348 - change of perception?

Very good 1st post and you are correct.

I remember reading about the 348 many times not once did I ever read negative comments. Unfortunately in time certain faults were found in the early models but by the 93 models most problems were resolved, and the car is an excellent example of a Ferrari.

Correct on another point, Luca di Montezemolo was a D I C K in making such a comment, he did exactly that as in to show what was supposedly wrong with Ferrari and he being Almighty God to fix it. In the mean time he alienated current owners by slapping most of them in the face who were loyal to the brand by discussing the 348, Bad Luca Bad. Sad to say JC from Top Gear was no better, he also appraised the 348 when first released he then contradicted his statement after Luca's comments. Talk about flighty lol Bad Jeromy Bad

 

And with respect to mr Clarkson, I've got nearly all of his books..... and whilst his key focus is cars, his is predominantly an entertainer.

His books' content constantly contradict and even he admits that anybody who takes his reviews seriously is an idiot.

The key thing being entertainment and public focus......and keeping yourself in the public eye - hence Clarkson always contradicts himself.

And once you recognise this, his articles and broadcasts become even funnier


But I'm in the same boat as the OP regarding the 348. It will be my first F-car (probably my last too).... I don't give a t0ss what other people think.
The only downside is that the public's perception has a bearing on trying to sell the thing!

But echo - "good first post" and welcome to the best Ferrari forum in the world

DAn

 

Nice first post, welcome.

 

Definitely!

Welcome Pete!

I agree with you, the reputation of the 348 suffers because of Luca di Montezemolo's self-important comments rather than because of any real problems with the car.

While LdM has been good, on the whole, for the fortunes of the company, he has been a terrible Ambassador for the history of the marque. Essentially, any Ferrari that is not brand new and produced under the leadership of LdM is rubbish in LdM's opinion.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

very nice first post.



WELCOME!

 

My first Ferrari was a 348 and loved it...I liked so much until I considered returning the 360 because it didnt have the feel or rawness of the 348 ...


Besides who cares it still a Ferrari!

 

Please put spaces between your paragraphs!!!!!!!! <sticks tongue out>

Another person who continually criticises the 348 at every opportunity is motoring journalist Andrew Frankel. Every time he writes an article about a Ferrari, he puts the boot in.

 

Like the others said, great first post!!!

I wonder myself the same. I think the 348 was a huge jump in design style compare to the 328. Im not say better or worse, but I think those two models were maybe the most radical change in the line. I think the difference is even more then the difference from the 355 and 360. Almost all the models are round, curvy and smooth where the 348 holds a lot of sharp razor square look, also my favorite.

I wonder when it came out if it was a dramatic change in style where it was a love/hate response and when the 355 came afterwards and it put the curves back in the V8's series line. Maybe thats what everyone wanted and started to talk down on the 348. Otherwise I see no reason for huge hate.

Come on, they say the 348 handles badly, how is the 355 so much better when so many things are the same(I know there are differences but we are talking about a huge 5 years newer). So of course its better, but I dont believe its 5 years more advanced in handling. Im not saying a 355 is less, Im saying the 348 is not as bad as described.

The last thing I believe that backs up the 348 was not so bad, it was in Sept in 2000 when Ferrari wanted to test the engine of the ENZO. They choose a 348 to do that. Now in Sept in 2000 there were a bunch of 355 around Im even sure a few 360's. Given the money Ferrari has, I dont believe they would test their greatest super car of all time in a lemon.

 

+1, Luca sells and makes money off of new cars, simple as that.... he needed a scapegoat.

Many write articles about earlier models and if they all started out with "What a Fantastic...." everyone would set down the magazine. Controversy sells magazines and gets attention, just the way it is.

The 348 was first to the plate with EFI, complex engine monitoring systems for the day, sub framed unibody improving on that of the TR's..... As sure as change happens, when it does and folks that don't understand new systems... they long for the days of the Weber or mechanical injection, while ignoring the brilliance of the computer controlled systems that are new to them. Teething problems are inevitable with new technology, always will be. Teething problems, poorly understood advanced technology in a new model being offered right in the middle of a hard market down turn........ the perfect storm for a few bad attitudes of a terrific model.

When one studies the advancement of technology in all of the Ferrari models, it becomes quite evident how important a model the 348 really was. Throw into the mix how Ferrari took that technology directly from the race track to the road cars and it elevates the 348 even higher.

 

Pete, welcome to FChat and congratulations on the acquisition of the lovely 348 model.

It is posts such as yours, and owners with this type of attitude that counter the haters and naysayers...

Good for you, and like you, I could care less who thinks what about the "lowly" 348...I bought one because I love the model, and no amount of negative disussion about it will ever discourage me or cause to me even consider dumpimg it


.

 

Take my comments with a pinch of salt, as I have yet to own or even drive a 348 - despite it being the car of my dreams. Pretty much everything I "know" about the car is gleamed from many hours eavesdropping on great discussions on here. So with that disclaimer out of the way...

These cars are on average 20 years old. I suspect many examples that have squirrelly and unpredictable handling could have suspension problems: damaged components (worn bushes?), never had an alignment done, etc... and by all technical accounts I've read on FerrariChat, the 348 is a very sensitive car to suspension set-up. Even when the car isn't abused by thrashing it or hammering through potholes, time can do a lot to the condition of joints over two decades.

When properly maintained and aligned, many owners have reported the joys of their Ferrari's handling, and there have isolated instances of suspension condition just not being thought of before someone popped by the complain about the handling characteristics of their 348. If you want particular improvements in very high speed conditions, many have found front splitters a particular assistance. When I eventually get my own 348 in the future, I shall be particularly attentive to getting the suspension bushes renewed and having 4-wheel laser alignments performed.

Anyway - enjoy the car!! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time with it.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

When the 348 was intro'ed to Socal a group of us prospective owners were invited to a 348 flogging. The 348 was touted as a hot street machine with racecar maners. What struck me most about the 348 was here were 6 to 8 348's at WSIR being flogged continuously by the guest drivers giving us ulimited laps around the track. Not one 348 broke down. A miracle for Ferrari never yet to be repeated. Those cars just took the punishment. I decided right there I had to have one.

 

For those questioning the looks and overall appeal of the 348, I can offer a unscientific study that happened today.

I had my 348 out at a local racing event. I parked the car and a few minutes later, a beautiful Audi R8 parked along side of it. As I stood in the shadows, people began approaching the two cars and taking pictures. What amazed me was the fact that almost every person looked at the 348 in more detail and almost ignored the Audi (which by the way I think is an awesome looking car). One guy mentioned liking the Audi's headlight design and his friend agreed but followed up by saying "True...but that is a Ferrari, anyone can buy an Audi!!" The others agreed.

So, my point is that even a 20 year old Ferrari 348 gleams as much and at times more attention as a brand new supercar.

As far as its reputation from the so-called experts, I would like a poll on how many of the naysayers have actually driven or worked on a 348. Probably very few.

As far as Jeremy Clarkson is concerened, every new model makes the last model a piece of crap. Like others have said, simply entertainment.

As with all now legendary cars, time will only tell the true story of the 348's legacy. But I would be willing to bet that it will read something like this:

"In a time when the automotive world was changing from real cars to todays modern "it drives for you" automobiles, the Ferrari 348 was the last of the real supercars. Those who were hell bent on changing our passion and simpifying things frowned upon it's simplicity and manors. They lost sight of the fact that a true drivers car should not be stale and easy but should be raw, simple and at times dangerous and frightnening. The way a real supercar should be. A car that creates a bond with the driver, not just simply drives them around.

Well, sadly those days are gone and will probably never return. But, for those lucky few that can afford to take the ride and grab the wheel to the Ferrari 348, the days when men were men and the machine was your passion, will live on forever."

Just my two cents.

Thanks

 

+1

The criticisms of the 348 are largely exaggerated.

 

Bumped into Luca a couple of weeks ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Unfortunately, didn't manage to get an interview so couldn't ask him about the 348.

EDIT. Just noticed, that's me in the background on the left in the first picture with the headphones/video camera.
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Terrific post.

 

I'll be making campaign buttons later. They'll read "Dave Helms for Mayor of Maranello, 2012"

Nicely said, Dave.


Now, Mr. Helms, ... isn't there a thread (or two actually) in the 308 section that you're itching to post into?

 

Now.... If I could identify the JackLeg Son........ who did the climate control system circuitry......

I used up all my nice guy Boulder Milktoast attitude and needed a break before going THAT direction...... most in that section already have me on 'Ignore'.

Now with Sy's project back in action again, which seems to light a fire under my backside each fall.... we will see what kind of HP can be rung out of these.

 

I think the criticisms are well deserved. But all those problems are answered not by Ferrari but by the aftermarket. The 348 is getting very close to the last Ferrari you can take apart and "heal" in your home garage. What else but the 348 can give you the passion, good looks, and fun for $35k get in fee. And many of those for $35k are mostly sorted.