| Author | Message | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 385 Registered: 9-2001 |
The T has more power, better handling and comfort... (Comfort is subjective but for me, it was quite noticable.) I drove both quite a bit before picking up my first T and have never looked back. For your best feedback on both models, suggest you pick up a copy of Ferrari 328, 348, Mondial Ultimate Portfolio from Brooklands. (You can probably find it on ebay...) It is a collection of every article on these models from Autocar, R&T, C&D, Motor, Car, MotorTrend, Automobile and others. Very informative when looking to get various feedback on the models. | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 517 Registered: 12-2002 |
There is a red/tan 3.2 at European Collectibles here in southern california. Its price is 33k. No affiliation, I was just considering the car myself. http://www.europeancollectibles.com/auto_detail.asp?auto_id=C573 | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 552 Registered: 8-2001 |
I had a 3.2 Mondial converible. It was trouble free all the time I had it.....several years. While almost every Mustang wanted to race me at a light, when I had a 308, no one did that with the Mondial. Actually it was more fun than the 308......MUCH less hassles with other drivers when driving. It just doesn't scream "race me". If so, then why get the Mondial t? Besides, I have read many problems with the early 348's, as Joe has described. Overall impression: Save your money and get the 3.2. | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
New member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 23 Registered: 2-2003 |
Way cool. Sounds great and hope to meet you all soon. Am going to DC for a year, but am hoping for Travis afterwards. Of course, I could end up in Iraq tomorrow - anyone know a good Ferrari mech there? best to all russ | ||
| Ron Shirley (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 319 Registered: 12-2002 |
Russ, make sure you stop in Southern California on your way back through. We plan drives all the time and you would be welcome. | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
New member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 20 Registered: 2-2003 |
Ron Was at Spang 90-93 (except 186 days in Bahrain  ) and had daughter at Bitburg; Ramstein 96-99. Lived in Kindsbach off B-40. Brought the Mondial 3.2 over as daily driver and brought it back, Took it to Ferrari Racing days and multiple events at the Nuerburgring, but was the most fun on the twisty secondaries. I really would recommend anyone with a Ferrari to drive it to a major Euro meet once - It would be worth the passage on the QE2. best to all from snowy Misawa Russ | ||
| Ron Shirley (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 315 Registered: 12-2002 |
Russ, when were you in Ramstein. I spent 4 years there from 1971-1974. We lived in Rodenbach (I think it was). Had a great time and my daughter was born there. Wish I had my Mondial (or equivalent) then. Ron | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
New member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 19 Registered: 2-2003 |
Faced same decision 6 years ago and bought 3.2 and used for daily driver for 5 years, and plan to keep it when I get back from Japan. Chose 3.2 for long term since it looks better than the t, galactacally lower relative running and maint. costs and better reliability... a bit practical even (as all Mondials). The t is noticibly a little more powerful though, and the t's power steering is cool.. Really depends on how you want to use the car. I'm 6'3 and a Mondial is still quite roomy. Used to take trips in Germany with wife and 5 yo (best time Ramstein to Bitburg 45 min with traffic), and have verified it will pull all the way to the redline in 5th just fine. A huge value, the best of all worlds for me and I don't plan on selling. But, would trade for a 250GT Lusso though.. Hope this is a good data point - they are both great cars. best russ | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 85 Registered: 12-2002 |
...except of course ALL of the contrasts mentioned below. T ...if you can afforded the maintenance 3.2 ...if you can't or would rather not. Luke. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1954 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have never had a Mondial. I have had both a 328GTS and a 348 Spider which have the same drivetrains as the 3.2 and T Mondials respectively. There is NO contest between the two. Get the Mondial T. It looks better and is faster. I believe it is a little roomier too. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 2968 Registered: 8-2002 |
Mondial t is an engine out service as well | ||
| Ron Shirley (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 313 Registered: 12-2002 |
I agree with Joe. Plus the t is harder to work on and, therefore, more expensive to maintain in addition to some parts being more likely to fail. Plus, I like the side strakes better on the 3.2, although many do not. | ||
| joe under (Undertaker)
New member Username: Undertaker Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2003 |
my 2 cents...plus's and minus's mondial 3.2 - less expensive to maintain - more reliable, possibly far more reliable - side grates bigger (personally i think it's a plus) - although torquey and powerful, does not have the same straight line punch that the t has. - major service can be done in chassis (less costly) - dual timing belts (more robust, ferrari went back to dual timing belts on the f355 actually) mondial t - flywheels go out - seems to eat through more clutches, especially the 1989-1992 models 'dual disc' (expensive when it's time to replace) - single timing belt (also, water pump drives off timing belt) - starters too close to cat's, get hot, fail - alternators always go out - slow down light ecu's more prone to failing than 3.2's - slave cylinders leak - power steering (i don't care for cadillac style steering) my vote is for the mondial 3.2 | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2964 Registered: 9-2001 |
look in this thread and others like it http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/21/169379.html | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 61 Registered: 4-2002 |
Brad: I had a Mondial 3.2 coupe. It was a lovely car and the 328 engine was very reliable. Having said that in retrospect I wish I had purchased the t as there is a striking difference in performance. As the Mondial is a fairly heavy car anyhow, the 3.2 was just not that exciting. You should try to drive both and I think you will be able to make up your mind. Hope this helps | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 2965 Registered: 8-2002 |
The 3.2 has the 328 engine and the T has the 348 engine that is mounted transverse. | ||
| Brad-Mo (007)
New member Username: 007 Post Number: 7 Registered: 2-2003 |
Can anyone here help me understand the differences between the Mondial 3.2 and the t, and why the t carries about a $15k premium over the 3.2 for like condition and mile cars. I understand that the year of production is some of that difference but as a percentage of the purchace prices it seems quite big. I'm getting very close to making a decesion on a car, but I'm having trouble getting all the info to make me feel good about my choice. Any input is greatly appreciated! |