Mondial T or 348?

Yes, the motor is pretty much the same. Actually, the 348 has a Mondial t motor.

Otherwise, worlds apart.

For starters:

One is a short wheelbased no nonsense sports car while the other is a luxury GT

One weights 400 lbs more than the other

One has electronic adjustable dampers (shocks) while the other does not

BTW, the are loads of threads on this comparative topic, have you looked at any of those?

 

I've used my Mondial for cross country touring. It was great, loaded up rear trunk, some stuff in front and the rear seat was folded down and had luggage. I'm a huge fan of my Mondial because I love the functionality. I wouldn't get a Mondial only for the price. You need the car you want for the way you will use it. The Mondial is the car for me for my lifestyle. A 348 wouldn't fit the bill, but I think they look fantastic.

 

Different cars for different purposes imho.

The 348 is more powerful and is a 2 seater sports car. An evolution of the Mondial.

The Mondial is a very practical and fun 4 seater. More of an all-rounder.

Don't know if you're buying it as an investment or to drive and enjoy. It's down to personal taste and what you intend to achieve with the car. Two models don't quite cut it for me in the Ferrari world, on a personal note: the 348 and the 360. I'd recommend you test drive both and buy whichever you fall in love with (after the mandatory PPI).

Kindest regards,

Nuno.

 

Only in purchasing it my friend. Maintaining it will be generating the same bills. 348 vs Mondial T that is.

If you like the 348 better I would save some more unless you want a 4 seater. 348 is on my list but a 400 as well, however I simply do not have the space for it living in a city.

 

Mondial t - power steering
348 - mini testarossa

 

Brian,

I am in Folsom. Whatever you end up choosing use Ben Salerno at Salerno Motorsports for service. You may a
want to give his shop a call as he sells cars too. He may have some leads on a solid mondial or 348.

Good luck on making your decision.

 

All Mondial T's have adjustable shocks.

 

My source for info is straight from the Owner's Manuals.

All Ferraris

Lots of great info within, especially when comparing the various models/variants.

And from experts here on FerrariChat (includes peer review )

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/57971-mondial-education.html

 

You're messin' with me, yes?

 

I sat in a 348 and HATED the seats. Mondial is way more comfortable.

 

Say you're driving down the highway - and those cement segment bumps, you know the ones that go 'badump-badump-badump', are beginning to get on your nerves. Well, if you're in a 348, you'll just have to deal with it. But if you happen to be driving a "T", just flip that lovely rocker switch to "soft", and instantly, you'll have 'nothing' to deal with. As for "power assisted steering", it hides until you absolutely wish you had it - - - and, lo and behold, there it is.

These features that are totally "T", I'm guessing many 348 owners wish Maranello would have shared with them as well. But of course, many would disagree with me, saying they like the lack of "assists". I believe that if we are looking at two different models, we need to do all the proper research and then - - - DRIVE BOTH !!

Cheers,

Hank

 

I destroy 348's on track...

 

I forgot about that. I sat in the CF seats of the SS 348 and they were butt pinchers, then I considered a set of standard seats from the 348 and I also found them to be too tight for comfortable use on my 6 foot tall 200lb frame. They are probably more designed for holding one tightly in place. I like my Mondial seats, like said, much more comfortable. I've done 800 mile days in my Mondial and never once had a comfort issue associated with the seat.

 

+1 and that for an almost 27 year old car!

 

Maranello did share them.....In the 355.

 

Great post! At the end of the day - the Mondial's greatest weaknesses are also its greatest strengths (that's what parroting journalists never undestood).

In a nutshell.

If you want non-compromising performance - 348
If you want a 'usable' car with space for 2 kids or petite adults - Mondial

***

I liken the choice very similar if you would get a Boxer/Cayman vs Panamera

Or probably more apt - 458 vs California T

The choice was very easy for me since I have two young kids - the joy I have when I can motor with the whole family in tow is truly priceless....

Now if I was single or my wife and I were empty nesters......