348 vs 355

Big Picture: the 348 is a simpler, cheaper car. The 355 is faster and more complex.

The 348 doesn't have power steering. The 355 does.

The 348 doesn't have power seats, power convertible top, or electronic suspension control. The 355 does.

If you are looking for a bargain Ferrari that you can wrench on yourself, the 348 is the way to go.

If you want power-assisted luxuries and hyper-fast speed, then the 355 is your ride.

Properly maintained, both cars will thrill you. Both cars are capable of long lives and surviving hard driving.

They have slightly different looks. Maintenance costs are different.

 

I think they're both awesome. I saw a 355 parked on the side of the road tonight - I love the way that car looks.

I have a 348. I love it too.

Drive both. Stare at both. Look at your bank account. Then decide.

 

Went through the same thing no contest get the 355.

 

Please correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the 328 the last Ferrari that doesn't require a dealer to work on because it lacked the proprietary electronics?

 

Out of curiosity, which of your 2 Ferrari's do you enjoy driving more Martin, or does it depend on the type of drive that you are going to take?

 

Okay, I'll correct you.

I do all my own work on my 348. No need for any special "Ferrari" computer. At least on a U.S. version of the 348. The Motronic ECU has a self diagnosis feature. You can do everything yourself on a 348. From changing a light bulb to rebuilding a transmission. At least I do anyway.

 

Again, buy the Bluemel book, it covers the differences between the two cars.

 

Get a 328, you're starting to get into the expensive to maintain cars...

 

The electronics aren't proprietary on the 348 in the sense that the A/F ECUs are Bosch/Motronic. The ABS ecu is likewise from a non-Ferrari vendor.

I'd have to break open the exhaust ECUs, but the ECU for the A/C-Heater-Fan-Clock is Magnelli(spelling?!)...I opened up my A/C-heater ECU and fixed the clock display as well as a fan ^ up functionality by simply applying Stabilant 22A to the circuit boards and interface connections inside.

You can swap out the fuel-mapping and reprogram your Advance curve with a new A/F ECU eprom chip, too.

Frankly, the electronics on the 348 aren't that big of a deal. The electric motors can be rewired in any magneto shop in any small town worldwide.

Most models of 348's have two ECU's that the 355 doesn't have (for the mouse motor seatbelts), but outside of that, the 355 has vastly more electronics.

The 355 has a suspension ecu, an airbag ecu, a convertible top/power seat ecu, power steering, power top, and some have the F1 system.

The 355 "has it all" and therefor has more that can go wrong...but when things are going right it is faster (Competizione models excluded) and more luxurious than the 348.

If you want power seats, on-the-fly adjustable shocks, and power steering, the 355 is your ride.

If you want awesome racetrack handling, perfect balance, and simplicity, then the 348 is calling you.

 

Check out GAredcars.com for 355 influences on a 348. You can have whatever you want.

 

If you are paying for work, a 348 will cost 2X a 328 for maintenance and be more prone to troublesome electric problems. There is a reason 328's have risen some in price in recent years while 348's keep dropping. I went form an 87 328 to a 94 348 which I had quite a while, but then bought an 89 328 GTB which I have now had 4 years and is a keeper. I considered a 355, a vastly better car than 328 or 348 in performance but it has proven to be pretty needy which is probably why there is such a price gap from them to 360's. If you really want a "starter" Ferrari, 328's are hard to beat. It is relatively cheap to maintain, bullet proof by ferrari standards and won't depreciate just sitting there, so you won't take a beating if Ferraris aren't for you or if you trade up in the future. Plus 328's are kind of a bridge to the past in the way they drive. In the long run, the 308-328 series will always have fans and the 360-430 series sets a new standard. The 348-355 are kind of transitional models that have their fans, but, the market has not been kind to them of late.

Dave

 

I would probably agree with Hardtop on his thoughts on the 328. I have owned a 308, 348 and currently a 355. The 355s can have header problems and valve quide problems,somewhat overblown IMHO, but still need to be considered. Once they are fixed if they were a problem than they shouldn't come up again. The 348 has a cable shift linkage with a somewhat poor quality action compared to the other 2 and I think the interior on the 348 is not quite up a standard that the 328 & 355 are. For a car to drive and to enjoy without a higher buyin or maintance cost the 328 is the way to go. A 328 GTB in simply gorgeous. Regards, Vern

 

They do sell a circular tail light kit for the 348, but I don't know where to tell you to get it. If I were you I would go with a late model 328.

 

Vern, while I agree with most of your post, I disagree with this statement (unless you're simply referring to styling and aesthetics). The 348 interior melts just like the 355 one -- except we don't have a bloody expensive HVAC unit that'll turn to goop. The 355 airbag cover in almost every single car will shrink and pucker; the 348 dash stays taught.

If you are referring to design aesthetics, then yes -- I agree the 355 gets the nod.


-Daniel

 

Its a great question I drive the 355 more as it is just easier to handle I will jump in it Saturday and go to the cleaners or the bank the power steering just makes a big difference. On the other hand for a Sunday ride into the country the TR is great and it gets more attention than the 355 I think people recognise it as exotic more than most Ferraris other than F40,F50 and Enzos

 

I'll second that!
Both are great cars, though.

BT

 

How about this to nudge you in the right direction!
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While we are on the yellow thing,heres the yellow rivals Not mine by the way, just found the pics on my PC.
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Driven both, and yes the 355 has a "better get up and go" but in IMHO, not worth it, I like the way a properly sorted out 348 feels and rides. So save some money, because both will need some $$ spent on them (REALITY CHECK) and get yourself a nice 348, you wont be dissapointed. And yes I too like the rear end of a 355 better, but THAT is all.

 

Bah humbug!!! You 355'ers think your poop don't stink??? Smell this baby:

(all in good fun)




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thanks guys.