| Author | Message | ||
| Peter Polasek (Peterp)
Junior Member Username: Peterp Post Number: 107 Registered: 8-2002 |
Get the Mondial, being able to enjoy it with your family is a huge plus. Previous to the Mondial I had a Carrera and I took the family out exactly once in 3 years because the back seat wasn't really usable. I think the coupes have shoulder harnesses in the rear rather than lap belts (my 3.2 coupe does). | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Member Username: Davem Post Number: 299 Registered: 1-2002 |
I agree about negative issues regarding kids an convertibles. So buy a coupe, which are less expensive to boot. The coupes also have 3 point seat belts in the rear. | ||
| Randall (Randall)
Member Username: Randall Post Number: 542 Registered: 1-2003 |
Maybe you should just consider 2 kids, then you could have both cars, right?  | ||
| Chris Tanner (Ctanner)
Junior Member Username: Ctanner Post Number: 57 Registered: 5-2001 |
I have to concur with Jack and say get the 308 if you like the styling better. As a precursor to my 348, I bought a 944 convertible. I have 2 children and it fits four. While I thought we as a family would travel in it frequently, we never did. I now usually drive in it by myself. All four of us ride in the convertible maybe 4-5 times per year. Based on my experiences, when I was Fcar shopping, I considered the Mondial, but ultimately preferred the two seater look. Also remember, the back seat of a convertible is windy. My kids actually try to lay down on the back seat when we're on the freeway.(front seat is quite comfortable, though). Sitting in the sun can also be hard on young children and you get to listen to them complain how hot it is. As they progress out of car seats, I am concerned from a safety issue because my 944 has only lap belts, similar to the Mondial except for the t, I think. No top, roll bar, or shoulder strap may be okay for me to run around in, but not for the kids. So, if you like the Mondial because it looks cool and you want true top down driving for a nice price, then by all means buy it. But if you want to a Ferrari to travel with kids, think twice, because I don't think you'll be travelling with them as much as you think. | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 106 Registered: 1-2002 |
That is a nice looking cut 400. Of course, before I did anything else I'd want to know who did the conversion. If they can't produce documentation, run. It's also ridiculously overpriced. A 5-speed 400i is about a $28k car, at best, IMO. I can't imagine a cut one is worth more than a nice original one. BTW, the current issue of SCM has an article on why they think 400s are underpriced. Personally, I think they are priced about right for where they fall on the value scale. | ||
| Michael Davidson (Cabrio_fan)
Junior Member Username: Cabrio_fan Post Number: 57 Registered: 3-2002 |
I'm in the same boat with a wife and two four year old daughters. Fortunately for me (us), I love the styling of the Mondial 3.2 cabrio(trapezoidal strakes all the way) over the Mondial t or the 3x8 series. I plan to pick up a Rosso Corsa over tan 3.2 with shields, a black boot, and Speedline or similar wheels. Guess I've been thinking about it for a while (LOL). One question I have is this. When people consider their entry level F-car purchase and when considering HP, seating, performance, drop top, etc. -- why don't people mention the 400i Cabriolets? As much as I'm a Mondial 3.2 fan, I've been eyeballing the 400i that's ~still~ up on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2418477171 It has a sharp color combo, drop top, four seats, FIVE SPEED, and TWELVE cylinders to boot! I'd be down looking at that car in a heartbeat if it were in my backyard but I can't see making the trip to ol' St. Louis to look at it. (I'm not quite ready to buy.) I also haven't seen many around but I know they're out there. Is it the relatively few numbers of the 400i series? Is it the 12 cylinder maintenance? I know the thought of 4 more is a little daunting to me but it wouldn't stop me if it was a great car. Thoughts on this? I'd love to hear from the 400i owners. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1008 Registered: 3-2002 |
John, get the 308. After your baby arrives, the last thing your wife will feel like doing is strapping herself and her "newest, most important thing on God's earth" into a Ferrari to go for joy rides. You are going to find yourself making never-ending runs to the store to pick up pregnancy-related impulse items, and eventually, baby needs. When the family drives out to aunt Mary's for show and tell, take the Lexus. But since you will probably be spending most of your Ferrari time soloing, go with your original choice. | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 480 Registered: 9-2001 |
1 wife, 2 kids, 1 Mondial T Cab = family outings & happiness | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 602 Registered: 1-2002 |
I am left to wonder why your wife has to bribe you with a Ferrari to have a child?? I read that statement and sirens went off. Dave | ||
| David McAlexander (Stuttgartdavid)
New member Username: Stuttgartdavid Post Number: 21 Registered: 5-2003 |
If it is purely a matter of seating for one child, I have often wondered if it is possible to engineer a baby seat anchor system attaching to the firewall (over the ebrake and switchgear) and make a 3x8 into a 3 seater (well, a 2 1/4 seater)... | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Member Username: Davem Post Number: 294 Registered: 1-2002 |
I like others who posted have the same issues. My 16 month old daughter has now driven in 2 Mondials. Took me only 40 years... Anyways the other argument is say for the price of most any 308 you could find a 3.2 in equal condition which will perform as well, or even better still. | ||
| Kent R. DeAvilla (Lust4spyders)
New member Username: Lust4spyders Post Number: 38 Registered: 1-2003 |
I have a Mondial 3.2. Cabriolet. I love it. It works as the occassional cruiser with wife and child. I installed a hyperflow cat with tubi exhaust fed by k&n filter. It feels like its 348 fast, if not, pretty damb close. Goes faster than I need to go with great handling. Mondials are still definitely thoroughbred sport cars. Beside's some of us can't seem to pass the 2-seater bill through congress. The day I brought the car home, she expected to see a new 3 series or a Honda pull up the driveway. Man, did sh!t hit the fan. " This car is a pu!!sy magnet!" she exclaimed. But then she noticed the back seats. She accepted it a couple days later. We both have Chevy Silverados as our daily drivers. We both enjoy our Ferrari. | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 104 Registered: 1-2002 |
Also, if you are a tall guy the Mondial is much better. I'm 6'4", and I don't fit well in a 308. The Mondial is no problem, however. I think if you really want a 308, you should get one. If you have a child, sell the 308 and get a Mondial. There is always a ready market for 308s, and you'll probably get back most (if not all) of what you paid for it. | ||
| Norm (32storm)
New member Username: 32storm Post Number: 22 Registered: 5-2003 |
The Mondial is a great car, especially the cab's. I bought my cab, when the only Ferrari choice for a convertible was a Mondial, Daytona,or something older( and more expensive).The 308 has/328 has a classic look. But, the Mondial also has a distinctive look, especially with the first appearance of the large bear claw side grates that later appeared in more dramatic form on the Testarossa. As Mondials were produced in fewer numbers than the 308/328, it does have a tendency to stand out in the crowd. The sound experience is better with the top down. Handling and acceleration are very good as well. Although if pushed to the limit, it certainly won't handle as well as a 308/328. But, you have to consider your own driving style, and how far you plan on pushing either to their limit. It is slower than a 308/328 due to the additional weight, but it also geared lower to compensate. But, are you planning on drag racing a 308/328? Also keep in mind most stock 308/328's will still get smoked by the new c-5 vettes. The Mondial does have a small back seat, which is ideal for children, or (2)additional adults for short trips.A nice side benefit of the Mondials, is that they include some luxury type features that were not included on the 308/328(ie: tilt/telescoping wheel). | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Junior Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 183 Registered: 2-2003 |
FWIW Had the exact dilemma with a 3 yr old. Ended up getting a Mondial 3.2 over a t (lower running costs). Used it as a daily driver and took the family on trips. As fast as many 308s, lots more useable and looks great to me. As said before, just get one with non metric wheels (87-88) and upgrade to modern tires. I've still got mine, and do not plan to sell. Also as said before, look at the gt4's if you can find a no rust example. Would recommend you drive one of each. have fun rt | ||
| mario ottaway (Mario308)
New member Username: Mario308 Post Number: 11 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hi from the UK, I had this same thought process going through my mind 10 years ago. I went down the Mondial QV coupe route, with 2 kids its been great it handles better than a 308 and is fairly easy to live with and cheaper to buy. On the down side its not as fast as a 308 & doesn't hold it value as well & costs just as much to maintain as a 308. Also beware of the old TRX tyres (tires) they are hopeless compared to modern tyres I think you get a better choice of wheels with the 308. If you go for a mondial DONT get one with a sun roof. Cheers, Mario. | ||
| sindo rodil (308qv_miami)
New member Username: 308qv_miami Post Number: 22 Registered: 5-2003 |
I have a 308qv that I bought a year ago, three of my friends have mondials, they're nice cars and you can bring your kid and wife along, but the 308's classic looks and interior is just so much better. Even sitting lower as opposed to the more upright feel of the mondial. By the way, I have my first kid on the way, due in December. The way I look at it, more quality time with my son/daughter in the 308. Looking for a ferrari baby seat! Go with the 308. | ||
| Rikky Alessi (Ralessi)
Junior Member Username: Ralessi Post Number: 161 Registered: 5-2002 |
If you can afford to spend a little more, the 456 GT may fit the bill. | ||
| Tony Roberts (Pantera)
Junior Member Username: Pantera Post Number: 111 Registered: 6-2003 |
I know you really want a Ferrari, I understand that. Do you want a child right now. If you do then getting a Ferrari is fine. If you don't I would hold off on the Ferrari. I am taking what you say is verbatim. Am I reading this right? | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Junior Member Username: Dom Post Number: 225 Registered: 11-2002 |
If you are interested in a more raw auto, how about the 308 GT4. You can put a kid in the back seat. | ||
| Ron Shirley (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 485 Registered: 12-2002 |
They are both really nice, but as mentioned by John, the Mondial can do everything the 308 can and some things the 308 cannot. I have had 4 adults in my 87 3.2 Cab for a 4 hr drive (including the time to get to the starting point) with a local Ferrari driving club and no one complained. I did have to move the driver's seat up to accomodate the passenger behind me but it was not bad. The 308 looks great but I think the Mondial Cab looks equally great. I can tell you that it always draws a crowd whereever I go. Best of luck. You won't be disappointed with either. | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 586 Registered: 2-2002 |
John, I go back and forth on this same question almost everyday and I don't know if I will ever find the answer until the day I actually buy one. I have a 9 month at home that enjoys riding in our 66 Lemans convert so with that it makes me lean towards the Mondial but inside I would really love the 308. Let me know if you find the solution. Pat | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 29 Registered: 4-2003 |
i think the mondial is a much more modern design but not as famous. Mid engine and a more powerful engine (84/5+?) make it a better performer. Plus its the luxury version so its trimmed nice. Mondys are beautiful fcars that are still waiting for the peak.... | ||
| John Perry (Perryaviation)
New member Username: Perryaviation Post Number: 22 Registered: 6-2003 |
ok, now that I have decided to (and dedicated my life to) pursue the perfect Fcar for me, I have now hit a snag. I want and have always wanted a 308, love this car !!! But my wife and I have an agreement that if I get a car she gets a kid. (is that a sick post or what ?) So it looks like there is going to be a little one in our near future so NOW I'm having to think about the fact that my wife will not be able to join me on rides, (no one to watch/keep jr, while we are out enjoying the ferrari, which leads me too two solutions, one go by myself (which is great but, I also love my wife and want to share cruising with her. or purchase a ferrari that can hold a babies car seat, (hence the Mondail possiblity) But I'm afraid I'll sacarfice all the things I want out of the 308, in order, looks, sounds, and expressive handling and acceleration. ( yes I know it doesn't do the 1/4 mile in under 5 secs like some of the newer models but compaired to my Lexus SUV, it will fly ;-) So what's the concensus here, get the 308, or go with a Modial. I guess this question really goes too Mondy owners, who can help fill me in on the differences in the two..........or I'm am just over analizing this WAAAYYY too much. |