348 vs 355 | FerrariChat

348 vs 355

Discussion in '348/355' started by DriverA, Apr 21, 2008.

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  1. DriverA

    DriverA Karting

    Sep 11, 2007
    173
    Scandinavia
    Hi
    I have put my MGA in very very good and original condition for sale, and I am thinking to buy a 348 or 355 instead od the British Classics - can anybody here tell me the difference. I have heard the 355 contains a lot of electronic but it is a much more powerfull car. (I have a 246GT and a 512TR)
     
  2. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
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    goth
    What you have heard is true................... the 355 is much more powerful than the 348 :)!!
     
  3. pyroguy

    pyroguy Formula Junior
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    Dec 20, 2006
    669
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    Steve
    There you go Goth! Throwing matches at the dry Haystack again! (LOL)
     
  4. nunojcmaia

    nunojcmaia Formula Junior

    Dec 16, 2004
    389
    porto - portugal
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    nuno maia
    you have hundred of threads concerning differences between the 348 and 355.
    Summarizing in a few words: 355 better handling and more powerfull than 348.
     
  5. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 11, 2004
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    If you want a far superior car in all catagories---- 355
     
  6. Night life

    Night life F1 Veteran
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    Dec 1, 2007
    7,113
    The city that rhymes with fun in Canada
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    Roberto
    If you want a more refined car like the Honda accord get the 355

    If you want a real sport car with all the true sport car characteristics get the 348...:)
     
    JOHNCJ8989 likes this.
  7. burriana

    burriana Formula 3

    Jul 8, 2004
    1,675
    North Yorkshire UK
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    AL
    Simply, and I hope fairly objectively:

    Looks - totally subjective. Some regard the 355 as one of the prettiest Ferraris ever built. Me, I prefer the more angular aggressive look of the 348.

    Power - the 355 has about 10mph more top end depending on 348 ... but lets face it ... 173 / 183 how often? On normal road driving the difference is largely unnoticeable. The 355 does however have one big plus ... an extra 1000 revs to red line.

    Handling - the 355 has improved handling over the early 348s but is the same as the later 348 GTB, GTS and Spider. It must be said though, even on the early 348s, the handling is very neutral and VERY competent. It may be unforgiving at the limit ... but you have to get to that limit first.

    Reliability - the 355 has a lot more electronics. It has a few well known areas to watch including valve guides, power hood, manifolds. The 348 is a much simpler car mechanically, has no power steering and it feels much more raw. It is pretty bullet proof if looked after well.

    So there you have it. Even in enthusiastic road driving, I don't feel that the benefits of the 355 particularly outweigh the 348, apart from the higher pitched scream :)

    The 348 has the advantage of being simpler and slightly more involving ... and of course is a lot cheaper than a 355.

    If you have the budget, try both and see which you like. I see no strong reason to discard one over the other apart from personal taste.
     
    eladoppel likes this.
  8. tactical

    tactical Guest

    Jan 23, 2008
    857
    Its not often in my life time that i see a total eclipse. Its not often i see a 348 owner talking unbiased sense either:D Good summery that
    burriana:)
     
  9. davehelms

    davehelms F1 Rookie

    Jan 3, 2004
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    Dave Helms


    Have you owned a 355 in the past?

    Dave
     
  10. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
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    California
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    J.S. Leonard
    I have owned both. Sorry guys, the 348 was fun but nothing like the 355. In my experience, the 355 is a far superior car in all aspects.
     
  11. tactical

    tactical Guest

    Jan 23, 2008
    857
    If i was a complete Ferrari novice, i would find it very remarkable if the 355 was not a more superior can than the 348. Or the 360 was not more superior than the 355 ect ect. No matter how small a way. Its called advancement.
     
  12. traimpz348

    traimpz348 Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2004
    1,537
    Avon,CT
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    Matthew
    I think you need to drive both - and it depends on what you're looking for. Coming from an MGA - a 355 maybe to refined for you. But like I said you should drive both. They're both amazing cars, and if I had to give the nod to one as being superior it would be the 355. I don't think they are light years apart however, but the power is a little better, the sound is a little better, and most think the styling is a little better. That being said, I don't want to take anything away from the 348 - as it really is a great car. Whatever you do, in either case - make sure the car as a stack of receipts.
     
  13. porscheracer01

    porscheracer01 Formula Junior

    Mar 16, 2008
    721
    Parkslope
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    DD
    both cars are sweet, you can't go wrong.... you don't buy a Ferrari for the horsepower..To truly understand and appreciate a Ferrari you must be a car guy.
     
  14. davehelms

    davehelms F1 Rookie

    Jan 3, 2004
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    I too have no intention of taking anything away from the 348, I own one. I am just curious if the above statements are made from reading road tests, reading statements posted here or actual ownership.

    Dave
     
  15. traimpz348

    traimpz348 Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2004
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    I own a 348 and I've driven 355's. Why do you ask?
     
  16. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
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    goth
    You were right.......... :eek:
     
  17. davehelms

    davehelms F1 Rookie

    Jan 3, 2004
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    Dave Helms

    Because I tend to agree with JSL's opinion / reply regarding performance. I do not see them on as even a footing as I often read on here. Cant say I have ever timed one against the other and I do not own a 355 but drive them daily.

    Just a question I have often wondered about.

    Dave
     
  18. porscheracer01

    porscheracer01 Formula Junior

    Mar 16, 2008
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    This is never going to end..348 VS 355...Jeez brothers, can't we all get along?!
    why don't we pick on 360s?
     
  19. traimpz348

    traimpz348 Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2004
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    I don't think they are on even footing performance wise either. I think the 355 is a better performer. I don't think the performance is an earth-shattering difference. However, I will say that the 348 gives the driver the overall feeling that the car is quicker than what it is ... which may be the reason I don't think the performance is earth-shattering. Again, don't get me wrong the 355 is quicker and faster than a 348, no doubt about it.
     
  20. sspooner

    sspooner Karting

    Jan 14, 2007
    165
    Sunnyvale, CA
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    Simon
    If you are a hairdresser then a 355 is better.

    (Just trying to even the slander up a little )

    Hehehe.
     
  21. tactical

    tactical Guest

    Jan 23, 2008
    857
    Because the 360 has more or less the same margin of advancement over the 355 as the 355 has over the 348.
    But then again the argument would then be 355 VS 360. Oh sorry it has been discussed time and time again, and the 355 still wins:D
     
  22. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
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    Good point ............. :eek:

    :D .................. isn't it embarrasing to have less horsepower than a 'hairdresser-mobile'??? ;) ..............:D

    Actually around the Fiorano test track..... the 355 was 7 seconds faster than the 348............................. and the 360 was only 3 seconds faster than the 355............................. even with an all new lighter alloy chassis, 6 inches wider, variable exhaust cam, variable intake manifold, 2mm larger stroke and 25 more HP :eek:.

    A testament to the greatness of the 355..... :)
     
  23. sspooner

    sspooner Karting

    Jan 14, 2007
    165
    Sunnyvale, CA
    Full Name:
    Simon
    hehehehehe, shhhhhhh !!! don't tell everyone !
     
  24. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 4, 2006
    8,281
    Palos Verdes
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    Vince V
    I like the earlier summary on the 2 cars. If you have the cash and can find a decent car, get the 355. Just accept that maintenance is going to be greater and that there are more things that can break which you cannot fix. The 348 is a lesser car, but more engaging to drive and far easier to work on for the shade tree mechanic. Get a Series Speciale and you will never look back. I had a hard time choosing between a 1995 355 Berlinetta and a 348, but getting an SS at the price I did was irresistable.
     
  25. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
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    goth
    Vince.............. you chose well............. as you are currently a card carrying member of the 'nero alleanza'................ :cool:
     

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