Should I buy a 328 or 355?

I seem to remember that Ferrari actually produced a model -bewteen- the 328 and 355. What was that designation.... ?? If memory serves, they're fantastic cars, lots of power, modern convienences, and priced right in today's market. What the heck was that model? Started in 1989 I'm sure.... ts, tb, and maybe even a SS designation... upgraded 2.7 motronic, right?

Whatever that gem is/was, maybe you should consider something between the "oh so predictable" 328 & 355?





-Daniel

 

Gee Daniel, not a bit biased are we? Actually a '93 SS is high on my list of potential "firsts" depending on what I have available.

Mark

 

Don't waste your time going to a 328, and consider a 348, much funner than a 355 without that awfull power steering.

 

are you going to sell your 84?

 

Mark - Not to jack this thread, but CONGRATULATIONS on the job! Hope everything works out well !

Best,
Daniel

 

If you are going to keep your 308, I would suggest something different than a 328 - Since they are so similar.

 

Go for the 355!

 

good question

probably best to skip the 348 entirely and go with an F355 if you got the bucks

if not, a 328 should be very reliable and won't bleed you

i had the following problems with my 348
- replaced the clutch and double disc clutches are $$$$$$$$ compared to the 328 clutch pack (late model 348's had a single disc clutch)
- 348 flywheel will go out on you $$ (on F355's as well)
- you'll need an alternator (F355's also had Alt. problems)
- the ignition switch will fail on you
- slow down lights and check engine lights will flash many many times, car will cut back to 4 cylinders
- car handles on the freeway in straight line like a jumping bean compared to a 328 which feels planted
- in the tranny the bevel gears break (or helical gears whatever they're called) tranny rebuilds are expensive
- engine has to come out to do the water pump
- climate control system will do funny things and you'll have no AC when you need it (although the interiors on F355's melt)
- late models had problems with the retractable seat belt systems
- clutch slave cylinders leak 9alos a problem on F355's)
- ECU problems with regards to the cat thermal couples
- igniton wires are 4x more expensive

none of the above are problem on the 328

Biggest problem with F355's is the ones built from day 1 all the way through to mid 1998 will need valve jobs sooner than later.
Alot of guys have gotten valve jobs as early as low 20k miles.
$$$$$$$ to repair

re. the 355 : Depends on how many wallet whippins you can take I guess

 

mmmh, the only problem i had on my 348 is

- alternator rebuild...(like all )
- slow down light flash sometimes....
- ehhh...nothing more (yet)

 

Go for a 355, but be prepared for the cost if you buy one with very little money spent on it. If its got a good number of miles on it, make sure it also has a lot of receipts for clutches, brakes, reconnolising etc etc

Good luck
Ade

 

What can I say??
Best compromise is 328, IMHO. I do not PERSONALLY prefer the look of the 355, but this is just personal.

348 looks fantastic, but if I have to judge from a friend of mine car, some problems are there waiting to happen.
327... Classic and bullettproof, runs like a clock and certainly cheaper to maintain.
But perhaps my opinion is biased...

Ciao

Eugenio

 

Thanks! No hijacking here, this job has the potential to put a nice 348 in the garage. I've always loved the 348 design but I have to admit the maintenance stuff makes me nervous. Any experiences to share?

Mark

 

308 & 328 are similar like Slag said. I started out w/ 328, and switched to 355. Very different car! I love the look of 328, and not crazy about the look of 355. 355 is more refined, fast, and easy to drive (so be careful!).

Based on your current possession of 308, jump to 355 sounds very appropriate to me.

 

328s and 355s are both very beautiful cars.

A road block for the 328 could be the interior space? I am just 6 feet with a weight of 80 kg but the 328 is simply to small for me.

 

I would defintely recommend looking at the 348. If you get a later model (I've got a '94 Spider) you shouldn't have too many problems. I certainly haven't had any problems with mine. From what I've heard, I woudn't be any more nervous about a 348 than a 328 or 355.

I started with a 328 and it was a wonderful car. A great improvement from the 308. But it handled like a stepladder compared to my 348. Also much slower than the 348. I've had my 348 for about 2.5 years and it's been great. It's raw and powerful and handles like it's on rails.

If I were you, I'd skip the 328. Like someone else mentioned, you've already got a 308 and the two are very similar. I'm a little biased so I'd say get the 348 (a '94 or later). You'll never be sorry. I don't have much experience with 355's though, so I can't say that the 348 would be better, but I think it would be more bang for you buck at this point.