Structural/Torsional Rigidity – GTB vs GTS ???

In the real world of being an ordinary bloke on ordinary roads who doesn't drive everywhere on the limit, is there a noticable difference between the structural/torsional rigidity of GTB and GTS variants of F-Cars? If there is a noticable difference, is it more noticable on older tipos? I'm currently saving hard for my F-Car – probably a 328, and I was wondering.

I think the GTB variants are marginally prettier, but the GTS variants would be more fun on a sunny day. GTS are easier is find as more were built but hardcore drivers tend to go for the GTB.

I'd be interested to find out from anyone who has experienced both GTB and GTS varients of 308/328/348 or 355 how much of a difference they noticed and if they think it matters.

 

I haven't driven a GTB but my GTS feels very tight and I feel no flex on windy roads.(no track use) The only time it feels "loose or flexing" is on choppy rough roads.
I like the GTS because entry and exit is so easy and it's a blast on Sunny days , with marginal A/C, it was an easy choice for me. I live in a VERY Sunny, dry climate though.
If I lived in the rainy climates, or liked to track the car, I'd get a GTB for sure.

 

I have driven a 328 GTS several times. I owned a 355 GTS. I now own a rigid 512. I test drove several 355 B's. My driving style is similar to yours, though I do track my cars (I am probably lighter on the track than some are on the road...).

The 328 GTS is a great chassis. I can't compare to the berlinetta, but you would not complain about the rigidity. I could tell there was a slight loss of torsional rigidity in the 355. Over uneven surfaces, you can feel the wheel move ever so slightly in your hand. I never found it to be a problem, and many people would probably not pick it up. I never noticed on the track, though VIR is smooth. I can tell the 512 is more rigid when I go out of my driveway at an angle; that probably loads the chassis more in torsion than anything else out there.

I can tell you that I miss the open top of my 355 very much. It is well worth the almost imperceptible loss of chassis rigidity for the open air and glorious sounds. Also, the 355 GTS is everybit as pretty as the berlinetta, and it retains the lines with the top off. The biggest difference in the 355 vs. the 328 (in the real world) is size - the 355 has a much bigger cabin.

Hope this helps,

-J.

 

I might sell my 89 red tan gts if interested. I have considered replacing it with the gtb. I want the gtb for the looks not the driving habits. My car has less than 7500 miles and is a platinum car. JJ

 

If you're going back 20 years for a 328, you won't be impressed with the torsional rigidity of either car. They are body-on-frame, and based on a 1960s design.

In Europe, the GTB seems to be far commoner than it is in the States (not sure where you're located). In the States, GTS is easier to find.

If you plan to drive it in the wet, I've been told the GTS tops tend to leak. I live in San Diego, so have never found out.

I may be in the minority, as I find the GTS prettier (open cars are more dramatic, IMO), although I'd like to own a GTB for track use. And I probably only have the top off my car about half the time. If the right GTB came along (black/tan, pre-88.5), I'd consider it.

 

I'm just trying to accumulate as much knowledge as possible at the moment – It'll be a year or so before I have the funds in place. That might be too long for you to wait! Thanks though!

 

I had a ride in a 308 GTB a while back and that felt more than tight enough for me, so I'm sure I'd be happy with it.

I'm in England, so I'll probably end up driving it in the wet whether I plan to or not!

 

Word.

 

lol????

 

My first 2 Ferraris were an 84 308 GTS and a 87 328 GTS. I enjoyed both of them. Then I bought a 77 308 GTB because it was too ship and was smitten. Even with 14 inch wheels and crappy tires I liked the way it drove better. So, I sold the 308 and 328 and bought a 94 348 TB but missed the earlier cars (another story). So, next was an 85 308 GTB which was just a great driving car and then my 89 328 GTB which I have had over 5 years now and my new 430 is a coupe, of course. As Jon pointed out, neither model has the stiffness of newer cars, but the B's are dramatically stiffer than the S's and IMO drive much better as a result. You don't need to be a track slut. The difference is very obvious in the first 100 feet of driving. Chassis shudder and cowl shake bother some people more than others, and I have to admit, I'm bothered a lot. Even my P/U is annoying for it's lack of stiffness. I would suggest to targa owners that next time you go out, place a couple of fingers at the junction between your targe top and the top of the windshield. You will be amazed at how much movement there is. If you are trying to decide if the lack of stiffness in a targa is worth the trade off, you will have to drive a targa top model to see. You will probably find it difficult to find a B to test, so just take the word of B owners that they have much better road manners. Obviously my opinion is a minority one, especially in the US, but I do think if more people had an opportunity to see and test drive comparable S's and B's before buying, there would be a lot more people trying to buy B's.

Dave

 

I have the GTS, and havent driven a GTB so can't comment on drivability of the GTB. There is some scuttle shake on rough or corrugated roads, but it doesn't bother me. It is nice to have the roof off, you can hear the exhaust better!

What I do find a bit irritating is that you have to give the door a really good slam, and there seems to be a real technique to it, to shut properly, so you can lock it...

... but maybe that has more to do with my door hinges being 22 years old and worn?

I see GTB drivers closing their doors with one finger like a 'normal' car - and I get jealous.

 

* Your door latch probably needs adjustment. My GTS is a "1 finger" closer.

 

This is true - the cars flex, GTS's more so.

308 GTBs seem to be much commoner than 328 GTBs.

+1. My driver's door is effortless right now, passenger door probably needs a bit of adjustment.