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Author Message
Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
Posted on Friday, November 02, 2001 - 10:27 am:   

I am actually considering both coupe and convertible. When comparing coupe to coupe, I prefer the GT4, but if a convertible shows up within reasonable range, I think I would have to go for that. That's why I need to do more research and figure it out.
J. Grande (Jay)
Posted on Friday, November 02, 2001 - 8:29 am:   

David, maybe I should clarify. The mondials weight is what makes it feel less sporty. I've driven both back to back and the GT4 just "feels" like a more powerful car. Mind you I thought we were comparing the GT4's with the coupes, not the cabrios. I'd still take either one though :)
Robert Foskett (Robf)
Posted on Friday, November 02, 2001 - 5:25 am:   

Sean,

I didn't realise you were comparing GT4 with Mondial Cabrio....are they comparable in value in the US? In England, most of the cabrios I saw were about 25%-30% more expensive than a GT4, and only Mondial8's and QV's were around the same price bracket.
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Posted on Friday, November 02, 2001 - 12:10 am:   

William, the GT4 handles better because it has a longer wheelbase. Weight-wise, its marginally heavier than the GTB/S.
David Harris (Dakharris)
Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 7:10 pm:   

I'm not sure why Jay thinks that my Mondial with a 308 QV engine is less powerful than a 10 year-older carbed car without electronic ignition. There are three stepdaughters in the Ferrari family, the 400, the Mondial and the GT4. All are more "affordable" for various reasons, but the presence of a back seat is a big part of it. I wanted a Mondial Cabriolet because it is a true convertible and I have ridden in the back seat and survived without the assistance of a chiropractor.
J. Grande (Jay)
Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 6:03 pm:   

I'm torn also between the GT4 or the Mondial. I want my first Ferrari experience to be all that it should be. I think with the prices of GT4's being so low, and the power compared to the Mondial, I would go with the GT4.
Martin (Miami348ts)
Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 11:28 am:   

The duct tape is actually racing tape and makes the car go faster....I was told. :-)
Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 11:27 am:   

Thanks for the tips - I have Amazon delivering "Original Ferrari V8". I really like the GT4, but there's something about a Mondial with the top down...
William H (Countachxx)
Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 9:29 am:   

My mechanic tells me the GT4 handles even better than the 308GTB cus its lighter, Also more room in back for a heftry roll cage
Jim E (Jimpo1)
Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 8:53 am:   

Martin, don't forget to take the duct tape off the tail pipes!
Martin (Miami348ts)
Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 8:04 am:   

Yeah; add one more to the race cars:

1

ouch, I need to arrange for transportation, BRB
Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 7:03 am:   

Robert,

Look no further for something for UK owners... This is the WORLD wide web and you're very welcome here. We have owners/enthusiasts from all over. Glad you found us and can share your experience.....
Robert Foskett (Robf)
Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 6:33 am:   

Hi everyone,

I'm a new visitor to this board from England and have to say I'm impressed! I've really enjoyed reading past postings, just wish I could find something similar for UK owners.

Anyway reason for my post is that I've just been through the same experience, buying my 1st Ferrari, and choosing between Mondial and GT4, as I need the +2 seats.

I used the book everyone's mentioned and found it an extremely useful guide. I laso bought a book by Alan Henry which was also interesting. Heres a link to it on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0947981233/ref=b-koth-pa1/002-7541644-0846401

A few other considerations (hope they're relevant for US cars):

Most dealers reckoned the GT4 to be a better buy if you are on a smallish budget, as its an extremely uncomplicated car. If sophistication is part of the appeal, the Mondial is the one to go for.

On the rust issue - most GT4's will have been restored at least once by now - if you get one where someone else has done all the work, its verifiable and high quality, then you should be OK. I also looked at a couple of Mondial QV's and one of them was rusty so its not a problem confined to GT4s

I was also told by one specialist that Mondials (All models before 3.4's) suffer with bad electrics, and switches are prone to failure and very expensive.

I liked the interior of the Mondial, and it definitely had more space, but my main consideration when buying was that it needed to be a real sporting drive (traded up from '85 911 carrera) and I just felt the GT4 felt more racy. Just my opinion of course - hope its of interest.

I also think the GT4 makes a much nicer noise as well!
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 11:19 pm:   

Sorry Christian, not for sale!
Christian Kienle (Christiank)
Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 10:42 pm:   

There is a buyer guide available at velocepress.com or something like that. The 308 GT/4 had some serious rust problems and are carbureted, older technology - sorry Peter.
The first Mondial 8 was somewhat undermotorised with only 208 HP (but Nick knows how to get much more) and had some electrical issues. The later models Mondial 4 valve and specificially the Mondial 3.2 are serious Ferrari. I would not recommend buying a 308 GT/4 unless Peter is willing to seperate from his and buys my Mondial for big bucks.
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 10:32 pm:   

Click on the "Research" button of this site under "Book Reviews", I posted a review of this book: "Original Ferrari V-8" by Keith Bluemel. Both models are covered in great depth, but you know which one I like J.
William H (Countachxx)
Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 8:43 pm:   

I think the GT4 is considerably more sporting than the mondial. Ive never seen a mondial race car but Ive seen plenty of GT4 racers
Daniel B Reese MD (Dbr328gtb)
Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 8:26 pm:   

Bible= Original Ferrari V8 by Keith Bluemel
Martin (Miami348ts)
Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 7:29 pm:   

There is a great book about 308s and all other V8s of newer models. I will give you the title and author tomorrow. Most here have the book as well, maybe somebody will be faster than me.

This is like a bibel for V8 owners.
Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 4:30 pm:   

Are there any FAQ's, buyer's guides, or any kind of websites or books that detail the differences between years for the 308 GT4 and/or the Mondial? I am new to FerrariChat and looked through the arvhives, but it would nice to see the information detailed out in one place.

I have always enjoyed the shapes of those models and recent prices have really got me interested. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Sean

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