What would you choose and why?

I got a 308 GTB as my first fezza 15 years ago. Why? Because that was what "a real Ferrari" looked like when I grew up. It was THE poster Ferrari for me in the late 70's and early 80's. I'm not a fan of the 400's and the 308 Dino, but that's me. I'm not much of a DIY, so if that goes for you as well, make sure to find a good shop and find a good car. It might cost a little more, but if you want to enjoy it, don't get a clunker. It will only ruin the experience and be expensive.

Get what makes you happy and forget about resale and depreciation.

Good luck with the hunt.

 

That's why I come to the experts for their feedback....
I saw a 308 gtb and the seating position was not what I had in mind; too low and tight when I compare it to my 2+2 E-type; but I could get used to later on!
I assume the 400 and the dino Gt4 do not have the same seating tightness!
Besides, both the tourer and the gt4 are wolf (in this case a prancing horse) in sheep clothing 👌
Have not seen any 365/400 in manual; all auto.

 

The GT4 is definitely roomier than the GTB and GTS. More headroom and and a larger feeling cabin. Still small by modern standards, but noticeably bigger than the two-seaters.

The GT4 does have the cooler dashboard of the 308 series also.

 

You are correct re the seating position re your comparison,I've had experience with an E coupe,it has more room than the GTB.

The seats in the 308 GT4,however,are quite small,they may even be smaller than the GTS,though big enough for my bargea$% to enjoy the car to it's fullest.

Having said all of my contribution..............................................................................





















there is NUTHIN' like the sound of a front engined Ferrari at full noise!!!!!

 

Your numbers are so far off that I'd almost think you weighed these cars on Jupiter. The very best lb/hp ratio of a 308 using published numbers is still a bit over 13lb/hp (carbed GTB 3159 lbs/240hp). Considering you used a comma and periods in your post, I'd find it hard to believe you left out the decimal twice (in which case 10.1 lbs and 10.5 lbs would still be drastically wrong).

Perhaps you shouldn't be so bold ("false claim..." etc.) if you are going to post something so stupid.

 

4 doors? I have 4 Ferrari doors, but I have two Ferraris.

 

You never heard of the Ferrari of Jupiter Dealership?

I did miss the decimal point, thanks for pointing that out.
Poor math aside, my point was that a 400 Ferrari has a better power to weight ratio than a 308 Ferrari.

 

Yes, they stock most of their spares there.

 

Thus the reason that prices are astronomical!

 

I think I'd go 308, not the Gt4, and not 400. Find the best you can afford and go enjoy it..

 

Thanks for taking my acidic comment with a good nature and for the clever response.

 

The list is now minimized to 308 and 400. However, since the 400 came with 3 speed GM automatic transmission is it "plug and play" with different tranny without any modifications (either manual or automatic)?
I did lots of reading in the 365/400 posts but did not come across any unfortunately.
The 308 is a classic as well; yet the seating as I mentioned is my concern. But it can be overlooked and compromised.
I was talking to a friend the other day and he is "don't worry about spare parts; 3d printing is the future of securing obsolete parts."

 

Tell him to 3dprint you both complete cars then.

 

Never had one but vote 365.

 

Hello Tony; You were correct in pointing out my math error/s & the seemingly hypocritical nature of my reply due in part to those errors.

I believe in personal accountability, you were right, too bad more users of this form don't follow suit.

 

Exactly. Realistically, it's unlikely you're going to be taking long enough drives for the ergonomics to become truly painful. I envisioned doing 500-mile drives in my 328 when I bought it 3 years ago, but the reality is that the longest drives I've done have been two hours or so (albeit mountain roads - not highways).

 

A used 308 was my first.
It was the logical and emotional choice and have never questioned the decision since. Even after its been long gone.
I'd pick it again.

 

Ferrari's don't have 4 doors so no problem.

Power to weight numbers mean little. A 308 will leave a 400 like it is chained to a tree.

GT4 is a great car. Faster and better handling than any of the carbed 308 GTB/S versions.

 

Well, this should stur up some excitement! Have my chair pulled up and popcorn in hand! LOL

 

Mind if I join 👋

 

To the OP's list.

Personally, I love the 400. Always have. So when I took the plunge, I had to get a 400i 5-speed manual. The automatics wouldn't interest me at all--it saps the liveliness of the motor. The 5-speed is a completely different animal. I also love the look of these cars.

Regarding the 308 GT4, this has always been one of my favorites. Not because it's a 4-seater but because I LOVE the Bertone styling...being a Bertone car makes it unique among Ferraris. I think it's significant as the first V8 mid-engine car. It's long been regarded as the best handling of the 308 cars.....AND I just love the dash.

Now for the 308 GTS/GTB. I must say, while they embody Ferrari, they've never been a favorite of mine. I don't really like the curves nor the super long front and rear overhangs. I like the GTB better visually than the GTS, but I do admit I like the feeling of the top off while being in side the car.

Personally, I had to get the V12. A front engine Enzo-era V12 with a manual transmission is an extremely special car. The engine sound is to die for, and having the rear seats is great when travelling with the kids. They can experience the Ferrari "il suono magico" also. If you do seriously consider a 400i or 412, I highly recommend only sampling a 5-speed. (By the way I'm not a huge fan of the 412 due to the wheels and the redesigned rear deck.) Finding a 400GT (carbed 5-speed) will be a tough thing because there are only 2 or 3 in the USA from what I understand and only 147 made at all, so that's a hard one to find. The 365 GT4 2+2 is another consideration.

I would rank them accordingly.

400i 308 GT4
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308 GTS/GTB


Not to mention that everyone now thinks 308s are worth the moon now that LdM left Ferrari and they may become the next 206/246 Dino. They still are oddly styled in my opinion.


But, I'm going to shoot out from left field on this one. I'd also consider a good Mondial Coupe. Now, while the wheelbase looks long, I've always loved the simpler front nose and the rear end. I would avoid the 2v cars (Mondial 8) but consider a Mondial QV (308QV drivetrain), a Mondial 3.2 (328 drivetrain) or a Mondial T (348 drivetrain).

Note that there are styling differences between the QV cars and the 3.2/T cars....and even the T is slightly different in door handles and fender flares (or lack thereof).

Anyway, good luck. Regarding the 400/412, I leave you with this. Now how can you not love that....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikT2_lyLdQ0

 

This.

In over 35 years of being a car enthusiast, I keep coming back to the 308/328 as the definitive Ferrari road car. Not the fastest, not the most valuable, but the ideal blend of vintage charm and modern driveability. 308, more vintage; 328, slightly more modern-ish. But either way I've always thought it was an amazing coincidence that they happen to be among the cheaper Ferraris to own and run. My 328 was exotic, and at the same time as reliable as the GTI that I drove in college.

Give me triple the budget needed to get a 308/328 and there's still nothing close, IMHO. When you get into F40 or Daytona money, then sure... there's a decision. But for high five figures there's nothing else on my radar. All the other poster cars have already gone into orbit: Countach? Forget it. Porsche 930? Six figures for a nice one. Boxer? Gone.

Even with the 308/328 market being pretty strong this winter, these cars are the best deal in classic European sports cars right now.

 

For triple the budget of a 308, you would not consider a 512TR "close"?

I would consider it Far Superior!

 

Right on the spot!
I told my wife to get the last three you mentioned for my birthday (diecast models of course); I hope it won't be in 1:43 scale just like the VW bust type 1 (which I like too)
I'm surprised that the market still strong for the 3x8, a long term investment?

 

Now you are making it more difficult for me choose.
However, any idea of tranny swap for an automatic 400?