Hi fellers, For those of you who may have "moved up" from the 328 or even 308QV ranks, how would you compare such models to the 348? I have been tossing around the idea of a 348 spyder but believe that the "upkeep" will be a bit more daunting. If I understand correctly, most of the 348 "growing pains" were sorted out by the time the Spider arrived, yes? That being said, I know that the 348s have the one long cambelt, and a clutch job can make one week in the knees...and that earlier cars (or all cars?) have potential gearbox issues? Anyway...any insight that can be imparted my way would be most appreciated. My best, Scott
I moved "up" from a 308 and love my 348. While I don't like the higher repair costs, it is part of this 348-355 era. I chose the 348 over the 355 mainly due to the fewer gagets like the auto top of the 355, F1 transmission or the valve guide issue that I was following. Now don't get me wrong the 355 is one heck of a car, great power and clean styling. The 348 covered my need for decent power, great handling and the Ferrari sound. I ended with a 95 spider with a fresh service and have put about 4K on it over one season. No major repairs and it fits my needs, asking what others think of the 348 is like asking people do they prefer a blond or a red head..... They are all women er.. Ferrari's so find the best sorted car and drive it, don't get caught up in what is better the 348 or 355 they all cost good money to repair, both drive great and both are Ferrari's. The clutch is easy, the cam belt is an engine out in the 348 oir 355, yes the 348 has one verses the two of the 355 but really the issue is really not the belt. Now if you were looking to reduce a service bill move to the 360, they can service without the engine out. As with all cars the later the model the better.
Thanks, guys, for the insights Also...didn't know that the clutch was one of the easier "projects". I love the 348s and 355s but tend to lean towards the more raw driving experience that I believe the 348 would provide; i.e. no power steering, etc. Also...is there not a chip (ECU) that can boost HP up to about 340-or-so; I'm not looking to be a speed demon but... ;-) Cordially, Scott
The general consensus with regard to chips seems to be - save your money. The OO of my F355 had a POWERCHIP chip installed. I, personally, can't tell any real difference between my F355 and other non-chipped versions I have driven. http://www.nicksforzaferrari.com/forzaferrariwebsite1_017.htm
Sorry to hijack the post but what about guys like DMS which claim to liberate approx 10% more horses and torque? Anyone tried it and is it worth it on the 355? Main gripe is that the engine sleeps at anything below 5k rpm. Just want more low end torque.
I own a Dino and a 355 and have driven several 348's. IMHO, the 348 is the least exhilarating of the three to drive. The Dino is nowhere near the beast either of the other two cars are, but is a direct connection to the past and the suture of sports car driving. The 355 combines raw power with much of the finesse of the Dino, and all the mod cons, but is an absurdly expensive car to maintain if there is the slightest issue. In one year, the 355 has outdone the Dino 10 times over in expense over three years. I imagine the 348 would be slightly more reasonable. Driving wise, I dfound it closer to the 355 obviously, but just not with the ooooooooomph. When the roads are clean and perfect, and I'm in the mood for a spirited drive, I'm afraid the Dino is always my first choice, but I don't want to pile the miles on. It's as much fun at 65-70 on the twisty roads as the 355 is at 80-85, and sounds a lot better to these ageing ears. And, no cheese graters
Ah, thanks Scott. Sorry DonJuan, I obviously wasn't paying close enough attention. All the best, Andrew.
Once again, very interesting and insightful comments from the gang, thank you. All of these cars are great, each with their own distinct personalities and performance quirks. That's one reason why it's fun, IF you can, to own more than one at a time, or, as would likely be the case with me, own a few different cars over time just to experience the different "flavors". My problem now is, if anything, which flavor?? :-o
Your best bet is to drive them all, take your time, and then go with the one you like best, and also the one that you feel is the right one. When I was in the hunt, I was pressured away from the 348 but am glad that I stuck to "my" decision, not anyone else's. Good luck.
Started with a '75 Dino GT4, then a '77 308 GTB, '81 308 GTBi (what a turkey), a '83 GTS QV (reliable as a Honda) and now a '90 348TS. I always liked the personality of the 308 cars, however the available power seemed on the light side. Not so with the 348. With hyperflows, a Stebro exhaust, the right suspension setup.... the car is a thrill to drive everytime. Yeah it is more costly to own and there are a lot of horror stories about poor build quality, chronic "slow down/check engine" lights, exploding gearboxes, etc. Mine had good records, and following a major service it has been 100% reliable and 100% bi*chen. It is raw, loud, rough on bumpy roads..... certainly not as smooth as the 308's were. Drive several first. Shop around. Take your time. You won't regret the move.
