328 to 355

I bought my first 355 a few years back after think hard about a 328, and having a friend buy the same 328 (which he still owns). I recently drove his car and my new-to-me second 355 back to back.

The 328 has a more classic feel, classic look, classic sound. The cabin is smaller. The 328 is tight and fun to drive, durable, reliable.

The 355 has a more modern feel, modern look, modern sound. As you know, it is much more finicky with lots of advanced stuff that can go out. But I don't think it is the nightmare of reliability that it may seem; the motor and tranny are pretty solid, as is the chassis and suspension.

I now have an F1. Blindfolded, your passengers would not be able to tell it from a 360. It does not blip on downshifts, but this is easy to do with your foot, and that keeps a little bit of interaction the 360 guys lose. The stick on the manual 355 is really nice.

Honestly, I don't think one is the better car. They are simply different. The 328 is the best of its line (transverse mounted V8s). I think of the 355 as the "missing link" between old and new: pop-up lights, rear buttresses, no traction control... modern motor, modern sound, real ABS, more spacious cabin. Oh, and if you get a GTS, it is the last targa - and the best compromise in body styles made.

You can't go wrong. Either way, you are going to have things you like and things you don't. That is unless you keep the 328 and get the 355 too

 

+1 on what J.Salmon wrote. I had my 328 for about 2.5 years, after 3 years with a 308 prior to that, I tired quickly of the 328. It was much more refined than the 308, with more power, and better drivability, but still too much "the same" as what I had previously. After I bought the 355, holy cow, more room, better EVERYTHING! Better grip, brakes, and power...and the engine howl! Simply amazing. Three and a half years later, and the car still is every bit as exciting to drive. I kept my 328 for a couple months, but quickly sold it....I simply never drove it.

 

I went from a 1989 328 GTS to the 355F1---Haven't looked back!!!!!!!!!!! The car is superior is every category...Don't get me wrong I still love the 328's--The looks are timely, classic and will never go out of style!! performance wise--there is no comparison

 

There's a nice black/black GTS at Lake Forest right now, six speed. If I needed a faster Ferrari, I'd either go for a 512 TR or that 355 GTS. (But, I don't need a faster Ferrari...)

Also, FChat'er BrianC went from a 328, to a 355, and then back to a 328. You could PM him for his impressions. I think mostly it was a maintenance/repair cost issue -- he took me for a spin in his 355 and clearly liked the performance. But he sold after less than two years and found another 328 to replace it.

 

I also had a 328 GTS f(or 5 years) and really enjoyed the car. A 355 is of course more modern with extra horsepower over a 328 but the maintenace is much more. A 328 is a bullet proof Ferrari. You can drive the heck out of it and it really never gives you any problems. I've owned my 355 for 1 1/2 years now and it has also been fine. I am getting ready for an engine out service the end of this riding season and it will be pricey! Oh well, Ferrari ownership.

rl

 

Here's a pic of my goodbye. The 355 is truly a different car and superior in every way, power, sound, looks, but I wish that I had the space to keep the 328 too because I just loved it.
-Billy
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Not a 99---But may be worth a look--seems to be what your looking for...

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204534

 

I went from an '89 328 GTS to a '95 355 GTS, there is no comparison.

 

I have found my overall maintenance costs to be about 3 times higher on the 355 over a previous 308 and 328. I drive 7k to 8k miles per year. Others may get out cheaper, but usually by defering maintenance, etc. I go by the 5 year/30k belt change schedule. I used independants on the 308 and 328. I use the dealer for the 355. That can account for some of the price difference, but hardly all of it.

 

F355 Spider = Awesome

you can't go wrong and will not regret it!!

 

I personally think the Berlinetta style is the best, the body lines flow much better (or a GTS with the top painted body color). Shoot me a PM if you want to check out my '99 F1 GTB.

 

Jimmy, congrats on the new car. What color is that and post some pics!

 

Hard, but not impossible. I do like the GTS, it is the last targa, and it is the most complete package. It has the look, it is open if you want it, you can track it if you like, standard seats, no issues with the complicated top...

I will say this: when I bought my first GTS I thought the chassis was really tight. I then owned a 512TR, and subsequently a Lotus. I am now back in a GTS. There is definite cowl shake in the open cars. I did not appreciate it before, but having owned and driven several cars that are much stiffer, the difference is obvious. Not sure if this will matter to you or not, but I do understand why some would say the coupe is the best driver.

I was just in the garage admiring mine (I find I make special trips) and I don't think you will regret the decision, no matter which body style you chose!

 

I just got a 99 355 GTB F1 and still have my 308. Ditto what the other say - very different cars, and both "perfect" in their own ways.

As for the differences, the F1 is SOOOOOO much fun. I'm glad I still have the 308 to practice my heel-toe but left foot braking in the 355 (with my own blip on downshift) is also fun - I think I'd miss the 308 though.

The 355 is much faster, quicker, and "easier" - the 308 is more "intense" and physically involving.

I thought the 308 would get more attention, but after several weeks, the 355 is the clear attention getter. (That's almost a negative for me, but that's what I've seen so far).

I try to drive them both equally (like a parent with two kids - love them both), but I find I'm driving the 355 a lot more. It may be the speed, but I think it's the F1 - I LOVE it.
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