Thinking of pulling the trigger- 328 vs 355?

Finally decided to start looking for one. I would appreciate some advice on which one to pick. To lay the groundwork, I have a cabriolet 05 porsche turbo as I wanted a bombproof convertible as a daily driver. The Ferrari would be a less driven vehicle. Both the 328 and the 355 I think are beautiful and obviously, the 355 is a more advanced and powerful auto.

In my thinking, the 328 is an easier car to own. The mechanics are less complicated, the maintenance and repair costs are less and the vehicle is easier to maintain by myself (some prior socket time but no available time to work on it now). By contrast, parts seem to be harder to come by and the electrical system is replete with problems.

The 355 by my understanding is more of a "driver" and living in the mountains, that increased power is more desirable. The maintenance costs seem to be logarithmically greater and the sophisticated systems break down more often and cost more to diagnose and repair. The engine out ever 3-5 years is costly as well as caring for the convertible top mechanism if I do not go for a GTS. Valve guides and headers complicate the equation.

Is the extra cost for purchase and maintenance and headaches of the 355 worth the pleasures of this vehicle or should I go with the 328, less sophisticated but beautiful and easier on the pocketbook? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Sounds like you have done some homework on the pros/cons of each model, now the only thing to do is drive each one and then decide.

 

in a word...........yes

i drove both quite a lot late last year. relatively speaking, the 328 is a boring and cramped car. I usually couldn't wait to get out of it. Would i have felt the same way if i'd been comparing it to a ford fiesta, probably not....but sadly for the 328, time marches on and we're comparing it to a 355.

having said that, if the money's really important, then get the 328 for all the reasons you said.

 

IMO, the 328 is the better car in terms of looks (especially interior; both are sharp on the outside, 328 is more iconic for what that's worth), usable performance, maintenance/parts cost, and depreciation/appreciation. If both cost the same, I would buy the 328.

The electricals in a 328 are not problematic, other than the sorts of dirty switches/contacts you'd expect on a 20 year old car. The 355, as you know, has ODB engine management circuitry, more power accessories, F1 clutches, seat potentiometers, power top motors on the spider, etc., so the odds of things going wrong there are greater. They're also entering the "old car" age range, so expect to be replacing a lot of stuff.

In my experience as a 328 owner, parts aren't overly hard to find. Between Ricambi, Rutlands and Ferrari UK you could probably build a new 328, and the FI bits that fail are all Bosch. There are some parts that are very difficult or expensive, but unless you're in the habit of dumping coffee on your center console or breaking your tail lights, that's not something that should keep you awake at night.

I wouldn't call the 355 more of a driver. It does have much more modern ergonomics than the old school body-on-frame 308/328, and it is much faster (and stops much faster). But the 328 has more of a race car feel - narrow, tight cockpit, unassisted steering, no ABS, no airbag ruining your wheel... it won't match the 355's numbers, but IMO it beats the experience.

You should buy what you like - a 328 is a Ferrari, and you can spend $500-$1000 on parts pretty quickly, so don't buy one if it's just 'the affordable Ferrari' to you, because then you'll get all disillusioned when you spend $6K on a big service visit. I bought one because I like it better than the 348 and 355 (although I like all of those cars to some extent...). Until my F40 comes along, or rather the money to pay for it comes along, the 308/328 are my favorite Ferraris.

 

This is an absolutely false statement. You may be confusing the 308's electrical "problems" which stem from one single root cause, the fusebox. Replacing the fusebox with an inexpensive, modern alternative solves these problems.

The 328 has a completely redesigned, superior fusebox (even compared to the 308 aftermarket upgraded fusebox) that uses blade-type fuses. In 5 years, I don't think I've ever read a thread about a problem with 328 fusebox. For that matter, I don't think I've ever taken note of a pattern of electrical problems on these cars, either.

In the 328, the fuel injection is mechanical, there is no power convertible top to (assuredly) fail, etc. They're really pretty simple with respect to electrics.

I *have* seen a 355 getting its wiring redone here in Boulder! That did not look like a pleasant job!

You need to drive both. They're very different experiences. The 328 is a bona-fide experience that is not replicated with the 355. The 355 is admittedly more modern, more cockpit room, airbags, ABS, electronic ignition, 6 speed gearbox, ostensibly better A/C, faster, etc. It comes with a much greater set of "ownership" risks, though (all the things you've read about that actually happen: Valve guides, headers, dash shrinkage, etc). The 355 is still a phenomenal car.

Also living in the mountains, I can tell you the 328 is spectacular. To keep up with V12s (550s) and 360s, I pretty much have to drive the car all out - which is absolutely exhilarating. But it does keep up. Its close-to-maximum capabilities seem perfectly matches with what a skilled driver would want to do in the mountains. If you were to drive a 355 like I drive my 328, you might go off the side!

A serious buyer like yourself should have no issues getting some seat time in both at a local dealer...

I'm pretty resolved to "adding" instead of "trading" at this point - the 328 feels like a car to have forever.

 

You are right that the 328 is much easier to live with. I have a lot of experience with them having owned (and still own one) two. Most years, I change the oil, and I do drive it quite a lot. I also have a 430 and the performance difference is, of course, enormous, but I still really enjoy driving the 328. It has a driving experience, shared with Dino's and 308's to a great extent that cannot be found in any modern car. Still, you need to drive both and see what YOU want.

Good luck,
Dave

 

Not sure if an issue with your purchase decision but the 328 is appreciating and the 355 depreciating........................

 

I agree that the 355 is a more "modern" car. But at this point they are both old compared to whats out there today. The 328 really feels much older then a 355. The 355 is a much easier car to drive. As much as I love to drive the 328, after an hour in the car, everything hurts me. Especially when its hot out. I noticed that in the last few years of always driving more then 1,000 miles a year, the last few have been way under 1,000 miles. Its not the easiest car to drive. Having said that, a 1999 355 spyder in impeccable condition with all records is still about $30,000.00 to $40,000.00 more then a 1989 328 GTS in the same condition. Two different cars with buyers with two different budgets. If money is the consideration, this is not apples and apples. Again, it gets to fact that a buyer should buy the best example that he could afford. My personal opinion is that when and if I get rid of my 328 its not to get a 355, its to get the 360 (or 430). I also think the 1999 355 still will be coming down in value, and the 328 has stabilized and probably will start slight appreciation. How long will it take for the 355 to fall and equal the 328? Timing is a difficult game to play. You may never buy a car if you play that game.

 

I appreciate all the impressions given here. As always, it comes down to the "feel and joy" of the vehicle vs. the costs of purchase, upkeep and down time for repairs. I am looking for more of the raw sensation and power is not the ultimate decision maker (that's why I posted in the 328 section and not the 355 one). I've driven a 328 and it obviously has less power but does have the raw sensation and sweet sound I really enjoyed.

I am thinking that being 2 hours away from FOD or Dave Helms might help me consider a more reliable car but am I fooling myself that the 355 is not as reliable for a well sorted one? Since the Porsche is my daily driver and has substantial power (450 HP), I am not looking for a super car. None the less, the 355 would also be fun.

Appreciate the input regarding the improved electrical system in the 328 vs the 308. Has anyone driven the 89 328 vs the 87 without ABS? Does it really make a difference unless pushed?

 

Yes.

The 328 and 355 are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of ownership costs for V8 Ferraris.

That said, if you want a 355, despite all the advice here, then you will buy one. Just remember to get Dave Helms gifts on Xmas and his birthday.

 

If you can handle the repair and maintenance costs, go with the 355 and never look back. I have owned a 78 308GTS, 87 328GTs and now a 97 355 spider. The 355 is by far the most fun, and pleasant car to drive. It has way more creature comforts, with better A/C, better seats, more room, etc.

 

I am fortunate enough to own both cars, the 355 is a fair bit roomier and easier to drive. Both cars have sports exhausts and sound fantastic, the 328 stalks are Fiat and are poor you have to have your headlights up when you want your sidelights on and if you are tall it has poor headroom. Most people love the looks of the 355 especially from the rear but the 328 is def a classic shape in my eyes.

Believe it or not there is not a lot in the performance only at "high" speeds does the 355 start to open a gap. I can't really explain why but the 328 always puts a smile on my face when I drive it and if I had to pick one to keep it would be the 328 it will appreciate more than the 355 and it just feels so "classic" if you know what I mean!
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This is not true.

Some or all 308s had the wiring such that the parking / side marker lights would not be on without the headlights being on. A simple 5 minute wiring modification addressed this in the 308s.

In the 328s, you can have your parking lights on without the headlights being up, so what you are saying is incorrect. This is just one example of many of the 308's quirks being addressed in the 328.

Perhaps the wiring in your car is altered?

 

in my opinion, having not ever driven either the 328 nor the 355, the 328 looks just sexy and iconic Ferrari, a head-turner immediately. the 355 is nice, don't get me wrong on that, but it's not as instantly visually stunning as the 3x8 bodies. as well, the 328 is not just stunning visually, it's graceful and classy, uses tasteful restraint of design to achieve a timeless look.

the 3x8's are just magical. of course you have to take all that goes with that magic, ie, their series being old and "harder to drive." but hands down i say go with the 328. there is no question. save the extra money you'd spend on the 355 and sort out the 328 to perfection. you can always tune the suspension to handle better if that is really a detractor. and you can modify the engine. you don't have to keep everything pure and factory-like underneath. forget the 355 as it is a car easily forgotten.

 

well...i stand corrected, it seems. the 328 i had for a couple of months was completely standard. there was no real note, unlike the carby cars, the it is the most cramped of that whole series inside. at 6'1" i found that car almost undrivable with the roof on, and wondered what my head would hit with it off!

Yesterday, i drove a glass GTB. as far as i'm concerned it's head and shoulders over a 328 as far as the driving experience is concerned, and so is a 355 (i'm not talking just performance).....but, as you can see with the replies from other....that's just me!

 

My thoughts seem to be showing up in your posts. Especially Bullfighter and Barefoot. I have to factor downsides as well as up. I am only 5'8" so the size of the car doesn't matter and the one 328 I drove I fit in well.

Interestingly, I've had an NSX before and my son preferred that car over the 328. So much for taste and genes.

Barefoot, interesting that the performance difference is not noticed at low or moderate speeds. Does the exhaust note and engine hum seem different in the 328 vs 355 with the transverse mount engine vs the in line mount? As far as being "temperamental", do you notice a difference in reliabliity or is your 355 well sorted out?

Depreciation is not that important, but I will eventually take a bath on the 996 TTS so less depreciation is a factor. Does the 328 "store" better than the 355 as the summer driving season is about 6 months long or is it a wash?

Again, thanks for all your help. This forum has been indispensable for my education.

 

i vote 328. and thats saying alot as i dont like the injected cars at all.

 

My first 328 was an 87 GTS, current one an 89 GTB. I have had occasion to activate the ABS, mostly on tracks. For an old system, it is better than most in that it is not too intrusive and the pedal does not go crazy like on many early systems. For road use, it will rarely step in except on slippery roads. The biggest change in 328's occurred in late 88 when the suspension was completely reworked. The newer cars have a more modern feel with quicker steering and overall tighter feel. In objective terms, I don't think this made much difference performance wise, but the car does feel different. I do know one local guy who sold his 355 and got a 328. There may be a message there. 328 prices have been pretty stable. I would say they are up 10-15% since I bought my first one in '97. They surged some in 99-00, fell back some in 01-02 and have more recently surged some again. 348's and 355's are relatively cheap because of expensive service and reliablity issues. That's why 360 prices have held up so well. The performance difference from 355's is not that great, but they are much easier and cheaper to live with.

Dave

 

He's right i'm afraid, his car is european spec. while your's is federal-the lights work differently!

 

At 5'8" either will work fine for you.
Reliabilty boils down to which car is chosen. There are plenty of sorted 355's on the market but one has to do some searching to find them. Once sorted the owners tend to keep them as they are quite reliable.
Other than the Spiders, both store equally well. The soft top has to be worked on a weekly basis and parked with the top up to remain trouble free.
I can feel a vast difference in handling with the GTB version of both cars vs the GTS / Spider. If handling is one of the strong criteria, the B's have it.
Comparing the handling of the 328 vs the 355 is difficult as most of the 328's have aged a bit and would require some work to bring up to an Apples to Apples comparison. Both in perfect order, the 355 is more refined and positive under spirited driving. Braking at the threshold goes to the 355. One has to remember there is a big technology gap between the two models.
At your elevation there is no comparison when it comes to power. The 355 with a 5 valve engine has this dept. covered well. That said, this weekend's drive to Estes Park in a 2V carbed 308 GTB was more than fun albeit on some pretty miserable tires. More than adequate power for my needs considering the road so it really depends on how quickly one wants to get to the next corner.
Two completely different cars. The 355 is far more refined, smoother, lighter feel, quicker and easier in town. The 328 is the "Butt three inches off the ground, hooked on rails and looking for a corner" type experiance. Dave's feedback on the ABS vs Non-ABS cars is valuable as he has had both and he knows how to drive the cars on the edge. Personally I have not felt any difference between the two but my experiance is limited to short test drives in town.
Each has a wonderful cockpit sound of their own but if you want everyone in the valley to know your in route, the 355 has the exhaust note over the 328.
To answer your question better you would have to set out a list of your own priorities in the order of importance to you. Given that list I think a clear winner in each dept. could be chosen fairly easily.
Once that is done I dare you to ask the question "which one is better looking".

Dave

 

if I could fit proper in a 328 (I am too tall) then I would buy the 328 over the 355.....I think the 328 (89 GTB model specifically) is the best looking car I have ever seen.....I just fell in love with that the 89 328GTB.....now having said that I am on the hunt for a nice 355B as I fit proper in 355 model.....either way you will be happy.....the true test is to see each model....drive each model and then let your heart decide....you will know right away which one draws you in.....

 

I love a 308/328 in black..that pic. is awesome.

I wanted a 355 at first too but found myself coming back to the 308. I think what looked at the time more modern on a 355 now looks a bit dated where the 328 is with time becoming a classic.

I'd go for the 328.

 

I'm a (totally unbiased!) fan of the early 328s in black (GTB, GTS, either way). The convex wheels were a wart on the beauty queen, IMO, and I avoid the late 328s because of them.

However I think the OP was concerned with costs, including depreciation, and from that perspective the 328 wins objectively. As far as what people like, the 355 is a damned good-looking car as well, and I love seeing them and hearing them. But I can afford either and I have a 328 in the garage.
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The 328 is gorgeous, looks good from almost any angle. I used to think the front looked like it was swallowing a video tape (seeing a Bricklin cured me of that!), but the more I am around them the more I like them and the early 328 wheels are the best looking by far. I like the 308 interior a little better, but the 328 is the better car.

I'm getting in the hunt and right now it's a tossup for the 308 vs. 328. Personally I wouldn't consider a 355 (and I can afford it) just because of the maintenance and depreciation. Now that 360s are dipping below 100k I think the 355 is going to be an also-ran in the near future, not to mention the 348 is a better car in many ways. Watch and see the 348 values creep above 355s...and 328s in some cases are going for more than either!

Mark