This site is sure different than the Lotus ones... | FerrariChat

This site is sure different than the Lotus ones...

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by F1Ace, Mar 16, 2004.

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  1. F1Ace

    F1Ace F1 Rookie

    Mar 15, 2004
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    Wes
    #1 F1Ace, Mar 16, 2004
    Well here I am. First post in the Ferrari site. My 15 minutes of fame so this better be good.

    I am looking at getting a little toy this summer (must be bonus time) and I'm spending a lot of time on the Lotus Esprit discussion sites and I noticed a remarkable difference coming to this site: You guys talk about stuff OTHER THAN "problems with your car". How refreshing! It's like your cars are, uh, I dunno, reliable?

    I have been looking at 90-93 Esprits which go like wildfire, but I also am a Ferrari fan at heart. I have been reading some of your other threads and realize the best car for me is a 328, but I just wish it was as fast as the Lotus. Also, people don't seem to rave about the 328's handling as they do about the Lotus'.

    But regardless where I look, I cannot find out one fact: What size is the rear trunk? I have looked on e-bay, etc, but engine pictures never show the trunk. I want a daily driver, so even a smaller trunk is better than having you're shopping bags, tennis raquet, etc. on the passenger seat. Can any of you guys point me to a picture of a 308 style trunk?

    I also could get a low mileage 308 Carb which looks nice, but some have said they are "clunky". Should I stay away?

    Finally, I have always wondered when the interior showed updates from the 308 carb to 308 QV. Or was it the beginning of the QV series? Is an 83 QV the same inside as an 85?

    You guys sound like a nice group, I look forward to hanging with you!

    Best!
    Wes
     
  2. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 134282, Mar 16, 2004
    Wes, welcome to FerrariChat... You'll find endless amounts of really helpful and useful information here... i'm sure someone will post pictures of their 308/328 trunk space or point you in the right direction for that... You've definitely come to the right place... Good luck on your hunt and purchase and keep us updated on what you finally get...
     
  3. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 6, 2002
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    #3 BigTex, Mar 16, 2004
    Look for a "328 Luggage thread.

    There's been pics of the fitted luggage inside the trunk

    I own a trunk, still saving for the luggage ($4K)!

    Welcome aboard! "Reliable" might be a little strong of a word. FUN? 10-4!
     
  4. allanlambo

    allanlambo F1 Rookie

    Jun 9, 2002
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    #4 allanlambo, Mar 16, 2004
    I would look for 98+ Esprit. They are awesome, reliable cars.
     
  5. dan360

    dan360 F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2003
    2,669
    Boston
    #5 dan360, Mar 16, 2004
    I'd recommend Original Ferrari V8 - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1870979788/qid=1079480040/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/002-6380670-9436057?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

    Lots of detail pictures of the evolution of interiors thru the 3X8 series. Decent size trunk, will fit golf clubs, but its a bit of a pain in that you have to open the engine compartment and unzip a leather cover. Lets put it this way, its not "cool" in there :)

    Great practical car and way preferable over an old Esprit. However for the same or similar money the new 190HP elise should be a tempting option ...
     
  6. Chiaro_Slag

    Chiaro_Slag F1 Veteran

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    #6 Chiaro_Slag, Mar 16, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  7. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #7 WILLIAM H, Mar 16, 2004
    the Lotus Esprit Turbo is nice & Lotus has an excellent rep for handling.

    Colin Chapman used to say that Enzo built the worlds fastest Trucks :)

    I would suggest a 328 as its newer & thus probably more reliable, all the 308 series actually have 2 trunks, a small space infront above the spare & a rear trunk good for a few short grocery bags or sof suitcases.

    You can modify a 328 to make it handle like a Lotus & you can get more power with a few tricks. I'm thinking of strapping a supercharger on my 308QV for more power

    If you do add handong tricks make sure you swao the rear stub axles for race quality units bcus they tend to snap under high G load with modern tires. You wouldnt want to be driving a 3 wheeled 308

    Good Luck :)
     
  8. tifosi69

    tifosi69 Formula 3

    Dec 23, 2003
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    Al-Al Cool J
    #8 tifosi69, Mar 16, 2004
    That is true, awesome and fast with no discernable turbo lag. But the 328 still has that sexy Ferrari appeal. Of course Allan will tell you I am prejudice, which of course I am. The space in the engine compartment is not huge, on mine it is I would estimate 36" wide by 24-30" deep...don't quote me. Enough for an overnite bag. Welcome aboard!
     
  9. Agent Smith

    Agent Smith Formula 3

    Apr 20, 2002
    1,569
    #9 Agent Smith, Mar 16, 2004
    Wes, welcome to the board and good luck with your car search. Post some pics whatever you choose :)
     
  10. ChrisfromRI

    ChrisfromRI Karting

    Jan 28, 2003
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    Chris F
    #10 ChrisfromRI, Mar 16, 2004
    Hi Wes,

    Would suggest an '89 328, or '84-'85 308 QV. These are the more reliable and refined of the series.

    A carb car might be a little trickier for you up there in the cooler weather.

    These cars provide timeless styling, a great driving experience, and reasonable performance from a car that truly has soul.

    Welcome, and Kind Regards, Chris

    PS: Whenever I think I'm not fast enough, I just take another driving lesson, and I go faster...
     
  11. F1Ace

    F1Ace F1 Rookie

    Mar 15, 2004
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    Wes
    #11 F1Ace, Mar 16, 2004
    Thanks! That helps. It's not as big as a Lotus, but at least there's something!

    So any comments about the interiors? Or the general overall feel from an early 80's to a 328?

    Thanks!
    Wes
     
  12. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,261
    #12 Mitch Alsup, Mar 16, 2004
    I would like to welcome you to this sight. Even before cliking to get to this thread, I though about the legendary Lotus reliability.....

    Mine has been, and I run the snot out of it at the track (like 18 times a year).
     
  13. kiesan

    kiesan Formula 3
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    Nov 21, 2003
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    #13 kiesan, Mar 16, 2004
    I had a '94 Esprit S4 and now have an '86 328GTB. The Lotus was pretty cool and all but it just felt kind of ho-hum... although it was a quantum leap better than the Esprit S1 I had. I know my ancient Ferrari is slow and out of date but it just does it for me.

    I'm sure you've been to this website but this article comparing the two I found to be very interesting reading.

    http://www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/ERoadtests/ferrari_challenge.html
     
  14. ChrisfromRI

    ChrisfromRI Karting

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    #14 ChrisfromRI, Mar 16, 2004
    Wes,

    The 308/328 interior is relatively roomy compared to a lot of other taller sports cars. Take a look at the interior picture in my profile to see what the interior of an '84 308 GTB QV looks like.

    Kind Regards, Chris
     
  15. EspritSE

    EspritSE Formula Junior

    Dec 1, 2003
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    #15 EspritSE, Mar 16, 2004
    Hint...Hint...

    Wink...Wink...

    Flame suit on!

    Welcome :)
     
  16. Chiaro_Slag

    Chiaro_Slag F1 Veteran

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    #16 Chiaro_Slag, Mar 16, 2004
    The early 80's 308's were the slowest. The later ones (I think like 84-85 were improved). I like the bumper styling on the 328's exteror better than the 308's, but prefer the toggle style switches on the 308 better. I guess you just need to test drive them both & see what you like the best.
     
  17. F1Ace

    F1Ace F1 Rookie

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    #17 F1Ace, Mar 16, 2004
    I'd like to post a picture in the same way the trunk pictures were posted above but can't figure it out.

    Help?

    Wes
     
  18. flyingboa

    flyingboa Formula 3

    Nov 27, 2003
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    Eugenio
    #18 flyingboa, Mar 16, 2004
    Here enclosed a picture of my 328 rear trunk. Dimensions have already been posted before.

    Ciao

    Eugenio
     
  19. Burnout

    Burnout Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    733
    Canada
    #19 Burnout, Mar 16, 2004
    If only the new Elise was going to get certified in Canada as well. It's not looking good....*sigh* :(
     
  20. Gilles27

    Gilles27 F1 World Champ

    Mar 16, 2002
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    #20 Gilles27, Mar 16, 2004
    Actually, it's because we spend time talking about each others' problems ;)

    Seriously, welcome to the site, Wes. When I bought my 328, I was deciding between that and an Esprit. I've always liked both since I was little, but the Ferrari just evoked more feelings. The Esprit says "next car" to me. As far as the rear storage, to put it into functional terms, it's good for a guys' weekend, but not your wife!
     
  21. sherpa23

    sherpa23 F1 Veteran
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    #21 sherpa23, Mar 16, 2004
    Welcome to the site. 328's are great Ferraris but Lotus Esprit TT cars from 98- present are absolutely awesome cars. It's not the same panache or driving experience as a Ferrari but they are fast, reliable, and capable. For performance they offer excellent bang for the buck and are great driver's cars.
     
  22. sherpa23

    sherpa23 F1 Veteran
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    #22 sherpa23, Mar 16, 2004
    Are you saying that porn tapes and spam are the only items that fit in the trunk? :)
     
  23. F1Ace

    F1Ace F1 Rookie

    Mar 15, 2004
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    Wes
    #23 F1Ace, Mar 16, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Y'see if you guys would talk up the 308 Carb it would make life a lot easier for me since there's a cute one in Canada. Black on black, low mileage, and not a bad price. I guess I like black 'cause it would be more subtle than my current car. Still, I could probably splurge for the 328 if I'm part way there.

    Just so I properly introduce myself I'm gonna try again to post a picture of my car below... I hope this works.

    Yes it's a 250 GTO replica. I know I know ....... SACRELIGE !!! But I think it looks great, just it's a bit obvious for day-to-day. So while I want to keep it, I want something else interesting for daily driving.

    Anyway, that's who I am.
    Wes
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  24. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #24 WILLIAM H, Mar 16, 2004
    Wes is your GTO based on an old Z or a Vette ? I am thinking of getting a 57 or 58 Testa Rossa replica but its based on an actual Ferrari frame & engine. Real ones are around $5M + so a replica is the only way I'll ever experience owning one
     
  25. Gilles27

    Gilles27 F1 World Champ

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    #25 Gilles27, Mar 16, 2004
    Mayyyyybe...
     
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