Let's compare Mondial '80 - 88 vs 89+

For those of us that are considering the purchase of a Mondial (Coupe or Spyder) I would like for the room to comment on the 80 to 88 models (engine in major) and the 89+ (engine out). Most of those individuals that are seriously looking at these beautiful cars may never consider the huge difference in servicing as well as other factors that could be a material fact leading to not make that purchase.

Please feel free to be specific and detailed.

Thanks, Dapper Dan

 

I hear this question often but for me, they are two different cars. It's almost like comparing a 308/328 to a 348. Many factors to consider. I am far from an expert. Nine months ago I didn't know the difference myself. We chose the t mostly for the refined interior and extra HP. If you ask me, The t is the way to go.
I would consider purchase price over maintenance costs. A t will set you back quite a bit more than a 3.2. Want some bad advise...If you are worried about the engine pull, buy the t and stretch the belt service an extra year. You only live once.
Dave

 

I haven't driven either of the Mondial-models, but I really want to buy one in the future.
I'm about to test-drive a Mondial 8 (3.0 liter) that is for sale in a nearby town, but it doesn't seem to be in very good condition.
The test-drive is more to have a comparison when better examples comes along....

I really want a Mondial 3.2 as I don't think I can afford a Mondial T, and the extra servicing costs also put me off a bit.

A friend of mine that have tested both a 328 and a 348 says that the 3.2 engine actually seems more powerful than the 3.4?
So in theory the Mondial 3.2 should be as quick as a Mondial T, even with 30hp less on paper.
Can anyone comment on that? Is the 3.4 engine any better than the 3.2?

 

I couldn't really see the difference in power. Of course, there is some difference but for me I wasn't that in-tuned with it. As for the costs of the two cars, you can buy an '88 which would be engine-in service and still have a much more modern car. I really wouldn't buy a Ferrari without having it completely checked out first. NO matter what.

 

I have owned both, currently have an 88 3.2. I initially was looking for another t but this 3.2 came along and I jumped...GLAD I did. To my feeling, the seats of the 88 fit me better..I thought the t seats were too narrow in the bolster. I LIKE not having the power steering, with the mid engine location it feels almost as light as the powered one..and one less system to worry about. Same for the adjustable suspension. I never felt any real difference in the t and one more thing to have to worry about. These kind of systems I would think after 20 years could be increasingly troublesome. Wish my 355 didnt have it but I DO feel a difference in the 355 softer setting though. The 3.2 feels smaller and more nimble to me, also think I sit a bit higher. Interestingly, I also like the dash layout in the 88. I do wish I could open the engine hatch without turning the key on. The t had more power but the car to me is a gentleman's F car for touring. My 355 will do all the screaming I need.

In sum, I thought initially I would be making some compromises getting the 3.2 but now if I were to do it again, I would choose the 3.2 slightly over the t. Somewhat less complex, easier service, nimble and feels smaller in a nice way. Now some of these differences may be just the particular cars I had but I am glad I am now where I am...with my '88 3.2. Having said ALL that, I don't think you can go wrong with either. As these cars age it becomes more important to find the RIGHT car and accept some compromises if necessary. I STILL would not get a post-89 just because of the infernal seat belt contraptions..but others have learned to live with them...accepting that compromise.


MONDIALS FOREVER..

Good luck...Chris

 

Amen.

Lets see... My thoughts. I have driven them all - and I think that each one of them deliver great pleasure for the price range that each are in.

I drove a 3.2 cab back to back to my T coupe BTW and the 3.2 does "feel" nearly as quick. But its not. Sorry. On the road (and the track) my T easily outpaces them. 300 HP out of the 3.4 gets you some extra boost over the 3.2 obviously. So while the visceral feel is there in a 3.2 (it could have been because I had the top down) the true power is not. But maybe that does not matter to you.

The 3.2 is a great version. I can’t think of anything (other than the CIS injection) that I don’t like. And the 3.2 seats are wider for sure...

But: I do prefer the T fenders, and the dry sump T engine, and the T ABS, the T power steering, the T updated look dash, the T three spoke steering wheel, the T adjustable suspension, the T exclusivity, the T longitudinal engine & transverse transmission, the T rear apron, the T body colored door handles, the T euro like headlamps, the T rear 3 point seat belts, etc., etc. That is whay I got a T. And I just did my 30K engine out service last week - which still does not change my miind.

The thing is... No matter which Mondial you end up with you will enjoy it.

 

LOL actually, that is exactly what you are doing with the exception of number of seats.

But on a more serious note, I agree that the T is the more sophisticated car with more modern features, like anti-locking brakes in every example, possibility of a Valeo clutch [not my choice], Power assisted steering, better management systems, injection [don't bang on the messenger....], more HP, BUT, there are those engine out costs, and for you in bay area, think in the area of having it done well for $7,500-8,200 every 3 years or 30k miles...{PLEASE don't hijack thread on a belts vs time discussion...let it go or put in a link to that endless discussion}, the adjustable suspension which all the previous goes hand in hand with MORE costs.

Sorry to say this too now for the first time on chat, but I prefer the smaller air intake on sides, color coded handles/bumpers [earlier ones had rubber] and even the two tone paint job.

 

Late 88 3.2s (Incl mine) had ABS...3 spoke wheel too. I actually think the larger intakes integrate well with the 3.2. I thought I wouldn't like them as much but I do; thought I wouldnt like fender flares but I do. I also like the T small intakes, and smoothed fenders. I do feel like I have a simpler car...a little more minimalist. I guess I like 'em all

Been linked on Fchat before but here's mine on Autopia:

http://autopia.org/forum/click-brag/95344-88-ferrari-mondial-3-2-cab-33-pics.html#post979287

 

good looking car and nice detail job to boot. i purchased a 3.2 for dad and am wondering if it has ABS as it "appears" identical to yours. the SN is 77999 so i'm wondering how that is in relation to your and if it's considered a "late '88". is there any way to tell by looking at it if it has ABS?

 

Damn solid looking car. A stunning example. You truly did a great job with the paint as well.

While you do indeed have a "three spoke" steering wheel. I was referring to the later model three spoker (it is much smaller - because it can be with power steering - thicker rim, and quite a bit more modern in design) See photo.

Nevertheless, that car of yours is super. Oh, and those body colored rockers & front lip are very nice.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

As a first time Ferrari owner I am very pleased with the Mondial 3.2. As for speed, I learned right away that other drivers will give the thumbs up or want to drag. I just race according to how the day is and what I can get away with. Anyway, I notice the lack of power steering only trying to get out of my cramped hillside driveway. I'm a weekend mechanic and was surprised how much maintenance I could do on this car and cheap parts (oil filter, etc.) to save cash. The convertible top is a great extra and should be considered...well, I'm in Arizona. The back seats are useless unless you have larger cargo than trunk space or hang out with midgets or children. Amazing these cars can be had for under $35,000. and insurance is amazinlgy cheap. 15 and 30k maintenance runs about $6 to $7k.
To SEAL2CC---all lock releases, including engine, works on my car without the key. Sumthin wrong maybe?
Ferrari is the best..._ _ _ _ the rest!

 

Thanks, Chris. Excellent insight...I'm reasonably sure I will be going with the Mondial 87-88 year.

 

Got an 87, like it a lot. However, none of these cars will be cheap. Take whatever you budgeted before purchase and double it.. for a car in good condition. You won't want to cut corners on your baby!! The extra 1-2G on engine out service every 5 yrs will not make or break you - go for the one that gets you going!!

H

 

Bad Dogg!
I will be driving this puppy closer to a primary car and certainly not one of those garage-queens. I cannot understand for one second how anyone can buy such a car and then walk by it daily to get into their bmw or chevy. I would probably be putting about 12k on it a year and therefore those rather pricey services will come much more often. Still, good advise with the service cost. Thanks, Dapper Dan

 

The t is quicker, more civilized, and in my humble opinion, looks better. I'm happy with the 90 that I've got, top works, just got it serviced, and it's a decent car to travel with. The later the car, the better it is. That's Ferrari's way, they improve the cars model to model. I like the idea of a 4 seat convertible Ferrari, and the last one built is the t. The 430 is so much quicker than you don't even realize how slow the t is, after you've driven the 430, but it is quick, but speed is relative. Which ever one you can afford, and like is the right one for you. Later is better though.

Read the Original V8 for a description of the various differences in the Mondial. Enjoy what you have.

Art

 

Turn on the ignition...ABS light should illuminate if it's there. Oh...only trunk needs to have ignition activated to open..front and engine ok without ignition.

 

If you want to drive every day get the coupe - the conv. top is a PITA to put up and down. Also, 3.2 is tube frame vs. unibody, no power steering - big advantage as the wife will not drive it!!! ;-)

h

 

The 8 works for me.

Still want a QV, but only because they didn't make the 8 in a cabriolet...

 

In another thread I started regarding an '89 t I'm interested in I found that the rear trunk didn't open with the button on the dash(maybe you'd call it console). The ignition wasn't on at the time. So for the "t", it is normal operation for that button not to work without the ignition on, correct? I thought the button didn't work. Appreciate a clarification.

Jeff

PS: I found the "t" convertible very interesting even though I thought I'd rather have a 3.2. I'm looking for a Fcar I can drive to work 3x's per week or so and that will seat 4 and be affordable. I don't mind not having power steering in my 328 but this car was much less work to drive around. I can't see myself driving the 328 that much but I could in this car. I've driven a qv Mondial and found it as "raw" as my 328 so I'm thinking I'd rather have the "t" even with the higher major expense and a few more expensive bits to fix if they go bad. I'd like to drive a 3.2 to be sure.

 

I took me a year and several plane tickets to find the "t" that was right for me. I agree with the post that later is better. I liked the updated equipment in the t. Especially the power steering due to the short turning radius. The squared side grills make the car look longer to me which why I liked my MBZ SL. One intersting thing I noticed after buying the Mondial is that it is seen as the "not quite" Ferrari by some. Not a big deal but interesting.

DO NOT buy a car without a reputable Ferrari mechanic inspecting the car. I dropped three potential cars because of things that the mechanic found. Don't be fooled by a great interior. The expensive part is behind the seats. I am not afraid of regular maintenance but do not want compund failures from preventable causes. In looking around the country for cars I liked the ones in the midwest due to their being garaged in winter and driven in mild summers. The Florida cars I saw were driven year round with beaten interiors. The CA cars were better all around but with higher miles. Except for the Valeos which were all low milers. (Did not care to know why.) I was amazed at how much some of these cars have traveled around the country. I saw one that went to Hawaii for 12k unserviced miles then crossed the country to Florida. Do your research!

I finally purchased my 89t with a 30K service included from a Ferrari dealer. That service has been done 3 times in a car with 14k miles. It drives strong and I love it. Unfortunately, I am already looking for a 550 to add to it. Maybe the search is better than the capture. My daily driver is a 745 BMW because Ferraris and rain are not the best combination. (t's do not have traction control)

I wish you luck in your purchase. FerrariChat was a great resource for me when I was looking.

 

When I bought mine, I knew it had issues: the previous owner hadn't changed the belts in 7 years, hadn't changed the oil, etc. He'd owned it 7 years, driven it about 2k and hadn't done a thing to maintain it. The purchase price reflected that, and Brian Crall's bill to bring it up to snuff indicated that. All said and done though, I'm in the car at a number that I can get back if and when I sell it. The pre-purchase inspection tells you what the condition is, and what it will cost to make it right. With a good mechanic, you can get a decent estimate on the cost to make the car right, and make an offer accordingly.

These are pretty neat cars, but you've got to be careful when you are buying one, because they are old, and usually require some money to make them right.

Art