348 vs 355

Unless you have money to burn, are really mechanical or extremely patient, we'd love to have you in the 348 Brotherhood. There's a decent 1994 Challenge that will be available soon here.

 

The 328 will be cheapest to maintain and the 'safer' option in terms of potential high cost breakdowns. BUT depending on the model you go for (for a 328 I would look at nothing less that a late 89 model) performance and thrill factor will be the same if not poorer than your GT4, which mechanically is almost identical, so it will be the same car just different clothes all be it a beautifully dressed lady !!!!

The 348 and 355 are much much better performers (big jump in HP, braking and suspension technology etc) and closer in design to the modern Ferrari's with the rear longitudinal engine etc. A good 328 and average 348 are much the same price. A average/good 355 will be a bit more but not allot. At least in Oz.

I bought a 348ts 4 years ago now after spending most of my time looking at 328 GTS (89 model post July build date). The reason was that I found I just got allot more car for very similar money and way more performance thrills with the 348ts. The 355 is also a lovely car but its a more complicated beast with more things to watch out for but a great car none the less.

The absolute KEY to either is to do you homework learn about the strengths/weaknesses of each model and buy carefully scrutinising any/all paperwork wit the car checking its history thoroughly !!?!?

Should be plenty of info comparing the 348 to the 355 on this forum as the 348/355 guys are always at each others throats hammer n tongs about why theirs is the better car so just read and learn (and laugh a little).

 

The 355 is probably the riskiest of the three reliability wise. You absolutely have to do your homework before buying one where the other two are more forgiving. Of course, it's also significantly faster than the others and one of the best looking Ferraris ever made (IMO), but it does come at a price.

Drive the two local cars and see if you prefer one or the other, then get that car checked out thoroughly by an expert, particularly if it's the 355.

 

Of these 3, 355 hands down

 

Here we go....

 

Listen to what has been said above, good advice all. I, like you, was checking all three models before I got my 348 just over a year ago. I got it and haven't looked back (It came from Gilbert by the way). I was somewhat biased toward the 348 because I liked them from the time they came out. Do the comparison drive because that will tell you a lot about how you feel about the model. When you get close to purchase get it checked out before you pull the trigger. You have several great options in this regard in the Phoenix area and I would suggest you check out Andy Falbo at FMS in Fountain Hills. He is really great to work with and knows each of these models top to bottom.

 

While there are more features on the 355 and some say this is merely more to go wrong, I suspect reliability is tied more to how the car was treated and maintained than to which model it is.

I would concentrate instead on figuring out which features you like between the two:

• Angular features vs. Curves.
• Side strakes vs. Plain doors.
• Manual steering vs. Power-assisted.
• Simple suspension vs. Semi-active.
• etc...

Once you've decided (to buy a 348 ), look for the car in the best condition you can find. In many ways the 348 and 355 are different and in many ways they are the same car... each have had owners of great examples and nightmare examples posting on the forum. Just buy the style you like, remember that condition (not "conditioner", 355 folks ) is king, and do a PPI. Good luck!

Seriously though, I would love to own either car. I just love the 348 more.

All the best,
Andrew (full disclosure: not yet a Ferrari owner).

 

Rarely a truer word spoken on this forum.

1. Try them all.
2. Choose the one you like the most.
3. Buy the best example you can afford.

Enjoy!

 

Just what I was thinking...

 

The question is, "why do you ask?"; each of these cars answer to different needs and/or desires. We need much more info from you first.

 

People always get into relative values. Here is what is happening in OZ
I think something similar is slowly happening in the USA.

quote from this thread:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/143149297-post42.html

 

All potential F355 buyers should read this first, https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/447037-helpful-information-those-search-355-a.html

 

One good reason for buying a 348 is this site: My Ferrari 348
If you were planning to do some DIY.

 

That 348 sounds like a very good candidate. The 355? Not so much since, as per your description, it's been neglected. Still, that doesn't negate another 355 though.

Performance-wise (according to the specs) I downgraded when I sold my Crossfire SRT6 for the 348 (SRT6 specs with the 355) but in the real world (off-track) there's not much perceived difference.

 

I bought mine last September and it's a needs-nothing car, well maintained with a full service/maintenance history. It's had some repairs during its 24 years but nothing major (alt repair, partially clogged exhaust, a/c blower controller, both ECU controllers).

Last full engine-out service was in September 2009 and I'm looking forward to the next, as a DIY project, in a few months or so.

So far I've done nothing to the car other than drive and wash.

Oh, added rear wheel 25mm spacers as well.

 

Fun and simple, all sports car! Very easy to live with except it sits lower than my SRT6 and Mondial so front bumper scrapes are a concern. Jacking the car to remove the wheels (cleaning etc.) can be a PIA due to the car being so low as well. Otherwise, that's it.

Although I do appreciate the 355 for what it is it's never been on my radar. For some reason, I just don't connect with it so no desire at all.

 

I have three questions:

1. What's the status on your GT4? (Assuming 308 GT4)
2. Is it for sale?
3. How can I sell my 355 in Australia for that kind of crazy money? ($AUD 249,000 is about $232,000 USD. I have no plans to sell my car but I would sell it all day for that and find a dozen more to sell. How difficult is it to export a car to Australia?)

 

Even though it's an extremely rare RHD Competizione, and supposedly the only one in Australia (again, RHD), I think they're being very optimistic, price-wise.