Buying help yes again 348 or 355 and more

Drive a 348 first. Then drive a hard top 355 (as that sounds like what you really want). If you want the higher effort steering in the 355, there are a couple of options. You can de-power the stock rack, replace it with a manual rack (requires steering shaft as well) or put a challenge rack in. I like the 355 steering as it weights up nicely when the car is pushed yet is easy to drive at slow speeds and isn't hard work in normal driving. Where are you located? Somebody may be able to help you out with trying a hard top.

If you have any plans of doing track days, don't buy a convertible. Many groups won't allow them on track without a cage and they are heavier and more flexible.

 

in every other department besides the rear end looks, the 348 wins hand down...... the stiff 2nd gear when cold irritates me from time to time in the 348....besides that, the 355 will make you wonder while driving, " is this how a Ferrari should drive"? trust me you don't want that thought.....

ps: if i had a choice, and in that choice there is an opportunity to get an SS, i'll jump at it....

 

There are a few other departments the 348 loses in, hands down at that:

0-60
1/4 et and trap
top speed
Fiorano lap time
braking distance
weight

Well, basically any measurable performance metric. It's also less comfortable. Tbh, the only place a 348 may actually be considered superior is in steering feel and looks, and both are subjective (and I disagree with both). By every single objective measure, the 355 is a better car but then it should be as it's newer.

Op, if you truly can't decide, buy the 348 as it'll probably be cheaper (if not in purchase price, then maybe in long term maintenance costs) and there's no point spending more money for a 355 if you don't actually like the car more.

 

People who think the 355's steering lacks feel aren't driving it quickly enough.

 

Your review of how you arrived at this decision struck me because it is basically the opposite of what lead me to my first F car, a 348. When I decided to get an F car I looked strongly at both these models but was really concerned with the perceived 355 issues you note. What really swayed me was the past feelings I had for the 348 model. I remember how much I liked it when it was introduced and the day I was standing in a Ferrari dealership on the opposite side of the country from my home saying to myself I want one of these cars (I bought a brochure that day and still have it). First impressions are hard to ignore so don't discount your inner feelings. With that said I have looked at that black SS hear on the board and wow that is nice ride. You have a tough decision to make but you will be happy I am sure whichever way you go. Good luck.

 

Sorry, compared to my 308 and my Boxster my 355 steering feels very dead on center. There is no doubt that the power steering in the Boxster is the best of the 3. Good recovery and good road feel with just the right amount of effort. The 308 is very good as well, except at low speed or if you really need to put some wheel into it. 355, well it does go where you point it but there isn't a lot of feedback compared to the other 2 cars. It's more like a BMW except a BMW has better feel.

Anyway, a little off topic. As was posted, drive the cars and see how you feel about each. Remember you can't see what it looks like when you are driving.

 

I owned a 348 for 6+ yrs and now have 355. they are both nice cars but I do like driving the 355 better. performance, comfort, etc is much better in the 355. and I like having the power assist steering. been on the track in both.
355 is better for me.... guess it just comes down to what works for you.
wasn't the steering that bothered me with the 348 it was the seats, the shift mechanism, the A/C, the water leaks in the targa, etc.. most of which was minor, but I don't have those problems with the 355.

 

If you have the funds and get a car with issues addressed (its bronze valve guides), the 355 Berlinetta 6-speed manual is the way to go. I love my 348SS but this is a very personal choice and not one many would share. I have driven both cars and I love the way the 348SS handles and it is essentially as quick as a 355, after my mods, within the speeds I drive.

The greatest differences are that the 355 generates more power higher in the rev range, requiring you to spin the engine up to get it versus the 348 motor and the 6-speed gear box. Hard to beat the wail of a 355 at red line too. The suspensions are different in that the 348 is harder, especially if you are in an SS with the kevlar seats and swapping the 17" wheels for 18's.

It is considerably lower tech than the 355, but then it isn't as finnicky in terms of repairs or failures. As for appearance, well, it's pretty hard to say the 355 is not drop dead gorgeous while the 348SS is harder and more aggressive looking. Some say it appears more dated while the 355 is timeless. To each their own.

Given the price point I'd look for a good 355 GTB right now. That, to me, is the enthusiast's choice. The SS is not for everyone, nor is it the collector's item we owners wished. It might be at some point and if you are going to own a 348, it might as well be an SS or Challenge model. The 355, on the other hand, is universally recognized for its design and performance as iconic. Also it's the last V-8 model made by hand, the 360 going robotic. It is also the most techincal in terms of engineering with its 8 throttle bodies, 60 valves and exhaust by-pass.

 

If you buy the black 348SS. You won't be disappointed. The SS is bad a$$ in black. I've owned my SS for 12 years and will never sell it. However, I would consider 95 355 to add to the mix. 348 is a raw car (like Enzo liked it). 355 lends itself to the hair style crowd. Also, a 348 with test pipes and a Kreissieg exhaust is nearly the same sound as a 355 (I have proof in my garage).

 

This.


It feels perfect on a twisty road and beyond perfect on a track.

 

If the F355 has stock exhaust or Tubi, yes. If the F355 has Capristo/Kreissieg/Mille Miglia,MS Racing/Gruppe M, no.

 

Agree! F355 with any of those has demonic sound but clean and pure at the same time.
348 doesn't have the same shriek.

 

Drive them both and see which feels better. Feel is the key as everyone here knows a C6 corvette will roast both models in most cases. I used to own a C6, now I have a 348. It is my opinion that speed is fun, but only up to a point and herculean acceleration and top end are certainly not worth the expense of an exciting, visceral, and "plugged in" feel. IMO, of course. The first time I drove a 348, I knew it was for me, and there was no question. You'll easily know which speaks to you more if you pay close attention.

They are both "old" cars, so go into this with your eyes wide open and try not to be under the prancing horse ether. You have to love the car for its quirks and relative uniqueness. For instance, I love the shift feel of the 348, something many complain about. I am very proud of my ability to navigate the gates swiftly and smoothly as that is something that must be earned.

So, don't worry about which is "better". A 996 911 is a fantastic car, faster and stickier than the 993, but if you put a 993 in front of me I'm going to take it every time (though I know that's not exactly an unpopular opinion). It's all very personal, so choose your own path.

My .02

 

Happy to help in what ever way I did. Good luck Dave...Enjoy her. The smile never stops.

 

Congrats! Good choice!

 

Grigio Titanio, mmmmmmm.

 

Looking good!

 

Congrats!