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Deciding between a Jalpa and a 308 GTB QV

Discussion in 'LamborghiniChat.com' started by Borbone, Jul 3, 2013.

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  1. Borbone

    Borbone Rookie

    Jul 2, 2013
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    Pacific Palisades, California
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    Johnny Borbone
    #1 Borbone, Jul 3, 2013
    Hi all,

    Let me briefly introduce myself, as I am new to the forum. My name is Johnny, and I am hoping to buy a new toy with the help of this forum.

    I posted earlier to gather some information about both the 308 and 355 (I know that they’re in completely different leagues, but I gave a detailed explanation behind my reasoning in the post ☺), although I am realizing that the 355 is somewhat unrealistic due to the fact that it is nearly impossible to get insured as someone in their mid 20s.

    So, my main and seemingly only confliction now is the decision between a 308 QV and a Jalpa. I know there is already a thread for this, but it pretty much just covered the feel and enjoyment of each, opposed to the actual usability and everyday reliability. Let me preface the reliability comments by confirming that I am familiar with the needs of a 25+ year old car (I currently own an ’89 Alfa Spider, ’86 Porsche 944, and ’72 Porsche 914 track car).

    For the Fezza, I am already aware of the belt changes, the iffy electric windows, cooling system issues, needing to change the transaxel oil, and the frequent cv joint and axel seal services. As for the baby lambo though, the maintenance related issues and costs that I’m finding are limited, including the engine mounts, clutch, and rust (thanks dpospres for that info).

    Anyway, if anyone else has some more knowledge about what a comparison would be like to own either, put about 10k miles on it a year, and track it about 5 times a year, any additional information would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!
    Johnny B
     
  2. ken qv

    ken qv Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2006
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    Ken Roberson
    #2 ken qv, Jul 4, 2013
    Not having owned either please allow me to chime in with an outsiders look. I would guess that it is a much safer bet that the Ferrari would be much more user friendly and much easier to maintain due to parts and production numbers. The Jalpa was very limited and even a few members here with great experience and devotion had problems keeping theirs reliable whereas i knew a 308 owner that would use his car as a daily driver to work all summer long.........rain or shine and it never failed.
     
  3. ralfabco

    ralfabco Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 1, 2002
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    #3 ralfabco, Jul 4, 2013
    You should look at an older Porsche 911, if you want to track the car. With the 911, you will have all the parts, options and information you want. Nobody tracks a Jalpa. Some Jalpa parts are difficult to locate. I cannot imagine you will find a lot of people who are tracking a 308. The 355 is expensive to maintain.


    911 is the best choice to track.
     
  4. Borbone

    Borbone Rookie

    Jul 2, 2013
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    Pacific Palisades, California
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    Johnny Borbone
    #4 Borbone, Jul 4, 2013
    Hi Ken,

    Thanks so much for the outsider's opinion. I actually have the same thread going on the 308 forum, and Geno (owner of both cars) was able to give me some very helpful pros/cons about owning both. Everything that was said supports what you are getting about in regards tot he 308 being very reliable mechanically in comparison to the Jalpa.

    Thanks so much for the response and advice! I really appreciate it!

    -Johnny B
     
  5. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
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    Sep 1, 2010
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    Alberto Mantovani
    #5 Albert-LP, Jul 4, 2013
    The Ferrari is better reliable, but if then you just consider reliability, you should buy a Porsche 911 and none of the two (old) Italians. So do not forget the reliability issue, but take what do you like most.

    ciao
     
  6. Borbone

    Borbone Rookie

    Jul 2, 2013
    19
    Pacific Palisades, California
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    Johnny Borbone
    #6 Borbone, Jul 4, 2013
    ralfabco -

    Thank you so much for the advice! I totally agree with you that a 964 or 930 would be much "smarter" options. Still, I currently own a 944 and 914 that are both prepped (914 with a full cage so it isn't even road legal) so I'm really not looking for another Stuttgart machine in the garage right now, even if it is a much more capable 911.

    In addition to the 355 being very expensive to maintain, it also isn't an option anymore due to insurance issues.

    Although I totally agree with you about the 911, I think I would rather take the risk and be slightly illogical to add another Italian to the collection :)
     
  7. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
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    Alberto Mantovani
    #7 Albert-LP, Jul 4, 2013
    Yes, i own an old 911 and i think it's very close to be the best car ever produced, but it has not an exciting and outrageous shape like an italian supercar of the age.

    We italians were not able to make a perfect car like an air cooled 911 but we did a lot of very good looking supercars! :)

    ciao
     
  8. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
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    Alberto Mantovani
    #8 Albert-LP, Jul 4, 2013
    i would complete the Porsche lineup: you lack the best Porsche ever produced, the 911.
    :)

    ciao
     
  9. Borbone

    Borbone Rookie

    Jul 2, 2013
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    Johnny Borbone
    #9 Borbone, Jul 4, 2013
    You are very right about that! I am definitely still considering a 911, as it is absolutely one of the best cars in the world, and definitely the best I have driven to date :)
     
  10. AIR4C 1

    AIR4C 1 Formula Junior

    May 3, 2005
    684
    Calgary, Alberta
    #10 AIR4C 1, Jul 5, 2013
    I have owned and 85 Jalpa, 85 308 QV Euro spec, and an 87 328.

    The Jalpa is/was a far more fun car to drive and listen to. The sense of Occasion in the Jalpa is way more significant than the F cars. I didn't have trouble with the Jalpa at all and found it to be extremely reliable.
    They are well made, reliable cars if used properly and maintained. Far more robust than the F cars.
    The Jalpa represents a fantastic value in the Exotic car world and the rarity is a bonus.
    The F cars are lovely, fun and enjoyable to own, but they are not a Lambo and in my mind, Lambo is king.
    My two boys still favor that Jalpa as one of their favorite cars.! I wouldn't hesitate owning another and if I wasn't happy could find a 308/355 at the next cars and coffee in whatever color or configuration I wanted...

    Just sayin.
     
  11. Peter K.

    Peter K. F1 Rookie
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    Jan 9, 2004
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    #11 Peter K., Jul 5, 2013
    I have a p250 Urraco. Listen to the guys above.
     
  12. CK7684

    CK7684 Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2011
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    #12 CK7684, Jul 7, 2013
    I happened to notice that there is an article about using a 328 as a track car in Grassroots Motorsports magazine...
     
  13. Olivier NAMECHE

    Olivier NAMECHE F1 Veteran

    Aug 18, 2007
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    #13 Olivier NAMECHE, Jul 8, 2013
    I've owned both and both were disappointing to me.

    I sold the 308 quickly after the Garage Francorchamps "killed me" for the 1st major service... and I traded the Jalpa for a 928 GT much more fun to drive with all the torque in low rpm...
     
  14. cdlambo

    cdlambo Rookie

    Sep 30, 2012
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    Missouri
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    Russ
    #14 cdlambo, Jul 8, 2013
    I currently own a jalpa and '97 911 and previously have had a 308. The main consideration is access to a mechanic, after a previous bad experience with a now out of business lambo service center, my current mechanic takes the service experience a pleasure. As far as driveability, I drive the jalpa at least 4 days weekly and I must admit it turns more heads and sounds and drives incredible. If you have access to service for all makes, then decide by what puts the biggest smile on your face when you turn the key... enjoy life!
     
  15. rovingtravler

    rovingtravler Formula Junior

    Feb 2, 2004
    309
    Clovis, NM
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    David
    #15 rovingtravler, Jul 12, 2013
    I have owned both and I still own 3 jalpas and got rid of my 308 QV a long time ago.

    Besides tune ups I have not had to replace or repair a single item on either of my current drivers.

    They were both completely restored so any issued were fixed. The problem with the 308 and the Jalpa is the price of entry. Everyone things they can afford the car and it is not until they have to fix it that they realize they are in over their head.

    If you get a well sorted Jalpa or 308 you will be happy. I did not like having to pull the engine of the F car to check and or replace timing and cam belts. My Jalpa (411) had the timing done in 2005. I Just had it checked and it was so close the mech was amazed it had not jumped or moved in 8 years and over 7,000 miles.

    If you want to know more send me a PM. I will say I am privately willing to sell my other Jalpa car 382, but Peter, Raymond and others can support my claims about the Jalpa.
     

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