Possible tight fit? | FerrariChat

Possible tight fit?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Quincy, Oct 30, 2010.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Quincy

    Quincy Rookie

    Oct 30, 2010
    3
    I want one. A 328 or 308. I'm 6 foot 4 inches (1.93 m) tall though and am concerned that I might need extra knees just to get in. Any thoughts? Is there more space especially headroom in a GTB than a GTS? Thanks. Q
     
  2. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
    11,294
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Dave
    I'm sorry to say, you are likely to be very uncomfortable but all you can do is try.

    Dave
     
  3. wise3

    wise3 Formula Junior

    Oct 10, 2004
    375
    FL
    Full Name:
    Ward Orndoff
    #3 wise3, Oct 30, 2010
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2010
    I suspect it will be snug. Depends on your proportions, legs vs torso.
    I fit with no problem, with the seat not all the way back, but I'm only 6'1".
    I do angle the seatback more than I would in my daily driver for head clearance with a helmet, but I like it that way anyway.
    The GTB has more headroom than the GTS with the top installed due to the B's curved roof line.
    I would not concede defeat, but don't buy one without sitting in one first.
     
  4. Fave

    Fave F1 Rookie

    Aug 12, 2010
    4,157
    Tarana
    Full Name:
    L. Ike Hunt
    Well Tom Selleck is 6'-4" as well and he seemed to fit fine.

    Though I don't remember Magnum rocking the 308 with the top on.

    So there is some hope :)
     
  5. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

    Jun 7, 2006
    1,778
    USA
    Full Name:
    Tony K.
    I am 6' 2.5", and I have owned both a GTB and a GTS. I am fine in a GTB, but the GTS is a little short in the roof. Good thing that I have good taste and prefer the Berlinetta anyway. ;)

    Regarding Magnum PI, I have read on a couple of occasions that they always shot with the roof off for the very reason of his height, that he couldn't fit in the GTS.

    Try on a GTB. If you're near northwest Ohio, you are welcome to try mine. :)


    - TK
     
  6. dinode

    dinode Rookie

    Nov 22, 2009
    34
    livingston nj
    Full Name:
    Dean De Furia
    I thought they removed the seat tracks on the Magnum cars to place the seat right on the floor.

    If you want to consider a 308 GT4, it is quite a bit roomier and should be a good fit for a 6' 4'' man.
     
  7. DavidDriver

    DavidDriver F1 Rookie

    May 9, 2006
    4,424
    Grass Valley, CA
    Full Name:
    David Driver
    +1 I'm 6' 2" (normally proportioned :p ), and if I put the seat all the way back, I can just barely :eek: reach the pedals. :rollees: .....and I would never try to drive like that.
     
  8. shmark

    shmark F1 Rookie

    Oct 31, 2003
    2,968
    Atlanta
    Full Name:
    Mark
    A friend of mine is 6'7" and it's possible for him to drive it, definitely a little comical though. I don't think he was very comfortable. He was able to find a decent position in the passenger seat, but the drivers seat is tough.
     
  9. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
    6,872
    Full Name:
    Mike 996
    I'm 6'0, 163 lbs. Here's a pic of me and the previous owner who owned the car from 1992 until I bought it from him in late '08; I'm the one on the left as you view the pic. As noted, it all depends on your proportions. :)
    [​IMG]
     
  10. shawxhurst

    shawxhurst Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2006
    672
    San Diego
    Full Name:
    Steve Hawxhurst
    I recomend buying a GTS and don't drive it with the roof on. Why would you want to? If its raining you shouldn't be out there as Ferraris melt in the rain. The heating and AC are almost equally non-functional with the roof on or off. Plus, you lose about 8 - 10 square feet that you don't need to worry about waxing.
     
  11. DavidDriver

    DavidDriver F1 Rookie

    May 9, 2006
    4,424
    Grass Valley, CA
    Full Name:
    David Driver
    #11 DavidDriver, Oct 30, 2010
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2010
    I think it would be too small for you. I drive an Alfa Spider everyday, and IMHO, it has more room that a GTS/GTB, since I can slouch down and push my knees up easier in the Alfa than in the Ferrari, and the Alfa has more foot room.

    The best of course, is to go drive one and see how it fits you.

    But there is no doubt that you would find a GT4 more comfortable. It has more room for an overnight trip. It has plenty of leg-room. It handles better because of a longer wheelbase. And compared to many of the smog equipment laden cars, it's much more powerful.

    The only downside, is when you try to make it compare to the styling and look of the GTB/GTS. The GT4 is not as pretty. But then again, it's a different car and it's like trying to compare the GTB/GTS to a 246/Dino, or a 365 Daytona, or a lot of other cars that some like and others don't.

    In the end, most of that is a matter of opinion. What is not, is how "you" feel when "you" have to sit behind the wheel and drive the car, even when all of that doesn't matter.
     
  12. TAZIO42

    TAZIO42 Guest

    Feb 12, 2009
    69
    CT
    Full Name:
    Dan
    I'm 6'3" and about 175lbs. I had the same concern before I bought. Best to test drive and see how it feels. It will be a little different to start with the placement of the steering wheel and pedals but it feels natural after a while.

    I have a 308 GTS. I fit and it is comfortable for drives up to a couple hours but you have to adjust to the car, it won't adjust to you.

    I don't really drive it with the top up and the few times I did, I had to scrunch a bit.

    Still, I always wanted one and it is worth it. Good luck!
     
  13. Ffinally

    Ffinally Formula Junior

    Jun 12, 2010
    659
    DFW
    Full Name:
    Charles
    If you are in the Ft. Worth/Dallas area I'll be glad to let you have a go at my 328 GTS.
     
  14. sammyb

    sammyb Formula 3

    Jun 23, 2006
    1,857
    Where wife tells me
    Full Name:
    Sam
    I'm 6'4" 225lb, and I just fit. There's no extra room to spare. The most comfortable is to either ride with the top off and not stowed behind the seat, or with the top on. With the top off and behind it prevents the seat from its fully rear and reclined position.

    Let's just say that if you plan it as your daily commuter car and you're going to be doing an hour each way, then you're better off with a larger car. If it's a fun weekender and evening ride, it's very doable.
     
  15. Big Daddy

    Big Daddy Karting

    Jan 3, 2009
    212
    Albuquerque, NM, USA
    Full Name:
    RJ
    Someone should invent a lower seat kit for the 308. They could make a fortune off all us oversized Americanos.
     
  16. Lew L

    Lew L Formula Junior

    Jan 27, 2006
    359
    #16 Lew L, Oct 30, 2010
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2010
    I am 6'4" 205lbs with a 35-36" inseam and size 13 shoes and I fit fine in my '76 GTB. I tried a QV GTS and a 328 GTS and I did not fit with the top on. With the top off, I was looking at or above the windshield frame. The GTSs (particularly the 328) felt more cramped below the shoulders as well. My seat is raked back pretty far, but it is still a comfy ride and doing 2 hours behind the wheel w/o a stop is a piece of cake. I put a 1" extender on the steering wheel hub and it made a big difference in comfort. I might change it up for a 2" extender. This allows the seat to be reclined w/o causing you to stretch out too much. It also provides more room for the knees/thighs. Getting in/out is easy. I bought the extender from Hill Engineering. I did the same thing on my 911.
     
  17. Quincy

    Quincy Rookie

    Oct 30, 2010
    3
    Thanks for all the replies, guys. Really appreciate it. I'm in the UK (Hampshire) but am so impressed and amazed by the kind offers to try some of your cars that I'm tempted to visit all the way to the States for that. In fact; perhaps I should just move there (a previously considered option) - will have to get used to having the steering wheel on the "wrong side" of the car though. A very kind English gentleman once let me sit in his 328 GTS at a car show and hence my reason for posting the question in the first place. It was quite snug in there.

    Thanks again. Any more thoughts welcome, but otherwise I'll let you know how I get on. I'm especially inspired by the optimism of some larger "chassed" people actually fitting in. The intention is to use it weekends and sunny days only, i.e. VERY infrequently in England.
     
  18. twright

    twright Karting

    May 15, 2005
    225
    Indianapolis USA
    I have a 1981 GTBi and I am 6'6" tall and weigh 190 lbs. ( I have a 38 inch inseam)

    I just barely fit in my car. I have put a 2 inch steering wheel spacer and that helped a lot. I always wear my "smallest" pair of shoes while I'm driving.

    It's amazing what you'll put up with when you want to own and drive a Ferrari!
     
  19. Badman

    Badman Formula 3

    Mar 4, 2007
    1,116
    Gotham City
    Full Name:
    Bruce Wayne
    They actually had to cut away the inner floor pan on the Magnum cars and lower the seats to make him fit, IIRC.
     
  20. BDCVG

    BDCVG Formula Junior

    Apr 9, 2007
    262
    Cincyish
    Full Name:
    Brad
    I am 6'4" and 235 more torso than inseam. I fit in My 328 GTB but there is no room leftover. I went with GTB specifically for this reason and it was the correct call. I get a lot more driving time in the GTB because I don't have to worry about weather. The top for a GTS would have to be left behind to get the seat adjusted for Me to fit, which would eliminate the car for long trips and questionable weather. The Hill spacer was absolutely needed for comfort as was readjusting the steering column. I had the car for a year and logged 6000 mi. including a 1400 mile cross country stint that required a 10 hour stint. The car is easier to get out of than into but at 48 years old, I'm still making it O.K.
     
  21. DGS

    DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 27, 2003
    71,956
    MidTN
    Full Name:
    DGS
    #21 DGS, Oct 31, 2010
    Last edited: Oct 31, 2010
    I'm also 6'4" and I fit just fine in a 328 GTS.

    When I bought it, it was a bit tight. I couldn't really figure out how to fit in a 308 with the top on *or* behind the seat, and my knees hit the dash in the 328.

    But you quickly adapt your driving position to the car.

    The seats are angled very slightly, because the wheel well means your feet are closer to the car's centerline than your butt. (So the seat doesn't look all the way back when it is -- the outside is slightly further forward.)

    I do have to recline the seat back (a bit like flying an F16. ;)), so when I stow the top, I have to stow it backwards (outside towards rear) so the driver's seat back can recline a bit more.
    This results in a long reach for the wheel -- but that's the classic "Italian driving position", based on the premise that elbows are not required. ;)
    (Having owned Fiats and Alfas since the '70s, I find I actually prefer the straight arm driving position.)

    The last piece fell into place when I shifted position to heel and toe -- all of a sudden, I fit. No more knees banging on the dash.

    I don't have a lot of room to fidget, but I find it a fairly comfortable fit.

    However; like Magnum, I can't wear a ball cap with the top on. But my English style flat driving cap fits fine. :p

    Getting in and out with the top on is another exercise where you get the hang of it after a while.

    Just watch parking next to tall curbs -- you won't be able to open the door. ;)

    ---
    (It seems like this question keeps coming up. Should we make this part of a "FAQ" sticky for this section? ;))
     
  22. 4right

    4right F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    I am 6'4" with a 36" inseam, its not a perfect fit for sure and will take time to get into a comfortable position, however, once you get use your final seating position its certainly tolerable and will not take away from the Ferrari driving experience. THe only real issue that I have is when the car is in reverse, the shifter is actually under my right knee. First is a little less awkward, second and beyond is no problem at all. With the seat all the way back in a full reclined position, I have zero headroom issues.

    Part of the experience.
     
  23. 328turbo

    328turbo Formula Junior

    Jun 15, 2009
    306
    nyc
    I'm also 6-4. Long legs, long arms, and well over 200lbs.

    The problem is getting in and out!!

    Once your in, you'll find a comfortable position.
    I've made no mods to the seat, steering wheel, or pedals
    I agree with the posts about wearing sneakers.

    When I can, I Leave the roof home. Stowing it behind the seat forces me change the angle of the seat. And my head slightly sticks out. I don't like this.

    I've been asked to track the car, and I want to but I don't think the helmet will work with the roof.

    I've always wondered about the GTB being better or worse as far as head room.
    I find it hard to believe It would be better, but ive never been in one so I don't know.

    But removing the roof prior to entry sure is a benefit.
    Exit is a little awkward either way.


    On the flip side, I am always amazed as to how close to the wheel people sit who aren't as tall as me. It looks really odd in a car so small.
     

Share This Page