First Ferrari comparison: 328 vs 348

Hi Dave. I like both the 328s and the 348s. However, I would personally lean toward a 328 as it's known to be one of the easiest to service, reliable, and easy to live with of the classic V8 Ferraris. The cars have very few issues. The 348s are great cars as well, but don't seem to carry the same stellar reputation as the 328.

2cam

 

I have owned both and driven them extensively including track time. In my case, I had an 89 GTB and a 94 TB challenge. If I were to buy one again, I'd go with a 328. For starters, they are prettier and much easier/cheaper to live with. Handling wise, neither can hold a candle to newer cars but I found the 328 more enjoyable primarily because it was more predictable and communicative. Neither is likely to be a good investment after factoring in all the costs. Just buy the one you like and enjoy.

 

I've owned a 328 for 17+ years so take my $.02 with a grain of salt, but I'd buy a 328 before a 348.

1. Lower cost maintenance. You have to drop the engine in a 348 for a belt service, 328 can be done from the wheel well.
2. Classic design. IMO, still one of the best looking cars of the last 50 years.
3. The best of a 14 year model run. Everything they learned starting in 1976 got rolled into the 328.
4. Potential price appreciation? 348's have always been relatively unloved. 328's aren't and have never been.

The 348 will give you more performance for your $ though.

 

I’ve owned a 328 and now 355

I’d go 328 out of the cars you mention. Both 328 and 348 will feel old. That can be good and bad. 355 seemed to be the first car to not really feel old even today. 360 is also in same price bracket and will give you lots more interior room. 328 by far cheapest of all F-cars in Maint.

I’d go look at and experience a 355 first and even 360 then your answer in similar price brackets might be clearer. Do you a classic or more modern car. There are examples in all these with similar purchase prices.

Robb

 

I wanted a 355 when I bought the 328. Wanted one for years afterwards. Quit wanting one when I witnessed the maintenance costs from friends. I still think it's gorgeous.

 

How fast to you want to go?

 

Having to drop the 348 engine out does have a couple of advantages:

1) You can guarantee that the engine coolant was changed at the same time the belt was changed.
2) It gives the mechanic a great opportunity to check for issues on all of the engine, and fix them for less cost (removing the engine in a 348 is a piece of p:censored:ss compared with a 308/328! )


The advantages of the 348 over the 328 are:

1) Better performance - The 348 is noticeably faster than a 328.
2) Less body roll - The 348 sits flatter through the corners than a 328.
3) Better steering - As good as the 328's steering is, the 348 is noted for having some of the best, most direct steering Ferrari ever made.
4) A 348 will cost a lot less to by than a 328 - Leaving more money for running costs.

So based on all of that, and having owned a 348 TS, which one would I buy?: A 328 every time!

As much as I loved my 348, the 308/328 GTB/GTS series is simply the most beautiful design ever. It's perfect from every angle, and it's a truly iconic Ferrari!

(I missed out on owning a 328 GTS here in the UK because by the time I was ready to buy, the market took off, and £35K cars suddenly became £70K cars. The 348 market was slower to take off, and I just caught the market in time)

 

I think that the OP has stated before that he's had a '97 Viper. None of these are going to be "'97 Viper Fast".

2cam

 

I did a double take when I saw this thread pop up, you asked the question I've been mulling over for the past couple weeks!

I also fall into the camp where I like the 348, but keep getting drawn to the more classic 328/308 cars as well.


For me, a big part of my decision will come down to realistic cost of ownership. I know the engine out service of the 348 is going to run approx $4800-6000 according to a local trusted shop. Price for similar 3-5 year services on a 328? They said it "Should be" cheaper, but with the age of the cars you never know what you'll find when it gets to the shop. What parts are NLA or simply harder to find for the older cars? Is the performance gap going to feel much different between the 348 vs 328?

Lots of good questions, I'll be following this thread with great interest.

 

348 for me:

• 348 spider is a real convertible (vs "Targa" top on the 328)
• 348 spider was a lower production and more rare car (about 1,1xx or; not sure of the 328 but I suspect more)
• Subjectively, I prefer the strakes and sledgehammer looks vs the the more organic 328. Again, this is very subjective
• Performance: IMO, the 348 offers the perfect level of performance. I can drive at 4/10ths, 8/10ths or even in anger at 11/10ths, and always feel in control. Plus, it always is a thrill. The 328 in my experience, with the less open targa top, and slower pace, simply lacks the thrill factor (and the 360 is just too fast to drive at 11/10ths (or even 8/10ths))

I agree the maintenance costs are not for the faint of heart, but I suspect a 328 really isn't a Toyota either.

In the end, go with the one that appeals to you more on an emotional level. I suspect you will not regret it

 

My first Ferrari is a 348. I’ve owned it for 5 years now and I absolutely love it. Coming up on my first “engine out” and I’m not looking forward to the expense (especially her in California). Having said that, I wouldn’t trade it for a 328 or 308. I haven’t owned those two but drove them before I decided on the 348. In the 5 years I’ve owned the car my only expenses have been the annual fluids. Starts every time, never overheats and is a blast to drive. Quick enough for me too.
So that’s my 2 cents worth!

Ric

 

It's pretty darn close. I had a long time Ferrari mechanic call the 328 "The closest thing to a Toyota ever to come out of Italy."

 

Not starting a war here, but flak vest on nevertheless...

The performance of the 328 and 348 is exactly the same; I still have a german article at home (which, I think, is quoted in extension in "Autos, die Geschichte machten: die Ferrari 308 und 328 from Dirk-Michael Konradt) which attests of the disappointment of the press at the arrival of the 348 on the market, saying that they had been waiting for a new Ferrari for almost 14 years (= 1975 to 1989), to discover a car that indeed was more powerful by 30 hp, but also heavier by 70 kilos, which completly negates the gain in power, as the power to weight ration is...exactly the same.

Comparing exactly indentical models (328 GTB vs 348 TB) and measuring all acceleration and pick-up, their conclusion was that, up to 160 kph (= 100 mph) there was absolutely no difference whatsoever in performance beteween the two cars in acceleration or pick-up, and that, being lighter, the 328 was in fact a trifle quicker. Only above 160 kph / 100 mph did the 348 had a slight margin. Their conclusion was that the overall better performer was in fact the 328.

That being said...the question of performance is rather academic nowadays. The true difference in performance would be between a 328 (or a 348) and a 355. But the 355 costs are not for the faint hearted.

Regarding maintenance costs: I have two 328s in the garage, a '89 GTB (bought in September 2008) and a '89 GTS (bought in January 2011): yes a well sorted 328 is probably the cheapest Ferrari you can find maintenance-wise.
Outside normal maintenance operation, I have not encountered the slightest trouble (ah yes: a broken exhaust pipe on rear manifold of the GTB on December 31st this year...)
Providing that you always keep in mind that these cars were built in small series, so nothing is granted, and that you might always have some unexpected trouble, so its is useful to keep a cushion of, let's say, about 5 grands if needed.

In the end, it gets down to personal preference; Try both, then buy the one that floats you boat.

Rgds

 

If you read my 355 history it would extra reinforce your opinion.

 

The only thing I didn't like about my 348 was car wash time. All those slats on the sides and louvers on the engine cover were really a pain to deal with.

 

I have a 328GTS with interesting history and multiple Platinum awards. I'm thinking of selling due to my age (94). [email protected] if you are interested. And yes, the reputation of the 328 is far better than the 348.

 

I can never understand the big negative about having to drop the 348 engine. It was designed to be dropped. It makes everything else which may be overlooked easy to access change etc, while out. As to op's question, it's a difficult one. The last of the classic 308 shapes, or the last of the old school Enzo era cars? Tough one.

 

my vote is the 328. not because i have ever owned one, but because i had a 348ts, and it was the worst car i have ever owned.

 

God bless you man. I just lost my mother at 95. It wasn't her time. but hospitals have turned into killing fields for the elderly. I'll say more later. My advice is to get a concierge doctor to represent you.

 

I hope that (if I make it to 95), I'm still driving exotics. Well done, my friend!

If the shifting is getting to you...... try a 360 F1. They are pretty cool and does some of the work for us!

I have had a Euro 308QV and a 348. Loved them both. Tracked, hillclimbed, trips, everything. The 348 was a serious step forward. I have always done a lot of my own services. The 308 was a dawdle. The 348 was a PIA. Getting that engine out with jack stands is a chore. Dealers hit you with a book labor charge of 20 hours in/out. That is BS. Myself and a buddy could get it out in 3 and back in 3.5.

 

Cheese grater...

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you are my hero !
i will definitely be sending this to my dad. he is 80 now, and still going strong. i tell him he needs to stay limber and strong so he can drive all our cars!