| Author | Message | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 642 Registered: 9-2001 |
Either I was unlucky with my 1986 328GTS or have been lucky with my 1994 348 Spider. Other than a weaping cam seal(which I will leave alone until the 30k service) my 348 has had no problems whatsoever. I had numerous problems with the 328 including a/c(what little there was), headlight lift motor, window lift motor,clutch and various interior trim failures. And the build quality on my 348 is better than the 328 was. I guess that by s/n:97783 all the 348 problems had been corrected. Any way, I would definitely go with a 348 over a 308 or 328. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 75 Registered: 12-2001 |
Had a 328 ('89) and a 348 spider ('94). If the 308, unmodified, has less grunt than the 328, you will be driving a eunuch. The 328 had very little torque, and you had to rev it to the max to make to go. I do not know what the early glass 308's are like, and have always been curious about tweaked 308's since, to me, they are better looking than the 328's. Stay away from the early 348's which had a pretty bad reputation for alot of things. The spider i had was great, with alot more power than the 328, and a little more room inside.By the time the spider was introduced, some of the quirks had been ironed out and the remaining speciales in coupe or gts form (weren't they called ts) got those upgrades. I think that's why you see the prices on early 348's depressed, whereas late 328's seem to be going up in price and the 348 spiders are also holding or going up slightly in price, compared to a general downturn in early 355's. | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
Member Username: Richelson Post Number: 451 Registered: 12-2001 |
Thanks for the info Frank. I always thought that the F40 was the last car he was involved in. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1524 Registered: 5-2001 |
Enzo was very much involved in the engine design on the 3.4L. He really did not care too much about that styling, the car had to go fast! | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1523 Registered: 5-2001 |
The 348 design actually started in 1982. This is when Pininfarina took the first sketches to a wood model. I just got a Road and Track and saw a picture of the 348 Spider just as they actually built the car later. The picture is from 1992, 2 years before production! | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 632 Registered: 9-2001 |
And, contrary to popular opinion the 348 was the last Ferrari designed and tested before Enzo's death not the 328. The 348 prototype was photographed on Italian roads as early as 1987. I was looking over some old magazines in my library last night and saw a June 1987 photo of a disquised 348 with large panels on the fenders and front bonnet on the autostrada near Modena. The caption said the design for the 348 started in 1984 with the engine first slated for the Mondial, which of course became the Mondial-T. Since the 348 first came out as a 1989 model, Enzo was involved with it from it's 1984 conception up until his death in 1988. | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
Member Username: Richelson Post Number: 441 Registered: 12-2001 |
I can't really comment on the 348s since I haven't owned one but the 308 has been a reliable car. It will require some tinkering as electrical bugs can come up. They are usually easy to fix and require a volt meter and most of the time it is in the fuseblock. I think a 308 would be much cheaper to maintain and would be a little easier to work on yourself. They look great too. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
New member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 16 Registered: 1-2002 |
Ken, Ultimately you will have to weigh all the different factors yourself, but I have a lot of firsthand experience I can relay to you. In the past, I owned 77&84 308's, 87 328 and 94 348TB. Currently I have a 85 308 GTB and 89 328 GTB. Here is what I have learned. Maintenance wise, the 308's have been the worst, because of small (but sometimes expensive to find) problems. 328's fixed many of the problems of 308's and the additional torque is quite noticeable. Mechanics say these cars are the easiest to work on and many people think they are the most reliable. Beginning with 88.5 model year, the suspension and steering rack were upgraded and these cars feel much more modern and tight than earlier models and 308's. I have had excellent luck with mine and I expect the 89 will be a long term keeper. My 348 was like new when I got it (1500 miles) and had 16K when I sold it. It was very reliable with the exception of the seat belts which occasionally did not want to work. However, I know other owners who were not so lucky. One with a car identical to mine and low miles had a problem with one bank of cylinders quitting. Naturally, it would work fine when brought to the dealer. Others with earlier cars had troubles with electronics, clutches and other things. If I were looking at an early year, I would want one with some miles already on it and all the updates done. Mechanics seem to not like working on these. Parts are very expensive. Behind the wheel, the best part is the motor. Powerful, responsive and, apparently, very durable. The shifter is not as good as 308/328. The handling really responds to hard driving, but for normal use, I never thought it really had a nice feel. Brakes are terrific. I thought the fit and finish left a lot to be desired, particularly inside. Valuewise, 348's clearly have the most performance per dollar among Ferraris but personally I like the look and feel of 308/328's better. Nevertheless, I think 348's are not as bad as some people would lead you to believe. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. | ||
| Ric Rainbolt (Ricrain)
New member Username: Ricrain Post Number: 5 Registered: 2-2002 |
I currently own a 91 348 ts and an 81 308 GTSi (and formerly a 79 308 GTB). The following is MY OWN OPINION on the matter: The 348 is a better all-around car. The 308 is a better looking car. Ergonomically, they�re about a toss up. The 348 has the front trunk, and it�s large and everything stays cool. The 308 has the rear trunk, and can hold nearly as much. The 348 passenger seat is considerable smaller than the driver�s seat. The fit and finish is much better on the 348. The 308 is simpler and cheaper to maintain, but due to their age, probably require more fiddling. When the 348 has problems, they can get expensive fast. My 348 had all the available updates applied before I bought it. So far (19 months, 10K miles), no problems. Oh yea, I did have to have the starter rebuilt ($90 and approx. 40 minutes labor). I expect to do my own 30K service late this summer or early fall and I�ll spend about $1K doing it. In a shop, it would run $3500-$4500. The GTSi is a slower car and doesn�t handle nearly as well. The 348 brakes are vastly superior, but the pads wear faster and cost much more. The 348 is a vastly superior track car, once it�s dialed in. The 348 gets better gas milage. Both are fairly cheap to insure. If I were forced to choose between these two, it�d be the 348. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1510 Registered: 5-2001 |
Clear decision for me 348. I need the AC, I drive my car every day! The 308/328 are great looking cars but the technology is just so old. The 348 may cost a little more for service but it is not that bad! The 30K inspection costs $ 4500 at my mechanic. That is with belt change and engine out and valve adjustment etc. Trying the clutch for 60K Miles good luck. Mine went at 25K and I have heared of most going at 25K to 30K. So after all the 348 is a better everyday driver. Still the 328/308 look is classic and great. conclusion : GET BOTH!  | ||
| Chris Richardson (Boozy)
New member Username: Boozy Post Number: 45 Registered: 11-2001 |
Thanks Frank! They are 19" RG5-3s from Speedline (SAC Wheels) 3 piece. www.sacwheels.com | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 619 Registered: 9-2001 |
Great looking car Chris. I really like those wheels. What kind are they ? I haven't had a problem with my seat belts yet so I'll keep my fingers crossed. | ||
| Chris Richardson (Boozy)
New member Username: Boozy Post Number: 43 Registered: 11-2001 |
From what I've seen the 348 coupes available are pretty reasonably priced. The Spiders are significantly more expensive. As far as the styling I think it's a matter of taste. I think the 348 is much more modern and aggressive and I prefer it's design to that of the 308 or 355. Horsepower is a big plus with the 348 and if you are willing to put some money into cams, timing, valves, exhaust and Motronics upgrades you can approach the horsepower of a 360. I have had only one quality issue, those damn automatic seat belts. Otherwise the car has been reliable and built quite well. So in my opinion it's well worth the money. My next will probably be a 360 Spider. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 616 Registered: 9-2001 |
Thats about right Peter. Per your formula you would have spent $11,255.00 on a 348 for 30,000 miles of use. That is about the cost of the 15k and 30k services along with the fluid changes in between and a couple of minor repairs. | ||
| Peter S�derlund /328 GTB -88 (Corsa)
Junior Member Username: Corsa Post Number: 93 Registered: 4-2001 |
I have made a survey on maintenance cost for 308/328, 348 and 355 here in Sweden. What will the total cost for ordinary service at recommended intervals, replacement of cambelts and one clutch change over 100,000 km (62,500 miles) be according to price list at an authorized Ferrari service? Per 1000 miles it will be (about) in $: 308/328: 290 348: 375 355: 180 I believe it�s more expensive in US though. As we all know this is not the whole story about Ferrari maintenance cost but it could give you a hint of the lowest possible cost. Ciao Peter | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Junior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 82 Registered: 12-2001 |
To get 300hp from a 308, Im raising compression, porting the heads and intakes and regrinding the cams for more lift and longer duration. Im hoping this gets me into that area. Im saving on labour because Im doing the work myself. I plan on using it at the track from time to time. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 610 Registered: 9-2001 |
I once had a 328 and now have a 348 Spider. While major service on a 348 does cost more, it is less than twice as much. And the extra power and comfort are well worth it. The 348 and TR had some quality control problems in 1989 through 1991 due to Italian labor problems at the time. Those problems were all worked out by 1992. Get a late 1992 to 1995 348 and you will be fine. But, like all exotics, be sure the car you buy has been properly serviced by the previous owner. | ||
| Mark McKenzie (Redcar)
Junior Member Username: Redcar Post Number: 63 Registered: 4-2001 |
Last year I was deciding between a 328 and 348. I decided on the 348 and have been very satisfied. The additional horsepower, brakes and air conditioning are worth the extra cost. Initially I preferred the 328 styling, but my wife convinced me the 348 looked more current, and it has definitely grown on me. There is something of a negative stigma attached to 348's, but after owning one, I do not understand it. Initially I did have some fairly significant repair costs with redoing the 30k, and a water pump, but I am very much in love with my car, and it has been 100% reliable for the last 6 months or so. I would someday like a 355, but can't yet justify the extra$. Mark McKenzie | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 1589 Registered: 12-2000 |
At least it would be better than stuffing a 350 in them (remember that thread a while back? Lots of  ...). | ||
| Mark (Study)
Junior Member Username: Study Post Number: 176 Registered: 10-2001 |
So... how much does a Maserati engine cost? Who wants to start a business fitting them into 308's ? | ||
| Mark (Study)
Junior Member Username: Study Post Number: 175 Registered: 10-2001 |
What can you do to a 308 to get 300 HP which seems to be the bench mark for a top sports car now-a-days? Gears, Turbo, engine ? I'd rather have a 308/328 if I could get some speed. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Junior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 81 Registered: 12-2001 |
The 348 has expensive electronics as well as I heard the early 348's had some quality concerns. One that comes to mind is valve guide problems. The 308/328 is alot cheaper to maintain and easier to work on. I would like a 348 myself because a 355 is out of my range but the cost of owning one may take the fun out of it for me. Im concentrating on making my 308 faster because they are alittle down on power and doesnt cost a fortune. | ||
| Ken Ross (Kdross)
New member Username: Kdross Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2002 |
Is the 348 any better than a 308/328 and worth the extra money? Many people seem to like the 308/328 cars much better than the 348. The 348 also has a reputation for being very expensive to repair and maintain. What are the opinions of everyone on this topic. While I love my 1985 308 QV, it is too slow for my tastes. Having the extra power of a 348 would be nice. |