348 - change of perception?

I have read most of this thread and your comment seems to sum up my perspective - except for this:

Most comments seem to miss this one point - whether its the 348, TR/512 or even the Mondial - they need to be seen in the context of their day. Whatever we think of them today especially when compared to anything built in the last 3/5 years, the comparison is completely relevant. The date of design, financial status of the company, regulations, road conditions and social pressures all combine to produce results that can only be viewed today by personal perspectives. Whether its the Corvair, Gordon Keeble, Maser 3500, VW 1200, 365/GTB4 or a Commer Van - the way they play in 2011 is a function of from whence they came in time and circumstance. I agree that some are more technically advanced in which case a highlight of the technical advantage enlightens all as does its debate. But merely likeing something is a vote that little more validity than western political preferences unsubstantiated as they are by little substance but preference, taste or origin.

 

Mate. Agree with all above but you lost me with that last sentence. Run it by me again....

 

Also, without nit picking, if we see something in the context of its day, that's implying that we shouldn't judge it by the technology of 2011. By contrast you're saying we should as it's a valid standpoint given that we are in 2011 and have the chance to make such a comparison.

Anyway, I don't necessarily think people are missing the point. Some people like the untampered with feel of the 348 over a more modern interpretation of a sports car, whether driven in 1990 or 2011.

And seriously what did you mean at the end there? It's just that if liking something has little validity, doesn't that kind of shoot down what you've just said above regarding making a valid comparison with a more modern car. And grammatically it could be better constructed..... Just teasing you mate, not being serious

 

I've had my '92 348TS for several years now. It's an FCA Platinum Award winner, and after having driven other Ferraris, I can honestly say that I still LOVE my 348. It's not just a great car; it's a great Ferrari!
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Great looking car, mate. Big fan of the origional black sills. And you're spot on. The 348 is a great Ferrari.

 

You mean they allowed a 348 in the show? Ghastly! Mine had a few Platinums, too, back with her former owner, and I totally agree -- a great Ferrari!

I follow Ferrari on Facebook, and today they featured the 1993 348 Challenge as the "cars from the past" car. The comments are probably 80% positive (maybe two detractors). The naysayers are clearly people who know what they read somewhere, one saying that the 348 was the "S$%##y little brother of the 355 that couldn't turn". Huh? Obviously hasn't driven one. Or just doesn't know how to drive!

 

In an attempt at brevity, I was trying to say that there is no accounting for taste and preference any more then there is our political voting system. The western concept of democratic opinion ensures that voters no more have to be qualified to choose their "preferred candidate" then a reader of FChat has to expect that there is a viable logic to the preference for 348s over 355s or 430s.

That there are people that prefer for example the visceral sensations of earlier cars (and I am one) does not make my opinion "interesting" any more than someone else that prefers to drive by wire. Perhaps if we could describe something more specific to the vehicle's response my/our opinion would add value. For example I read of someone comparing the track feel of a 355 CH to his non P/S Porsche's and he described the former's steering as "wooden". I think that adds value as opposed to just making written noise and filling band width.

But my point has no importance. Hence its original brevity.

 

Very well said

 

I agree with you to a point. Where you lost me a tad was saying that the comparison with a 348 and something built more recently was completely relevant having said that it should be seen in the context of its day. Just didn't tally. And I see what you mean by the last part even if I don't completely agree. I don't wholeheartedly agree because I think it boils down to the heart over the head; I don't think we need or can quantify it. For some a 348 is just more engaging than the later cars. I don't think you can usefully measure engagement, not on a purely human level at any rate.

Just out of interest mate, what's your background. You have an interesting turn of phrase, if you don't mind me saying.

 

OMG...you're still going on about it? Are you sure you don't care?

 

The diference is huge and having driven a 360 and 430, I wouldn't swap either for my crappy old 348.

I've yet to meet anyone face to face who has told me 348's are crap. It's only internet bozo's who like to have a go.

Just added a comment. hee hee hee

 

80% is pretty good

I like the "doesn't know how to drive" comment, and is likely accurate

 

Hi there. You know I only care when people constantly say things that are wrong. I just feel its only fair to set them right; saves them getting embarrassed by saying daft things in public.

 

Don't sweat it mate, and don't waste your time and energy on this, instead put that energy into your 348 .....you have the facts and know the truth, that's all that matters

 

lol Pick the 348 owners!

(not that I have anything against them)

 

Surely you jest?!

A good 348 can be had for AUD90k, but a reasonable 355 is at least 50% more, and a top shelf one can be double.

Some Ferrari's are getting cheaper (particularly F360's) in part because a lot are being privately imported due to the very strong AUD. This has nothing to do with the quality or changing perception of the car. When the $ weakens again, watch what happens to Ferrari prices.

In other world markets the 355 is at least holding its value and the really good ones are more expensive now than they were a couple of years ago.

As an aside, To the poster who says why not just pay "a little more" and get a F430 instead of a 348, the difference here is at least 150-200k. I wish I was in a position to consider that only a little bit of money! You have to remember for a lot of people they are stretching the budget to its absolute limits to afford a 348 or 355, and there is no way on earth an F430 could even be considered. With that in mind a 348 or 355 is a fantastic looking car, a genuine Ferrari (no-one will ever mistake it for anything else), and it represents the realisation of a dream for many of us.

 

Not sweating it, honest. Just a friendly little dig at Pete (Aircon), if a little tongue in cheek. I'm glad he drops by from time to time as it reinforces a very valid point. The fact that he's never been in a 348, let alone driven one makes him a great embassador for all those out there who know nothing useful about the car. He represents an important demographic - those with no personal experience, they just heard it somewhere...

Just messing with you Pete. You ballance out guys like me who look at their Ferrari through rose coloured specticles. Still think you need to go have a play in one though, mate.

 

I don't think I could stand the embarrassment. I drove a 308GT4 once..that was bad enough!!

 

You don't have to be embarrassed if your lack of tallent is shown up by driving a car with no driving aids mate. Everyone has to start somewhere , we can't all be naturally gifted. Just be careful is all.

 

Doesn't yours have ABS? You must have been ripped off.

 

No mine seems to work fine. I'm talking more about things that detract from the feel like power steering and electronically damped suspension. As long as yours doesn't have flappy paddle gears though, you're almost in the clear.

 

It's a road registered 355ch...don't you know anything? It has neither flappy paddles nor electronically damped suspension.

hmph..such ignorance!

Anyway, the embarrassment would be from being seen in a 348, not my lack of talent in driving one.

I'm sure they're a lovely car, however, and whilst clearly not as good as an NSX, they are probably better than a 1990 Corolla.

 

You're right mate, I know about as much about the 355 challenge as you do about the feel of driving a 348. And I got the embarrassed bit, was just mucking about. Maybe a bit subtle for you Ausies. Re the NSX, that's a good one though, you had me there, but I think I've read that joke before somewhere.

Anyway, got to go inspect an airfield. Banter temporarily suspended so I'll grudgingly admit the F355 CH is a pretty awsome car. Take care.

Pete

 

I don't know what that's an euphemism for, but it sounds dirty!!

 

Only wish it was. I'm an Air Traffic Controller. Got to go check the runway (still no euphemism, unfortunately)