First Ferrari comparison: 328 vs 348 | Page 2 | FerrariChat

First Ferrari comparison: 328 vs 348

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by A12pilot, Mar 14, 2019.

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  1. LightGuy

    LightGuy Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Oct 4, 2004
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    Both are going to be "slow" per today's standards.
    I would have assumed the 348 performance would be better though.
    If not, as described above, hands down choose a 328. I did all the maintenance on my 308. Easy, cheap and fun.

    Unless you want a convertible.
     
  2. jjmalez

    jjmalez F1 Veteran
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    Apr 8, 2005
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    A major difference that has only been brought up once I believe, is this. Money. And lots of it.

    328's are priced significantly higher than 348's. But If you love the "cheese grater" styling of the Testarossa, and really, who doesn't? Go with the 348.

    But f you want an iconic sports car with a timeless design, the 328 is the one.

    IMHO
     
  3. spider348

    spider348 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
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    Having owned (between my late Father and I)many of the models from 246 Dino to my current 360 spider. With an early TR in between!
    My impressions:
    Late 348s are faster than 328s if that is a factor in your decision. Ferraris published data clearly illustrates that point. Fiorano lap times for 328GTB 1:44 for 348TB 1:37. 348 is a bit harder to handle at it's higher limits. Both slow compared to more modern Ferraris as has been mentioned.
    There is no comparison between Top Down experience in the 348 compared to the 328 targa. Targa is a compromise, 348 is a true convertible.
    Major service in a 328 is far easier. 348 engine out is not as bad as it sounds but still considerably more costly(In my case I did my own, far more time)
    On the flip side, clutch change in a 348 is far easier!
    328/308 are very reliable, 348 not as reliable but still a pretty solid Ferrari. My 355 required far more service up front but once sorted, was rock solid! A friend had a Euro 328 with 95k miles. Just as strong as a 20k mile example!
    As has been mentioned, 328 command a higher purchase price due to strong market demand. 348 has been underrated for years, hence lower cost to purchase.
     
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  4. A12pilot

    A12pilot Formula Junior
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    Thanks for all your comments, guys. It really helps! Good both models.

    Cheers
    Dave
     
  5. jjmalez

    jjmalez F1 Veteran
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    My only pet peeve on each model;

    328 - non adjustable steering wheel/angle.
    348 - upside down motorized seat belts.

    IMHO
     
  6. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
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    Actually, the steering wheel on 308s and 328s can be adjusted up or down. But you have to loosen a couple of bolts on the steering column to do it. In my case, I also added a one inch extension on the 328 wheel. The seating position in 308s is different enough I did not need that modification for that car.
     
  7. nerofer

    nerofer F1 World Champ

    Mar 26, 2011
    11,968
    FRANCE
    Another side to that question is: "buy the car you really want". I don't know about the United States markets, but here in France for the price of a nice 328, you can have a 430, or a 360, or a 355, or a 348 (and some change left), and I have knowledge of some 550s actually sold at the same price level. If you have really one car in your mind, buy that one; you will always regret it if you don't. If you hesitate, well, then it's different: try the cars you are hesitating between before deciding. But usually, most potential buyers have really ONE car in their mind and that is the one they need.

    Rgds
     
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  8. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    Feb 28, 2004
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    Yeah I agree, nice versions of multiple models are hovering in the same range. 60-85

    So it’s more a case of which car ticks all your buttons.

    Some will be happier with less maintenance and some will want more speed, others would like more canon room.

    Go experience them all and go shopping for what gets you excited.

    Robb
     
  9. MonsterCro

    MonsterCro Formula Junior

    Mar 4, 2014
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    Agree. I have owned both and found out that the 348 ended being a Ferrari I wish I never owned. Total disappointment, couldn't get rid of it quick enough. I found the 328 to be a better driving experience. My 308QV Euro I find it to be the best out of the 3x8 series. I don't drive for the speed its for the enjoyment and relaxation
     
  10. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 31, 2006
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    Back at ya... what would you choose? But then, they're really apples and oranges (348 Spider and 328 GTS).
     
  11. DIGMAN52

    DIGMAN52 F1 Rookie
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    Jan 30, 2004
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    You are welcome. $32k in 3 years was a pretty tough nut.
     
  12. Ak Jim

    Ak Jim F1 Veteran
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    Dec 23, 2007
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    Very interesting thread. After reading it id have to say the 348 is a polarizing car! It's either love or hate.
     
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  13. steved033

    steved033 F1 Veteran
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    Apr 12, 2017
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    348 - not if you get an '89 or a Canadian or Euro car. They're pretty much all eligible for import now.

    I'll chime in as being like A12. I'm a muscle car guy, too. I've got a '71 Plymouth GTX in the other side of the garage. I adore my 348. I'm also 6'3" and needed the steering wheel spacer in the 348 to clear my legs.

    I did my own major. After having screwed around with almost every other kind of car for years, I had no trouble with it, and fixing the "while I'm in there" stuff transformed the car. I love my 348. It's really surprisingly simple.

    sjd
     
  14. Surfari

    Surfari Karting

    Nov 4, 2016
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    The cars offer a totally different experience. Seriously. The only way to make a decision is to drive a nice example of each. You'll know which one you prefer. I looked at 328's and 355's before I bought my 348. In person, I think the 348 has more presence than the 328. (they both have near perfect proportions, though). For me, it was the updated seating position/ergonomics and the telepathic steering that put me in the 348. The 328 is raw, but the 348 is raw and refined (for an old Italian car). Also, the 328 was before my time so maybe there is something subconscious going on. But I promise, you can't make this decision without a drive in both. Buy whichever one that makes your heart say "I need this".
     
  15. pbaron89

    pbaron89 Karting

    May 17, 2013
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    ive had a 328 and 348.. like picking your favorite kid the search is half the fun.. look for the best deal on the car that meets you criteria for miles/color/condition. and drive one of each.. i purchased an 88 Mondial and unloaded it off the delivery truck - and was like what the hell with driving this car.. no power steering! the belts on the 348 are very cheesy / cheap. My thoughts are the 328 is more like the last ferrari classic car.. and the 348 with the styling change is the first of the newer style / more modern ferraris.. performance is not really there with either, but both are amazing to experience. keep searching and when you see the car you want, you will know it !
     
  16. Zanny1

    Zanny1 Formula Junior
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    My sentiments exactly. The 348TS I had was a nickle and dime you to death car. The 308 QV and 328 were as reliable as a chevy. I wouldn't have another 348 as a gift.
     
  17. spider348

    spider348 Formula 3

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    On the flip side, my prior 348 spider was more reliable than my 355 spider, 308 and my current 360 spider!
     
  18. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    I chose the 348 as my first Ferrari. The only regret I have is I didn't buy it sooner :D
     
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  19. Enzojr

    Enzojr F1 World Champ

    Dec 12, 2013
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    My first was a 1987 328 GTS, I loved that car.
    They are going up in value, you won’t get in real trouble with one, and they handle great at 155 mph in a straight line.
    I had sellers remorse for 13 years and got my 355 over 5 years ago.
    Did my engine out major last year, with to much while you are in there ..........
    I quit counting at $17 K, being single I can get away with that.
    Any 328 maintenance today seems real cheap to me, I tracked mine a couple days and it held up fine.
    Drive them both, and the decision will be easier.
    Pick 5 common maintenance items and price them out for both cars.
     
  20. A12pilot

    A12pilot Formula Junior
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    These are really great points, and I appreciate all the input. I’ve settled on one 348 that is owned by a good friend who’s had it for 8yrs, and a 328 that’s been maintained very well. For me, that 348 was what drew me to the Ferrari world since I love that cheese-grater slats and true convertible. Next month I’ll decide for sure.

    Cheers
    Dave
     
  21. mclaudio

    mclaudio Formula 3

    Dec 13, 2003
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    Hope you get a chance to drive both back to back...and try to drive a couple of times. When I first test drove Ferraris (coming from Porsches), my real appreciation of Ferrari driving experiences came at or after the second drives when I became more comfortable and starting really driving. Lesson learned for me.

    Another data point: I considered 348s after owning earlier Ferraris (3x8s). I liked the 348 steering and its period-aesthetics just fine; I didn’t even mind the engine-out service as a great way to really inspect the engine and rear suspension (just like how race cars of same period were designed). What I didn’t like was the gearshift, which I consequently learned to be cable-actuated versus rod-actuated like the 308s and 328s. I ended up buying a pristine, lower-mile 328 (my second 328 at that time), which I eventually sold as I felt bad about adding miles to it. Another lesson learned: I now only buy cars that I’d love to drive without worry. For context, I now own a 355.
     
  22. A12pilot

    A12pilot Formula Junior
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    Thanks for the thoughts, guys. We finally closed on our new house and I can now narrow the hunt. I was dead set on a good friend’s 348 Spider, but it’s going on 8yrs for the major service and honestly, that irks me a bit. Plus, those classic 328 lines are really getting to me! Hopefully I’ll get the right one soon!!

    You guys have some good back and forth comparison notes!!

    Cheers
    Dave
     
  23. A348W

    A348W Formula 3

    Jun 28, 2017
    1,741
    North Wiltshire, UK
    That is one view but..

    "Not so the 348, which boasts a brutal ride, heavy steering and bicep-forming gearshift. In other words, a car for summer weekends only." Actually I find the ride far better than the Z4 I had, steering is only heavy at slow speed as it has no power steering, hence at speed its awesome, and gear shift is nice and smooth with the "Ferrari, not just 348" 2nd gear that needs a warm gearbox oil to work smoothly.

    "And even then, it’s hardly a searing, spine-tingling supercar." No its not, its only 300hp! But neither does it pretend to be a supercar! Is a 25 year old car=classic now!

    "They’re not particularly quick, they don’t sound that great," Ahh its 300hp, which was quick during the day but not now with hot hatches having more and new Ferraris well north of 600hp; so what is he trying to compare to/about? I seem to get a fair few compliments with my high flow cats and tubi. Put a Cap in and watch out, but true it doesn't sound as good as some Ferraris.

    "The fear with buying anything old and (especially) Italian is that it’ll grenade its engine the first time you take it out, instantly rendering your £25k investment worthless. But McGurk says that, if you buy sensibly, don’t drive it to death and stay on top of the routine maintenance, then that’s an unlikely scenario. Beyond the big jobs - cambelt, brakes, clutch - running costs shouldn’t be too crippling either.

    “If you’re going to do 4,000 miles a year in it, if you budget a grand in a worst case scenario, that covers you for something that needs fixing. The chances of it going mechanically very wrong are slim. If you’ve bought it from the right people" Seems about right in my experience; unless you live in the USA where you get fleeced on labour rates!

    McGurk..not sure what his experience is with Ferraris. He now runs a second hand dealer specialising in Aston Martins, just up the road from me.

    To me your looking at two very different cars; and in the UK at two very very different price points.

    As others have suggested you do really need to go test drive both as they will be very very different.

    Good luck.
     
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