Given it a lot of though and I'd be interested to hear others who have made the same jump. I've had my 308 for ~12 years now and done the following (all on my own); 30k service (2x) Rebuild carbs Rebuild/new AC system (it actually WORKS) New belts/hoses at 30k service (2x) New fuel hoses (including filler neck) - new cross over lines (Scuderia Rampante) - removed fuel tank and took out headers had them Jet Hot Coated New leather interior (outside shop did seats/console - I R.R'd the parts) New CV boots New Pertronix ignition set up Removed alternator and had rebuild by FOH recommended shop Misc. small items as they've come up. Obviously I can work on cars, and reading this forum and the DIY's done here, I could likely fix most problems that may arise (familiar with ODB stuff fixing wife's car). The only thing I don't know that I'd be comfortable doing is the 30K service since I don't have access to a lift and the 2x jack system doesn't look like something I want to try in my garage. Cost of ownership would obviously increase (insurance, property tax, maintenance). Not a huge concern there. For sure I would be careful about what I buy (PPI, records, etc.). Still like my car, just feel like driving/owning something a little more up to date. It's going on 38 yrs old and has it's little quirks...some of which are becoming more of an annoyance as I get older and less motivated to crawl under a car all day. Anyone who'd upgraded care to share their experience, good or bad?
I have an '83 308GTBqv and a '95 355 Spyder. They are very different. I think the boost in power is the most poignant difference and the corresponding 355 engine howl. And I thought the 308 was low, but the 308 goes where the 355 fears to tread. Both can be worked on by owners. The 308's started feeling their years in the suspension requiring rebuilds when they hit about 20. Now the 355's are approaching that age. Both have their Ferrari idiosyncrasies. Since your already looking, I'm sure the step-up to the 355 will make you smile. BTW: I believe there have been a number of threads like this one. You may want to root around with the search.
Interesting that you did not mention the 348 as an alternative. Given your 308 experience and mechanical abilities, this would be your better option, IMO.
I've owned both and they are both great. The 355 has a lot of the attributes of the 308, but with a lot more power. It's still nimble, but more comfortable. I feel comfortable doing the fluid services myself, but not the belt change. You'll like it.
.....apart from when the nose of the car scrapes against the tarmac on a slope that the 308 wouldn't even have noticed, due to the low, long front overhang! In the 348 and 355, sometimes even the most innocuous of slopes can cause an issue! (And if you have speed bumps/cushions in the road as we have here in the UK, sometimes you have to plan your journey very carefully indeed! Sat-Nav systems should have an option in their menu that states: "Avoiding all speed bumps" )
If you want a more modern feeling car you might consider a 360. Owning a 308 and a 355 I would not consider the 355 particularly modern.
I owned a 328 for 2 1/2 years and 8,000 miles (66,000 to 74,000), just acquired a F355 Berlinetta 6 speed after a year long search. I liked the 328 quite a bit, but the 355 is a different experience. Agree on the increased power output being big fun and the 355 feels much more contemporary, and better brakes to go with the increased acceleration potential. It's a wider car too, don't park against the left wall if you can help it. I'm really happy I made the switch, the 328 was fun but not intoxicating like the 355. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yup, the 355 was one one generation early to be considered modern by today's standards. The 355 to 360 jump was analog to digital.
The lines of the 360 don't appeal to me as much as the 355. If I was going to jump up, I'd wait a year, save some cash and get a 430 (no belts).
The fact that it's analog, powerful, and still a relatively small car is what makes it so special. It's also gorgeous
If my story means anything... Back in 1995 I had an 89 328 that I really liked, but not loved For reasons of handling and power..I brought my car to Algar to have the 7500 mile service done..As i was waiting for my car they wanted me to drive the new 355 they just received..I really did not even want to drive it, but they would not take no for an answer..So I drove it and I feel in love with it instantly, So much so I decided I did not even want the 328 anymore and a couple years later I bought a 97 Spider..Bottom line a 355 is a much more serious sports car..
Its what I did, I love my 308 but it was just to slow for me. This Still feels slower than my old ZR-1 but its still fun to drive. I Personally have a 95 B 6 speed thats apart now, and a 98 F1 car. I don't really like the F1 trans myself.
2 completely different cars. If you can keep the 308 and purchase a 355 then do it. My long past buddy had a 77 308 and I loved the car. We went everywhere in it and I often drove it. A truly great car in its time. Many years later, I bought my 355B and the difference is night and day but what one has to remember is that these are 2 very different cars. I have driven the newer cars and the 360 is drive by wire and feels like a totally different car again....even more different than the difference between the 308 and 355. The 355 is and will always be a timeless car. Not too square (308/328) and not too round (360/430). Like I said above, if you can afford it, keep the 308 and buy the 355 (preferably a 2.7) and above all....dont even think 348...sorry guys.
The 308 and two 328s I owned never made me smile while driving compared to whenever I drive my 355. Whether aesthetics, ergonomics or handling, there were always something I would do to improve the 3x8s i.e. bumpers, seating position, soft suspension. These don't apply to the 355.
I'm on the other side of that equation. I love driving my 308 more than the 355. The 308 is a raw, natural sports car. The 355 seems like an exotic version of a BMW. I am referring to driving on the street.
The down side, is neither gets all the love. I went from driving the 308 10K miles/yr down to about 3K. Of course, my job got more demanding and I drive less overall. The 355 is Epic. But bear in mind you posted in the 355 section. For Sh$ts & Grins, post in the 308 section & see what results you get
Right on . I love this , the 355 is epic , then theres dont even consider the 348 , ferrari took what had been referred to as a bad car ( it seems usually by 355 guys ) changed some things , a basic evolution of the model and , poof , an epic car is born , if anything id expect the 355 admirers to be respectful for the 348 , as it gave rise to the 355. Without the 348 there would not be a 355. . Funny thing , i have two friends thst sold their 355 , one bought a mondial , one bought a 348 , the reason , they got tired of the mechsnical bull crap , and just wanted to drive and enjoy . People will call me a 355 hater , i'm not , i think its a nice car , but i am a 348 owner , i will always defend the car , 1994 ferrari 348 spider , third owner purchased may 2013 w/ 27804 miles
Like they said consider a 348 I have both and do favor the 348 as a driver Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thank you , its nice to get a favorable opinion from someone who has both . 1994 ferrari 348 spider , third owner purchased may 2013 w/ 27804 miles
I think this is a bit unfair on the 348. I currently have a 348 TS and a 458 and the difference between them is like night and day. However, I do enjoy the 348 tremendously. Driving it requires a lot more effort but that's the point. It's raw and it's full of character. The 458 is almost too good, too easy to drive quick. You should consider the 348. Take one out for a drive. You might just love it.
