| Author | Message | ||
| Paul Hill (348paul)
Junior Member Username: 348paul Post Number: 103 Registered: 12-2002 |
Colin, When sitting in a 246 Dino then getting into a 308 and then the 328, I can feel the relationship to the Dino to which in my eyes was a masterpiece that many other generations of cars were born from its design. With the 348 I tend to find that you loose part of the �Dino� Magic, as it was quite a drastic change from the 328. Never the less you gained a new feeling of something special. It is so hard to put your finger on it that words cannot explain. (I suppose it was like a cross breed of the Testarossa & the 328!) They say that a Ferrari has �soul� � This is truly an understatement. In my eyes, the soul of a 308 and the 348 stand equally high as each other, but are standing miles apart. Many people prefer one or the other but unfortunately for me, both rank 1st place! (I currently have a 348 & I am looking for a 308 to keep her company) Have you been in a 348 yet? Your gut feeling will tell you the answer. Good luck in your quest. Paul | ||
| Collin Hays (Chaysintexas)
Junior Member Username: Chaysintexas Post Number: 58 Registered: 4-2002 |
Bruno, can you expand? | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Intermediate Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 1027 Registered: 5-2002 |
nice green. seems like with the lines on a 308 any color will work. But that green does look good. | ||
| Stanley DiGuiseppi (Standig)
Junior Member Username: Standig Post Number: 89 Registered: 5-2002 |
I had a Testarossa before this 348. The red head was a rocket ship to drive but the 348 always puts a smile on my face....go for it! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3875 Registered: 12-2000 |
woo hoo!  | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 633 Registered: 11-2001 |
Yes, Magnum's car was red / tan. There was one episode, however, where Robin Masters' nephew was sent to the estate for some behavioral correction by Higgins, and he arrived in / drove a Verde Pino 308 QV -- identical to Magnum's except for the color. That episode was a good one -- quite a few high speed driving scenes in the 308's. I have it on tape, along with 99 percent of all the other Magnum episodes collection. | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2002 |
Rob: I have been using Netscape. I just logged on using Internet Explorer. Let's see if that's it, ****That must have been it - the text is now inserted at the end of my message. So -- here, finally, is a picture of my beautiful Verde Pino 308 with Euro front spoiler! Thanks, Rob, for hanging in there with me.  | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3872 Registered: 12-2000 |
Ed, by chance do you have a Mac or are you using Netscape? Sometimes things don't work the same with those. It appears you're doing everything right. You should get the following screen and then after Close you should see the tag below in your text area.  | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2002 |
Eric: I thought that Magnum PI's 308 was red. I hope so. I have a scale model of the Magnum 308 and it's red. I've not seen another Verde Pino 308 anywhere. I'm trying, again. to upload (apparently unsuccessfully per the Preview window). | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 631 Registered: 11-2001 |
Ed...very nice 308! The last time I remember seeing a Verde Pino 308 was on an episode of Magnum P.I. -- I really like that color with the beige interior. | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 340 Registered: 11-2002 |
Why does it have to be a 12 banger to be a Ferrari? The comment about the hamburger vs a porterhouse implies the V8's are not as good as the V12's. Sounds a bit snobby to me! | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1879 Registered: 9-2001 |
Charles, I have had two little Dinos including a 328 and 348. I enjoyed both of them. I just acknowledge them for what they are, not 12 cylinder Ferraris. I like hamburgers too, but I'm not going to call one a porterhouse steak ! | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 339 Registered: 11-2002 |
Wow Frank, You actually liked a V8 car! | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1875 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have had a 328GTS and a 348 Spider. There is no comparison. The 348 is a far better car. The 348 looks better, sounds better, performs better and is more comfortable. | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 335 Registered: 11-2002 |
David, the 348 is a piece of cake to drive. I am sure your skills are up to it but if not I am sure they would improve by driving it! | ||
| david schirmer (David)
Junior Member Username: David Post Number: 248 Registered: 2-2001 |
I wouldn't be nervous to take a 308 on a long trip. I did a 1000 and a 2000 mile trip last summer and had a blast. Like any car, I make sure that it's maintained and I do a pre trip inspection. I also bring along some emergency supplies that I can give to other people whos cars are broken down. The 348 probably performs better than a 308, but I sure enjoy the 308 because it doesn't exceed my driving skills like a 348 probably would. It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow... David | ||
| Rich Hansen (Txhansen)
New member Username: Txhansen Post Number: 15 Registered: 2-2001 |
Having had both a 308 and now a 348 spider I can certainly say I am much happier with the 348. As many have already pointed out the performance difference is huge. In addition, it is a much more comfortable car for me. More headroom, a working AC, not nearly as much heat transfered into the cab, modern interior. Lastly the 308 was 20 years old so lots of little things needed attention and while none were expensive to fix it was inconvinient. I would have been nervous to take my 308 on a long trip but I would not hesitate to take the 348 on that trip. | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 492 Registered: 3-2002 |
I spent around 10 mins in a 348 and I wasnt impressed with the interior..seemed dated..plus the seats felt more like vinyl versus leather..i loved the red guages though | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 6 Registered: 12-2002 |
Rob: Yes, my screens look exactly like that. I click on Upload, the Upload screen opens. I select Browse and go to the file that I want to upload. The next screen states, in computerese that Image whatever will be added to the end of my text. But, it doesn't get added. When I go into the Preview/Post Message screen, it has my message but no text has been added about the upload. The Verde Pino color looks great on the fcar board, doesn't it? | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Intermediate Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 1019 Registered: 5-2002 |
Simply stated. No.For numerous reasons.jmo | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3844 Registered: 12-2000 |
Step 1:  Step 2:  Are your screens looking like this? | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2002 |
Rob asked me to try uploading the picture of my Verde Pino one more time! | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1863 Registered: 9-2001 |
Gene, if the TR/348 grills are "cheesegraters" grills, the I suppose those front grills of the 360 are "George Foreman" grills. Or come to think of it, the 360 grills look a little like a hotdog cooker I got for Christmas a couple of years back. | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 334 Registered: 11-2002 |
Dave W. Nice looking Mondial! I am going to send you an email about the 15th to the address on your profile. | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 333 Registered: 11-2002 |
If the look is at the top of your list of reasons you might be interested to know that Pininfarina incorporated design elements from the TR, the 308/328, and the F40 in the design of the 348. IMHO one of the prettiest of the modern F-cars! | ||
| Gene Agatep (Gagatep)
Member Username: Gagatep Post Number: 279 Registered: 8-2002 |
the 308 is now a classic the 348 is soon to be a classic I don't think Ferrari will be going back to the cheesegrater design in the near future. (Mondial, 348, TR = Cheesegraters) When the cheesegraters become more of a minority, they will be more desireable IMO. As far as handling, I personally chose the 348 over the 308. I enjoy driving the cars and performance was a big issue. Hands down (or should I say "right foot down") the 348's are a much better performing car than the 308 or the 328. If your deciding factor is performance, there is no doubt - TRADE-UP. If your deciding factor is cost of maintenance, go with the injected 308/328. If your deciding factor is body design, that is a personal preference. Or weigh in all 3 deciding factors??? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3841 Registered: 12-2000 |
It's a very nice car, but it's Ed's. | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Member Username: Davewapinski Post Number: 504 Registered: 8-2001 |
Rob, nice car! | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 4 Registered: 12-2002 |
Please bear with me. Rob got my picture to upload but I have not. Here goes again. | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Member Username: Davewapinski Post Number: 503 Registered: 8-2001 |
Charles, If you are crazy, make that two of us. I feel the same way. I do not think someone should buy a $200,000 car unless they can also afford to drive it. I did not know you were from the Atlanta area. The beagle dog and I will be in Atlanta the weekend of March 15 - a week and a half from now. If you are going to be around, let me know off list and we can get together. Enjoy life, Dave | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 332 Registered: 11-2002 |
Nice ride! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3839 Registered: 12-2000 |
 | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2002 |
here's another shot at uploading the picture of my 1983 Verde Pino 308. Hope it appears! | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 331 Registered: 11-2002 |
Not at all Dave. I bought this car to drive it. Lets face it some owners have them because they want to be seen in them not because they enjoy driving them, I am not one of those people. I love driving this car. Part of the reason I have put so many miles on it is because I am constantly looking for excuses to get out and drive it. Most of the miles I have put on it are not the result of too and from work, they are from just going out and cruising around. I would say probably 9 or 10K or so is from driving to work. I bought it to replace a lease car I had so it is my only car. I don't see why it is any different than any other car, I treat it the same way I did my old car. I realize many owners will look at this thread and think I am a nut but I don't care. This car is my primary transportation. I also believe you have to live every day to the fullest you possibly can so I can't imagine having one of these things and letting it sit in a garage. This car only cost me $45K so why should I care how much I drive it. I can certainly understand someone that has a $200k Ferrari not wanting to drive it every day, that is precisely why I bought the one I did. My Infiniti cost me $35K by the time I paid the residual on the lease and I did not have near the car or the fun as I do now. I don't care about resale or any of that. In fact, I don't even car if I have to rebuild the engine in a couple of years, I bought it to drive! In fact I am just about to put it in the shop for the major service at Ferrari of Atlanta. As soon as I get it back I am going to drive the hell out of it some more until the next major service. I look at it much the same way as owning a boat or a plane. This car is my recreation. My boat cost about the same as this car and when I sold it I only got $17K for it but I had a ball playing with it out on the lake. You have to keep a full toy box if you know what I mean. Thanks for asking! | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Member Username: Davewapinski Post Number: 501 Registered: 8-2001 |
I have seen several nice 348 spiders go for around $50k, so that number is realistic. Charles, you are driving your car 20,000 miles a year or 20,000 miles plus. I also drive these types of miles. 45,000 plus 15,000, so your 348 currently has approx. 60,000. In two years it will be 100,000 or 100,000 +. Does this bother you? You can resond on or off list. Thanks, Dave | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 330 Registered: 11-2002 |
My 348 is the sexiest and most fun car I have ever owned. All the bull you hear about how difficult they are to maintain, and how problem prone they are is exactly that, bull! The majority of routine maintenance can be done by the owner, the engine out service only runs about $5K, and the shifter can be made to work really well. The reason most of them don't shift well is because they are not properly adjusted. My 348 shifts really well after it is warmed up because I took the time to figure out why it didn't. As far as the various bugs the cars have been known for, Ferrari came out with numerous upgrades over the years that have solved almost every problem these cars had so all the crap you hear about these kind of things is also a load of bull. I have personally driven my 348 for 15K miles since last July rain or shine without a single problem and it already had 45k on it when I bought it. All of the horror stories, and the fact that 348's have depreciated greatly in the last few years, have made them a very good value. I would bet you could get a really nice one for around $50K. Of course all the hardcore owners will say if you buy a car with as many miles as my car had on it you are asking for trouble, also bull. Most of these cars have more milage on them than the speedo shows anyway. Does it really seem realistic that a 13+ year old car only has 12 or 18K miles on it? I don't think so. I would have much more faith in one that had 50K on it than one with 12K on it since I would have to wonder what other things the owner is trying to hide. The bottom line is the 348 is a great car. I plan to drive mine until it is time to rebuild the engine and then rebuild it and keep right on going. If everyone keeps wrecking them they may even start to aquire some of the respect the so called classic Ferrari's have, as they become more rare. As cheap as they are you can afford to drive the hell out of them and not worry about it like you would some of the others. The 348 gets my vote! | ||
| Jeffrey Caspar (Jcaspar1)
Junior Member Username: Jcaspar1 Post Number: 77 Registered: 5-2002 |
Looks wise the 308 has my vote. Much more classic and less boy racer. The 348 does sound to be pretty reliable for a Ferrari. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 443 Registered: 1-2002 |
Collin, I am going to take a contrarion view here. I have owned 3 308's (77,84 GTS & 85GTB) plus 2 328's (87 GTS and 89 GTB) and finally a 94 348 TB. For sheer coolness, a carb 308 is tops. The "nicest driver" was the 85 GTB The best handling feel is my current 89 GTB. The 348 has the most power. Overall, I like the 328's best. The 348 was pretty cheap for me, but I sold it just before service was due. The new owner has spent mega bucks on it. The 348 rode hard and had the crappiest shifter of the 6 cars I have owned. The interior may be modern, but the electrics are problem prone and the fit and finish is poor. More than most models, people seem to love or hate 348's and that's why they are cheap. Future values really depend on 355 prices. If 355 prices continue to decline, this will pressure 348 prices. The 308/328 market is different. Owners want the style and driving experience so are less likely to buy 348's just because they are cheap. Dave | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Junior Member Username: Psk Post Number: 219 Registered: 11-2002 |
Arlie,
You could walk I guess  . Seriously Arlie, I do not think you should ever buy a Ferrari or any Italian car ... you will hate it, but I do understand what you were trying to say. Pete | ||
| Noelrp (Noelrp)
Junior Member Username: Noelrp Post Number: 190 Registered: 8-2001 |
The 348 is a decade ahead of the 308 and is a better car pound per pound (except for the styling which is subjective). The key is the condition. If it's a 348 that requires a lot of attention & maintenance, perhaps it's not a good trade-up. However if it is a top dollar 348, it is rewarding. | ||
| Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Member Username: Jlm348 Post Number: 430 Registered: 11-2002 |
Although I have never owned a 308, I do own a 348 Spider and absolutely love it. there are very few cars that I would trade it for. It handles great, it is rarer then a 355, and is priced very competitive in todays market. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 834 Registered: 5-2002 |
My point? The thread title concerns a trade up. Is buying a car that requires more intricate maintenance really a trade "up"? Sounds like a trade to more $$$$$ and more hassle. (I wouldn't buy a Toyota Camry either!) It may take 1/2 hour to remove a motor; (which I doubt because Ill bet it takes longer), and I believe your local Ferrari shop will charge you accordingly. | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Junior Member Username: Psk Post Number: 218 Registered: 11-2002 |
Arlie,
So your point is? Porsches like a 930 Turbo you have to pull the motor to change all spark plugs, and that goes for a v6 Toyota Camry too. Plus the Alfa Romeo Montreal you have to remove all the cam timing gear to be able to get at the water pump ... as the motor is based on the race motor for the T33. Thus I guess they were more interested in the cam timing ... I believe also that to remove the motor on a (real vintage) Bugatti that you have to start by remove the rear axle ... but this may not be true. Also if it only take 1/2 an hour to remove the motor then so what ... removing it saves time. And how often does a water pump need attention anyway ... I think that is okay, but to change spark plugs on something as boring as a Toyota saloon ... er, what happened here? Pete | ||
| Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Member Username: Jlm348 Post Number: 429 Registered: 11-2002 |
there is a verde pino 99 355 f1 for sale in Beverly hills right now | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2002 |
Anyone know how many Verdo Pino (green) Ferrari's there are? I had an 83 GTSI and just wonder who else may have had one. Sorry, but I could not figure out how to start a new thread so I just added this to someone else. Hope that it's not a big breach! I included a picture of my 308 but don't know where it went -- it's not here -- maybe drifting around in cyberspace? | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 832 Registered: 5-2002 |
And my favorite bit of 348 trivia: You have to pull the entire engine just to change the water pump. (at least that's what one more knowledgable poster said.) | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 2074 Registered: 2-2001 |
I think the 308 is much better looking & is more apt to be looked upon as a classic some far away day I think the earlier 308s are easier to mod to make more power & better handling, but old stuff is old stuff | ||
| Jerry W. (Tork1966)
Member Username: Tork1966 Post Number: 508 Registered: 7-2001 |
I'll tell you after I have worked out all the bugs on my '79 308, and retrofitted it's shortcomings (single dist., 16" wheels, new fuse block, lower springs (doing that now), new radiator, TUBI, K&N, etc.) the car is a LOT more fun to drive and I love it's looks. I think the 308 is a sexier looking car than the 348, although I know not as fast by any means. | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 533 Registered: 10-2002 |
If money is not holding you back, I'd say go for a good 348 (spider ideally). I drove a 348 spider once (my first F driver ever) and was overwhelmed by the sheer power of the engine. I was hooked, no question. The looks were great too, no question. So I was seriously thinking about getting one, but ended up with the 308 for several reasons: Purchase price, maintenance costs, availability and cost of spare parts and finally width. My parking space is so thight, that every inch counts and the 348 is quite a bit wider than the 308. So now I'm left with a great car, that I totally love from its character, sound and looks. But I do miss that 348 kick in the pants engine. I thought the 348 is basically a go kart for the street (and I mean that as a compliment). | ||
| Lee Pierce (Leepierce)
New member Username: Leepierce Post Number: 29 Registered: 1-2003 |
Collin: Interesting thread. My first experience with Ferrari was in a rented 348. Thus the fever began, and 4 months later, there's a red '78 308 in my garage. I really wanted a 348 but economically it was out of the question for me. And this 308 just literally "came along". As such I've been thinking about the differences a lot lately. I wouldn't say I've been disappointed with my 308; the sound and spirit of the 308 is very much the same as the 348. The 308 just isn't a 348; it has too much 70's in it to be much like a "modern Ferrari." There is clearly not as much "push you back in your seat" horsepower, but it is there. The carburators sound a lot different than the QV-FI heads of the 348, but the engine still sure puts a smile on your face. Now, I've always admired progressive and stylish interiors and good ergonomics. As such I've had to overlook the interior design (or lack thereof) of my 70's-era Fcar. It wasn't Ferrari's fault, and it's certainly not POOR design; there are some really neat touches with the 308 interior in fact. It's just sort of that clunky, "blah" design because ergonomcis and interior design wasn't as much of an issue back then. Plus, advances hadn't been made in electronics and whatnot to facilitate getting rid of those bicycle cables under the consoles, among other things. And Ferrari simply refined and refined and refined their own designs and kept getting the interiors better and better. Please understand, I'm probably not telling you anything you don't already know. I've just been thinking about it a lot lately after driving my car more. Like I said, I wouldn't say I've been disappointed with my 308; I've just started to think of it as a classy, "classic" exotic instead of the "adrenaline rush on wheels" Ferrari is known for....the 348 was that for sure. Having said all that, I'm so, so proud to be a Ferrari owner. I LOVE my 308, which still gets all the looks it deserves, and it's been an absolute blast the 2 months I've had it, and the weather is just turning nice!! Look at my profile; I took the pic about 30 minutes ago in front of where I work! (BUT, having said all that, I'm saving for a 348 as we speak...shhhhh, don't let my 308 hear) | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1853 Registered: 9-2001 |
Philip, the 348n does have one cable lever and that is the shifter. Other than a vague feel to the shifter I loved my 348 Spider. It was a great car that I miss on warm sunny days. | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
New member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 22 Registered: 2-2003 |
Colin, I had a 1982 308 that was very fun....however, not too much power. I traded up to a '93 348 and I love it!! There is really no comparison in the cars.....the 348 has a much more modern interior with all those cable driven levers gone, the engine sounds great, the power of the 348 blows the 308 away.....I'm very happy with my purchase....I think the 348's will hold there value well. Some people luv the style, some people don't...but those who want a 348, want one, and are willing to pay if it's in good shape! GOOD LUCK!!! | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 2638 Registered: 8-2002 |
Engine Out but a clutch is a breeze. Not that bad to selve service. Trans oil changes are easy to do. Drain from the bottom, fill 4.25 qts in the dipstick hole. Oil is easy as well. drain the sump and the block | ||
| Collin Hays (Chaysintexas)
Junior Member Username: Chaysintexas Post Number: 57 Registered: 4-2002 |
I have been considering this for some time. My 308 is a BLAST and hasn't been that costly to keep up. So, what are the advantages/differences between the 308 and the 348? I understand that the belt change on the 348 is expensive, but beyond that, am I wrong to assume this is a fairly reliable and "minimal maintenance" driver? What about thoughts on future 348 values? thanks for the input!! |