328 or 355

mix a 328 with a 355 and you obtain a 348...Raw driving experience with an already up to date design

 

which s4 version? the crappy twin turbo or the newer v8 version?

 

The 355 is very nice but the 512TR will blow it away as if it was a Toyota

 

The newer V8. 4.2 L, 5 valve, lots of torque and a great engine note.

Fantastic car. Not a ferrari.

 

not a ferrari 360 but > than a 328 / 348 imho

 

That's exactly why I keep my 328GTS and 512TR!

 

Sad but true, after using 512TR for a while and then switch to 328 you will feel that it's awfully slow! But it's a dropdead gorgeous car!

 

Cannot go wrong with either. Both cars receive rave reviews when they first came out. Both cars screams Ferrari ( the 328 screams louder...design wise ) Drive 'em both, see which one you'd rather have.

Note : Please adjust the grammar if the 512TR is in the running....

 

Not really sure what people are talking about the 355 not having a classic look. It's a very graceful Pinninfarina design. Very few distractions with it's flowing lines. If the cost is not the first concern, than go with the 355. I have driven both and presently own a 355 spider. They are worlds apart. (speed handling braking) you name it. As far as the TR goes, it's a VERY big car. Could be a bit faster in a straight line but in the real world ie. tight and narrow mountain roads ,I'll take the smaller overall package anyday.
Just my $ .02.
Darrell.

 

I would lean the same way, but only because I'm after a car that feels great to drive in the usual 40-80mph range where I spend most of my time. The 308 is a notch more lithe and exotic than the 328, with all the chrome bits and grills, but the 328 gets the nod for hp and dependability.

My only reservation on a 355, if the budget allows for the maintenance, is that cars continually improve in performance, so that in 5-10 years the 355 will be outgunned by many commoner cars. Ultimately, I think you are left to love a car because of its looks and the experience, not comparative 0-60 times. What was a Porsche-killer in 1998 may be a Porsche snack in 2008. Make sure you really like the 355 for all of its virtues and not just because it outperforms the 308/328.

My two lira.

 

A couple of admittedly personal notes:

In 1998 I bought a 1994 348 TB factory challenge car and sold my 87 328 GTS. I was smitten with the 348's motor, more modern feel and with 1500 miles, it was basically new. But I missed the 328 right away and knew I would eventually own another. It was 3 years later when I obtained an 89 GTB which I now intend to keep FOREVER! Recently, I took delivery of my 430 and people ask me what I will do with the 328. They just don't understand. I would not have bought the 430 if I couldn't also afford to keep the 328! The car is still a joy to drive, look at, clean, etc., plus it is the last of Ferraris you "wear", last with the transverse motor and tube frame. The overall experience cannot be duplicated with any other car, not even other Ferraris.

A local friend bought a 355B as his first Ferrari, but did not keep it long. He tried out 360's, 550's, 348's, etc but never bought one. Then he started thinking about 328 GTB's, so I invited him to try mine. Now he has an 88 GTB himself and loves it, despite the fact performance is a big dropoff from 355's. There is a reason Ferrari was able to sell 308-328's for 14 years and they were selling better at the end than in the beginning. They have a way of getting under people's skins!

Dave

 

If you were to sell the car Ferris was commenting on in the movie, you could buy a few 355's and a few 328's...and still have some cash left over

 

This is very well said.

I think that we each have an idea of what a Ferrari should drive like. In my opinion, I want something raw and fun. I want it to feel special at 15 mph as well as 150 mph.

Here's my experience with my 355. The 355 is a great, great car. Yes it's quick. Yes, it sounds heavenly. However, after a while the "ooh factor" wears off and the fun factor doesn't start kicking in until you start reaching "lose your license and go to jail" speeds. And you realize that maybe the speed that you so lusted after before isn't what you wanted after all. For some who have owned the earlier cars, this is exactly what they're looking for. For others, it's like owning a better looking Porsche except you don't get the lightweight repair bills.

That's the curse of the modern car: in making it easier to drive and having modern performance, the manufacturers have to dial out some of the soul. Can you imagine a 500hp 308? Oh wait, it's called an F40. I've put over 100 miles on one and even though it's tons of fun, it can be a handful, especially in the rain. It's not for everyone, regardless of whether you have the driving talent or not. To make a high hp car that everyone can drive, Ferrari had to make it easier and, in the process, make it more BMW than the earlier cars. I know that it sounds great but you don't know until you own one. You thought that you wanted modern and lighting quick but after a while you realize you wanted something that feels special: something that feels Italian, something that feels handmade, something that makes you smile just creeping down the street at 10 mph.

The 308 and the 328 have that special feel. I can't explain it. They are just great little cars. If you want speed, get something else, but if you want something that will be tons of fun for nice roads, something that feels pretty special, don't think that the 308/328 won't give it to you because it's not up to modern 0-60 times (although 0-60 in the mid/high 5's doesn't suck). The speed is the first thing that wears off when you buy a fast machine. The fun factor of these earlier cars, however, not only stays with you, it grows. And the bonus is that it's relatively easy to live with.

This is just my personal opinion so please take it as such. JSL has my 355 now and it was exactly what he wanted - and if I do say so, he couldn't buy a better 355 (and Dave Helms deserves the credit for that bit).

Okay, back to work.

 

What are you guys talking about? Ferris Bueller's Day Off was made in the late 1980's. Ferrari 355 came into production in 1995. Besides, in the movie he is referring to his friend (Cameron) dad's Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, which they take for a day long joyride. What makes the quote great is that "having the means" equates to somewhere between $250K to $1 million.

 

And there I was thinking I was wierd for liking the 308 more

 

John,

The thing you need to decide is what you want the car for. You told me in the past you want a track car/fun weekend car. In my book I think the best way to go is with 2 cars for the price of one. I bought a 328 for me as the fun weekend car and also I bought an Acura track car. They are both very similar in terms of performance and fun factor, but I get to keep the Ferrari as fun weekender and I beat the Acura to death on track.

The F355 is a great car and it has a ton of power and performance in comparison to its little brother. All of this comes at a price, in terms of cost to purchase and in terms of repair and routine maintenance issues. I think for my money it makes more sense with the 2 car approach versus the one.

Now in regards to driving them both and then making up your mind there is no question which one will be the obvious short term choice, and that is the F355. The true question is where you see yourself and the car in 6months or 3 years from now. I personally saw the 328 as the better value and allowed me the cash for a second track car and plenty left over to do services and other things.

In the end the choice is yours. I will have one of each all the time I am sure…so when you are ready you can “come drive both” and then make up your mind.

In the end there is no wrong choice!

Ciao’

Steve

 

In my eyes, 328 is classic Ferrari. My first encounter w/ F was 308, so I have soft spot for 308/328, and first bought 328GTS.
Now I have 355F1 GTB after owning 355 Spyder briefly, I'm satisfied w/ 355F1 GTB. Although I miss the engine sound & smell of oil for 328, 355's exhaust sound w/ Tubi & A/C do more than compensates. (in TX heat, A/C is necessity)
You can buy 328 & enjoy it, then change to 355 later, if you are still interested. That way, you don't lose a lot of money (or you may gain some), and you maybe able to get 355 cheaper than now.

 

Steve has a good idea. I track my 328 once in a while and really enjoy it, but I spend a lot of time getting out of the way. I use a Subaru STI mainly for a track car. It seems to thrive on abuse and if I screw up and go off track, no sweat, the Subie likes dirt. It came in handy recently when someone else screwed up in front of me. I'm not sure about tracking the 430 yet, a lot of money to risk.

Dave

 

John,

I agree with much of what has been said, but having owned a 87 328, 89 328, a 88 Testarossa, and 97 355 I think I can throw in my $.02.

If you're going to do a lot of weekend drives with your friend and his 328, it might be fun to get a 328 too so you have somewhat equally matched cars (that said, if you want him to really work to 'try" to keep up, get the 355).

Also, the 328 is more fully depreciated than the 355, so you could in theory buy the 328 and sell it a year later for what you paid for it and get the 355 or....

But the 355 with Tubis (imo) sound just so amazing- nothing like it.

The last thing is "luck"- finding the right car with right colors/after market parts at a fair price, and preferably local I would guess. Maybe just keep your options open and be ready to make the plunge when your ideal 328 or 355 shows up.

Best of luck in your purchase- and post pics!

Eric

P.S.- I liked the 89 328 better because of wheels (don't know if you're going to stay stock) and a few minor improvements.

 

I'm mulling over the same issue. I am on my second 328, having had each of them for 2 years. Before that I had an NSX for 6 years.

Been looking hard at a 355; I think I'd really enjoy the extra power around a track and on the back roads. I guess with the 328 I've been there, done that... twice.

With the way my 328 is set up know, Tubi and test pipes, it's a smelly, noisey car .... which I love! But having to put in ear plugs on long trips is kind of a pain and I'm feeling the oil is greener on the other side of the scuderia.

And, of course, I could swap out the Tubi and put the cat back on. But who ever heard of doing something logical when it came to Ferraris-

 

I love the 512tr, if I was in his position that would be the car I would buy. I have a Gallardo and will sell it to make way for a F430, the general manager says that I will be ordering with them next year, but like everyone else knows nothing is for sure until one fills out the option list. If that doesn't happen I think that I might buy a F512M. Do you think the 512m is worth the extra cash over the 512tr?

 

328 over 355...(I still NEED a 308/328 GTB!)
512TR over 512M, strictly based on significant price difference between them.

 

Any Ferrari is a good Ferrari (except maybe the 348 ).

But don't strap yourself for cash buying the newest. These are used cars. Don't be thinking in terms of free/no service for the first three years. You need to keep a Justin Case fund.

You want to be driving it, not saving up to repair it.

 

That is indeed what I meant...sell the California (for about a mill), and buy a few 355's/328's with some cash left to spare..I didn't think I had to spell it out
Im guessing the original poster knew that as well, but was just quoting the line, which is a classic...then indicating his choice(355).

Thx for the tip! Now, go about your impaling...

Goldy

 

I have considered both the 1989 328 GTB (if you can find one) and the 355 Berlinetta . I like the looks of both, but I am still really drawn to the 328 GTB…..classic lines and it just feels right. But if cost were no option at all I might go with the 355 Berlinetta as it has a lot of the newer options like paddle shift etc and it looks just as good as the 328 just in different ways.