308 GTS vs. GTSi | FerrariChat

308 GTS vs. GTSi

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by rjd2, Feb 23, 2019.

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

  1. rjd2

    rjd2 Karting

    Jul 28, 2016
    125
    Hi all, so I am a "measure thrice, cut once" kind of guy when it comes to purchasing classic cars. After assessing my wishlist of classic exotics(espada, pantera, 308), I have arrived at a 308 of some sort as a potential purchase in my future. I wanted to ask here, as hopefully some of you folks have first hand experience, this Q: what's the deal w/ the injected vs carbureted thing on 308's? I obviously have gathered that the GTSi models fetch the least on the open market. The cost savings is appealing, but being at the 60-70k price point isnt a deal breaker for me. So, for those who have experienced both, what's the deal there? Thanks!-RJ
     
  2. Themaven

    Themaven F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2014
    4,361
    Eastdown
    Full Name:
    Darius
    You should move this post to the 308/328 forum where there is a world of expertise to guide you
     
  3. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 28, 2004
    1,828
    Pacific Northwest
    Full Name:
    Bill
    I’d move up to a QV to get away from the sodium valve fear/problem. But of the two you’re currently looking at I take the carbed GTS. Less problems and cost and they sure sound awesome.
     
  4. PFSEX

    PFSEX Formula Junior

    Jun 30, 2006
    843
    Las Vegas
    Full Name:
    John Ratto
    The 308GTSi Cars (post 308 GTS and prior to the 4 valves) were notorious for burning oil.

    That negative reputation is remembered even if the details are not.

    The carb cars sound better and have more power.
     
  5. Zanny1

    Zanny1 Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 19, 2003
    1,133
    Arizona
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Had all 3 of them.
    The 77 GTB carb version was fun to drive and pretty reliable, once set up properly.
    The 81 GTBi couldn't get out of it's own way. My son's toyota would run off and leave it until maybe 90 MPH. Was reliable but boring.
    My 84 308QV ran on par with the 77 in terms of performance. Was totally reliable and had an AC that actually worked.
    Spend a few extra bucks and get a QV.
    And yes, the earlier 308i models do use oil.
     
    Makuono likes this.
  6. Formula Uno

    Formula Uno F1 Veteran

    Oct 8, 2008
    6,659
    New York City
    And in a straight line from zero to 120mph I will beat them all in my turbo charged 2019 Jeep Cherokee;)

    I have an 80GTSI and although I never drove a GTS or a QV, I have driven a 328 and I have to say that the difference between it and my GTSI isn’t anything to get excited about

    I would advise the OP to just get a nice model of whatever he wants and stop stressing the small to barely noticeable differences
     
  7. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 7, 2012
    3,324
    Tallahassee, FL
    25% more HP wasn't much different? Hm.
     
  8. KatMan

    KatMan Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 2, 2006
    498
    Silicon Valley
    Full Name:
    Stan K
    I had an 82 GTSI and the oil consumption was unreal. A quart every 250 - 300 miles. Also not sure where you are but in California any car from 1975 on has to pass smog. That is a real challenge with a carbureted car.
     
  9. Formula Uno

    Formula Uno F1 Veteran

    Oct 8, 2008
    6,659
    New York City
    I assume that you are addressing my/post#6?

    If so I will say that you can definitely feel the extra 25HP but it's not mind-blowing.
    I wouldn't even call it significant. It's 25HP;)

    Have you ever drive a 355? I would call THAT significant.
     

Share This Page