worth the $40k difference in price. NO! Not IMHO. The 1993, 1994 and 1995 348s did their best 0-60mph times in 5.3 seconds where the early 355s were timed at 4.9 seconds. That's $10k per 0.1 seconds extra. If you in fact plan to race your car, go for the faster car every time. If you just want the joy of owning and driving a Ferrari, the 348 Spider can't be beat ! | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Junior Member Username: Dave Post Number: 91 Registered: 4-2001 |
If it were me I would hold off and get the 355. Depending on exactly which 993 you have, you probably would not be that impressed with the 348's performance compared to your porsche. I thought about getting a 348 a couple of years ago when I sold my boxer, but the performance/cost factor was way out of line. Especially after seeing hopped up 308gt4's blowing by 348's on track days... The 355 is a way better car in performance, stopping, and much better handling. My advice to you is to drive both cars, as well as a few other Ferrari models. You never know, you might just end up liking a different model Ferrari after test driving them. I'm holding out for a 550 when he cost factor comes back down to reality. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1722 Registered: 5-2001 |
I own my 1991 348TS since 2 + years and must say the reliability is pretty good. I drive my car every day to and from work plus the weekends, so I get usually 7K Miles per year. I have not seen any performance issues from the TS to the GTS. The 20HP is virtually not there. I guess if you really want the added performance get a good exhaust. I will put test pipes on mine in a few weeks and bypass the cats. I love the 348. Maintenance is pretty much the same. You will not have to shim the valves at a service on the 355 vs the 348 but that pretty much covers it. Most everything else is the same. As for the parking. See if you can rent a garage space close by. At least see if you can find a place to winter the car. I would not keep it in the winter under a car cover. It is an italian car not a Rover, you know. Italians like it warm! | ||
| Eric Kasir (Erick)
New member Username: Erick Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2002 |
I've been looking at trading my Porsche 911 (993) in for a Ferrari for some months now. I have really been after a 355, but at the moment really can't justify the purchasing price. I was therefore going to hang on for another year or 2 before purchasing a nice late model. I hadn't really been cosidering a 348, however.... I have been offered by a dealer a lovely 1994 GTS (320bhp version) with 21,000 miles and a FSH for �38,000. The car also has factory split rims (don't know if this was standard on the GTS??) My circumstances are I am 29yrs old I drive the car (993) about 5k miles a year, not to / from work, just weekends and to and from gym (would be the same for the Ferrari), I have off street residents parking, but no garage. Question is, do I go for the 348 now, or stick to my plan of waiting a while for the 355?? Immediate questions that spring to mind are: - Is the 348 any cheaper to maintain than a 355, or am I looking at the same running costs? - is the GTS a significant improvement over the TB / TS in terms of performance / reliability? - Is the no garage / off street parking (with car cover) a problem with a Ferrari?? Considering we get snow / frost here in the winter.. I'm really in a quandry here, as I very much want a Ferrari, but would I be buying the wrong one (348) just for the sake of having one? The 993 is a very competent car, so do I wait for the 355 or not?? All opinion very gratefuly recieved Eric |