308 gtb or gts

The GTB's have a stiffer shell & so probably handle better - but either way its an old car & the difference will not be that huge.

I also think GTB's look better.

Which you go for depends on where your priorities lie.

 

I love my GTS.

If I was tracking the car, I'd go with a GTB. But for my strictly recreational purposes, I love the open top, with the option to close it when I want.

Either way, it's a good problem to have - deciding which model Ferrari you want to get.

Phil

 

I love the GTS!
Out of the ~3500 miles (including 15 enthusiastic laps of Elkart Lake last summer) I've put on my '85 since buying it in early 2009 I'd say less than 50 miles have been with the top on.
It takes about 1 minute to take off/put on with one person.
Cruising at 80mph with the top off and windows fully down is quite tolerable but a little windy for easy conversation.
Raising the windows halfway cuts WAY down on the wind, and putting both windows up allows easy conversations with a passenger.
Absolutely no regrets here, although the coupe certainly is great looking and has a much more rigid chassis.

oh yeah, forgot to mention tunnels.
If you ever plan to drive through a tunnel (I have one about 1/2 mile long on the way home from work), get a GTS.

 

You will be once you're used to the car.

I own both types but for normal driving I definitaly prefer the open top.

 

GTS (but sure wish I had a GTB too)

 

GTB without a doubt. Windows down still gets the sound but the car is lightyears stiffer and more stable than a GTS. Made my choice easy, but good GTBs are a little harder to find. Drive both back to back and you'll see it too.

 

"Ever since watching Magnum PI as a kid I have always wanted a 308 (I know this sounds so cliche). "

Nothing wrong with your reasoning and remember, Thomas didn't drive a GTB!

 

I love the GTB, and the GTS, so I'm not down on the "B" version in any way. But how do you define "lightyears stiffer and more stable than a GTS"?

When I was purchasing mine (years ago) I drove both, and didn't really experience (as far as I recall) anything different as far as suspension stiffness, body stiffness or stability between the GTS and GTB. The car in either version has a low slung and wide stance and would probably need explosives like what's used for special effects in a movie prop to roll, I'd say it's more than stable in either form.

I realize the GTB has a slightly thicker rear sway bar and end link bushes (again, if I recall) but I can't imagine them adding lightyears of a difference. To me, lightyears of a difference would be stepping up to a 355GTB.

Just curious what folks more up to date on both versions of the 308 think.

Phil

 

Love my GTS - no regrets, best therapy for a bad day ever. For tracking the GTB would definitely be better due to the stiffer chassis, but for normal every day driving around town the GTS with the top of is simply spectacular. You hear the sounds of the engine better - particularly through a tunnel or overpass.

Love it.


PDG

 

I prefer the cleaner styling of the GTB but love to drive the GTS with the top off.

 

Why are you stuck on 81? Your name jaybird81, 81 corvette, an 81 308????

I'm sure the 80, 81, and 82 308's will ut a smile on your face and I'm not snobby about it, BUT they were the worst years for the 308 series. 1975-1979 Carburated @ 255 hp, 1980-1982 2v injected @215hp, 1983-1985 4v @ 250ish hp. These hp numbers might not be exactly right, but they are close. You'll get a better deal on an 81 though.

 

There's actually a technical spec revision on the engine in 1978, the first year the GTS was available and catalytic exhaust was required.....

 

308 GTB or GTS? Either....they are both beautiful!

Was at a car show last week in my Mondial and there was a 308 GTB there, it was just lovely.

 

My thoughts...
I own a US 77 GTB, which is a 2 valve carb cab. The GTB does indeed have a stiffer chassis than the GTS, meaning less flexing.
Under normal street driving this should not be an issue. If I were chasing 355s around twisties I would go for the GTB.
The 1981 308, GTS or GTB, being a 2 valve injected car has the lowest HP number of any 308, which may not be an issue for you.
I happen to be a huge fan of the sound of Weber carbs behind my head, but if I were to go for an injected car, I would bypass the 308 altogether and get an 88 1/2 328.
More HP than any stock 308, it has the updated 348 style suspension, but lacks the horrible ASB brakes.

Good Luck with your choice!

 

As you do your Market Research on the 3x8 Series, you'll find it's a technical "low point" in engine HP ratings.....early version of fuel injection, two valve heads, strangling emissions equipment......they even had a run of Bad Motors about that time that were all rebuilt under warranty (bad pistons/rings never seated properly, oil burners)

Earlier NON CAT carbed versions are fire breathers, (better cams) and later four valve heads (QV series) demand higher resale values...sadly no GTSs though.

1975 - 76 fibreglass NON CAT cars have special cache in the Market...

In the end it's condition condition condition that will drive what you pay. Your call......

 

As Dave points out the final 1988- 1/2 328 is accepted as the final refinement of the series.......injected, tho.....

 

As a matter of fact my handle was flamethrower, which I got years back with my 930,
and then again with the non cat carb 308, which can shoot spectacular flames.

 

...or just burn to the ground, altogether! LOL!

 

From what I can now tell from reading this thread there's only one choice, Jaybird... looks like you'll have to bite the bullet...

And get one of each!

Are you a super tall dude? If so, then the GTS might make more sense. Of course, if you fit into a GTB, you might consider that since you already have a T-top Vette for open air motoring, a closed cockpit Ferrari might be the ticket. Personally, if I wasn't planning on tracking the car, then I think a GTS would be plenty stiff, and as others have said, the sound, the sound is intoxicating.

Good luck making up your mind. This is one of those decisions where neither choice is the "wrong" choice, though, if you know what I mean.

 

Get a black GTS.

With the top on, it will look just about identical to a GTB.

Phil

 

I have a 308 GTB and a 328 GTS; I MUCH prefer the feel of the GTB. The GTS is way more "flexi" and, simply, just not as tight as the GTB. In fact, there is a difference in feel between my 328 with the top off vs. the top on; I really prefer the top on, as it actually does add some rigidity.

 

Why wait a couple of years? you can probably afford one now! I happen to have a 1981 GTB that I am selling that you might be interested in. Send me a PM if you are interested.