GTB vs GTS | FerrariChat

GTB vs GTS

Discussion in '308/328' started by jlonmark, Sep 30, 2008.

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  1. jlonmark

    jlonmark F1 Rookie

    Mar 29, 2005
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    Jay
    SO, I have always been a fan of the coupe (GTB) over the targa (GTS). Even with the later cars, (ie. 348) I really thought the coupe looked better, mainly because of the lines. The targas always have the black targa top and different color body. Of course many people have painted the targa to match, but for some reason it just doens't work that well for me. Am I crazy? Also it seems that the GTS brings more than the GTB, therefore it is still more in demand? Thought?
     
  2. spiderseeker

    spiderseeker Formula 3

    Jul 22, 2005
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    They are two different animals. The coupe is more rigid and better for track use but for cruising, going topless is priceless. The wind in your hair and the incredible engine sound behind you is great. Targa's have the option of top or topless, I think that's why they generally bring higher prices. Most targa owners NEVER use the top. I know I don't. I don't even bring it with me 99% of the time, since I only drive on nice days. The AC is marginal in 308's , that was another reason I chose targa and never regretted it.
    Try both, then decide which is right for you.
     
  3. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #3 Bullfighter, Sep 30, 2008
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    Not a big price difference, but convertibles tend to be more in demand as pleasure cars. GTB is stiffer for track use and probably safer.

    Aesthetics is up to you - I think the GTS is better looking, mostly because the steel roof on the GTB looks plain, and it has too many windows on the side for a two seater. But they're both in the 99th percentile of the best looking modern sports cars ever designed, so I'd have either without complaint.

    If you want the targa, louvres, etc., to blend, get a darker colored car. ;)
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  4. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

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    I prefer the lines of the GTB, and waited a good while to find one. The louvered quarter windows are just a few too many vents for me; I like the smoother flow of the GTB design -- which the targa top also interrupts. I agree about having a GTS in a dark color -- black or a dark blue would be about my only choices; they "hide" all of the black trim. :)

    As has been said before, they B and S are very different cars in character, and one will most likely be more "right" for you. GTS models commanded a premium in the past, but I'd venture to say that today the demand for each model is close to proportionate with the ratio of Bs to Ss available. There is no reason to not get the one you like better. :)
     
  5. Brunello

    Brunello Formula Junior

    Sep 10, 2005
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    #5 Brunello, Sep 30, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    +1 GTB

    With regards to price, my personal experience demonstrates that if you want to find a near perfect GTB, you will need to spend a considerable amount of time looking and evaluating a much smaller percentage of available cars. Only 1344 328 GTB's ever produced. So when I finally found my car I paid a premium for lack of available quality cars. When I sold my car last month, the car sold full price to a buyer who wanted a GTB for the very same reason. So, I do not agree with the idea that GTS' bring more money than GTB's for this reason. I would say that the condition of the car over model type ultimately determines the price.
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  6. PittsS2APilot

    PittsS2APilot Formula Junior

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    #6 PittsS2APilot, Sep 30, 2008
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    When I first started looking I had my heart set on a Spider. I took about 6 months looking at a few cars but could never find the one I wanted. There was a GTB not too far away that I knew about, but had passed on it several times because "I wanted a spider". I ended up making a deal on it anyway. I know I know..it goes against every rule of a purchase but it worked for me. Having had the car now for a year I am a true blue Berlinetta guy. If given the choice of cars, same options, same price, same condition, I would take the GTB over the GTS everytime. I like the looks and less things to go wrong. Just my 2cents.
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  7. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
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    Dec 26, 2001
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    #7 Newman, Sep 30, 2008
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  8. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
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    ..what he said! I was always a GTS Magnum car guy, since high school. My 308 was going to be a red/tan/targa QV..

    Well, when I found my 77 GTB, red/black, I was instantly smitten! Really stiff structure, and my 6'3" JUST makes it under the roof!

    Greg

    PS--Oh yeah, one other benefit of the pre-cat cars--the engine bay stays MUCH cooler than 78 and later....

    :)
     
  9. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #9 GrigioGuy, Sep 30, 2008
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  10. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
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    To me this is one of those "Who cares what anybody else thinks" deals. If you prefer the GTB, buy a GTB. Otherwise you will be unhappy. It's the same as talking about colors. What somebody else likes has nothing to do with what you like and trying to please others will just compromise what YOU really want.
     
  11. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

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    #11 climb, Sep 30, 2008
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  12. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
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    Sep 30, 2003
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    welcome to the club. when i first joined up here, i think i was the only one who preferred the GTB over the "S" and actively looked for them. not counting my 308 gt4, i have had 3 GTB's and one GTS. i totally agree on the lines of the car, and i swear you can feel the difference n the way they drive, even on public roads at normal speeds.
     
  13. magnum

    magnum Formula Junior

    Feb 21, 2008
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    I understand you guys, the GTB is stiffer and more consistent. The GTB design is pure and the GTS roof seems a "last minute add on". But, oh guys, my nick name is Magnum, so... I loved the 308 GTS QV, tan on red, the Magnum car. It was love at first sight, and I have waited 20 years to buy one. Finally I got mine this year. I love this car, and I prefer it over 328 or 348. The modern ones, 355 and after don't bring up my soul...
    Cheers

    P.S.: I don't post shots because I'm still working on it. Not ready yet.
     
  14. Dino246gt

    Dino246gt Formula 3

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    #14 Dino246gt, Oct 1, 2008
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    I love the lines of the B and to me, the S looks like a converted B design. Of course, the S is still a fantastic car, I just prefer the B! I searched for a black B to hide some of those black trim pieces so popular in the seventies and eighties, then added the 16" QV rims. I also like posting pics, heeheehee. Ciao! Dennis
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  15. Ron328

    Ron328 F1 Rookie
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    Understood. However, a same condition 328 GTS vs. GTB of the same year, the former generally commands more premium in the "Ferrari market." The GTS is still considered more desirable than the rarer GTB, and it's reflected in every price guide. GTS brings in $ 2-3k more than the B. Even though subjected to variables, the market speaks.
     
  16. MrSweden

    MrSweden Karting

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    #16 MrSweden, Oct 1, 2008
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  17. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

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    #17 Tony K, Oct 1, 2008
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2008
    Actually, it is not reflected in every price guide. NADA, for example, prices GTBis higher than GTSis. But their data doesn't always reflect the bigger picture, and when dealing with rare cars, individual sales can affect their listed values. Likewise, they might go a few years with no sale data on a particular version, and likewise show no change in price.

    On the other hand, many price guides (such as those in most magazines) are outdated, and tend to be a mix of a rehash of 5-10 year old information, something an "expert" in their feature said, and a snapshot of current asking prices from advertisements. Price guides are for people who don't know the market, and said people often miss out on some true gems because they are priced out of the parameters set by the particular guide they hold in their hand (while some others make foolish buys based on what a guide says). If you spend time regularly checking the usual places (auto trader/collectorcartraderonline, cars.com, eBay, Hemmings, FerrariAds.com, inventories of dealers who regularly have 308s, and general yahoo/google searches), you'll find that asking prices of B vs. S have pretty much been indistinguishable, with condition being (naturally) the single largest determinant of price. As far as price guides go, when dealing with rare and low-production cars, you can follow the guide or you can set the guide.

    Additionally, most 308s are now fully depreciated, and any price differences from when they were new have dissolved, just like a higher optioned car (of any make) loses its price advantage over the lower optioned car over time. Combine that with the fact that people have different motivations and criteria for buying old (classic) cars versus newer ones, and you have a new ratio of demand and supply for GTB vs. GTS--which may or may not be that strong, or relevant to prices, anyway.
     
  18. ScuderiaRossa

    ScuderiaRossa Formula 3
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    #18 ScuderiaRossa, Oct 1, 2008
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  19. jlonmark

    jlonmark F1 Rookie

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    -Amen to that
     
  20. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
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    "how can you argue with these lines?"

    Some people prefer the GTS, some people prefer the GTB. Some people like red Ferraris, some people like green Ferraris. You can argue potential value using data from buyers guides/whatever but you can't successfully argue about personal preference!

    I hate lima beans; they taste terrible in my opinion. Someone telling me I should love them because they're good for me doesn't change the fact that I hate lima beans! :)
     
  21. ScuderiaRossa

    ScuderiaRossa Formula 3
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    Agreed, but from a purely sculptural POV as related to form, there is no argument. Fioravanti didn't design the GTS first...
     
  22. Tifoso

    Tifoso Formula Junior
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    For me, as it seems to be with many others here, it was a purely aesthetic decision. There was no doubt in my mind that I far preferred the looks of the GTB. You should have a voice steering you one way or the other. Listen to it and don't look back.
     
  23. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

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    +11eleventymillion111!11! :)
     
  24. Futureman

    Futureman Formula 3

    May 16, 2007
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    "The GTS is a hairdresser's car..."

    OK, I couldn't resist that quote. I don't agree with it, although I am a GTB guy. I also MUCH prefer the convex wheels over the concave....oh, and I like red. So, that's what I bought.
     
  25. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #25 Bullfighter, Oct 1, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Source?

    Looking at the cars, I'm not sure that Leonardo didn't design the 308 with the GTS in mind from the start, given that the 246 GTS was very successful and outsold the 246 GT by a good margin. I would bet Pininfarina knew what was coming.

    On the 308/328, if you look at the top of the rear quarter window and how it bends to continue the profile of the elegantly curved side window, it is the only awkwardly drawn line on an otherwise very curvaceous car -- almost a filler piece with a linear/geometric angle. I think it had to be drawn that way to allow for the next model year's introduction of the two window/spider look established by the 246 GTS.

    If you look at the very beautiful 246 GT, the roofline is an elegant curve. On the 308/328 GTB, it's a bit forced. You can blame the targa requirement for that. I don't know whether Bravadore (sp?) had a targa in mind for the 206 GT -- I suspect not. Fioravanti's derivative of the Dino most likely did begin with that concept.

    It would be interesting to see Fioravanti's notes, but that's the visual impression I get from seeing the cars. Again, I like them both, but I believe the GTS was in mind from day one, and the 308/328 GTB were created that way.
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