Hello, I am contemplating purchasing my first (and hopefully not the last!) Ferrari. I am thinking of either a 308GT4 or a Mondial QV. I chose these models because they seem to be relatively more affordable and, I am hoping, not to expensive to maintain. I was wondering about your opinions on these cars, which would you recommend and why? Also, what are your maintainance experiences with either model. Thanks in advance, Andy Santos
I do and have not owned either but the just looking at the age range of each, if it were me I'd go with the QV. But, it would depend on what your looking for and how much work you can do yourself. From what I understand, the QV will have more rear leg room if you plan on using the seats in the rear. Would you get a coupe mondial only or poss convertible? Also, with the GT4's being carbed, you'll need carb tuning experience or someone knowledgeable. I'd think the Qv would need less work to keep running properly having electronic ignition and it would smog easier if that is potentially an issue in the state you live in. Remember that the GT4 is a much older car so will probably need a lot more done to keep maintained and looking good, depending on previous owner's level of car. QV's have the metric wheels requiring tires no longer made and costing $400 plus from a historic tire supplier, Coker, and they are far less of a tire than the cheapest modern 16 you'd find. You could go aftermarket but then you lose originality. Hope this helps. Jeff
Andy, Welcome! You are in the right place. First off, make sure you check out the Archives (when they fix the error messages. ) I am a GT4 owner. I have a very early 1974 Euro model which is rather rare in the states. I've had it a little over a year and was asking this very same question about 2 years ago... My thoughts... 308GT4: As with any Ferrari, buy the nicest one you can afford, then set aside $3-5K for the things that creep up. If nothing creeps up, then you have a nice maintenance fund going... You will want a Series I GT4, which is any 1974 or 1975 before June '75. These cars have a different cam set up, no emissions crap to deal with and put out a little more power compared to the later series which are down on power due to the emissions stuff. That being said, a '79 will have some interior differences that may or may not float your boat. The car drives like a GO KART! I just rebuild the suspension on my GT4 and WOW does she ride on rails! These are very raw, fun cars to drive especially at the limit. Mondial QV: Engine will be more reliable with the FI and puts out more HP, however the driving position is very different as is the dash lay out. Even though the car has more HP, my GT4 'feels' faster and is much more tossable. The Mondial has slightly more room in the trunk and the rear seats. It is more recognizable as a FERRARI. Most people don't know what my car is until they see the FERRARI across the trunk. (I kind of like that. ) The GT4 is carburated and the QV is Fuel Injected. Both are easy to work on your self and parts are available. Neither car is cheap by modern car standards, so don't kid yourself. Ferrari shops are getting around $110/hr+ to work on these cars plus parts at a 50-100% mark up. I do the work myself and seek out the best prices before I buy parts. This helps quite a bit...but don't ask my Wife is the car is cheap to maintain... Good luck with your search! Both are great cars. I would recommend finding good examples of both and driving them as they are very different cars. JIM
Agree with everything written thus far. I have both, well my first Mondial was an 83 QV. It was my litmus test for Ferrari ownership. I got hooked badly. The car was in good but not great shape. So i sold it what i paid for and spent about another 10k to buy an 88 coupe. It was the cheapest 10k i spent 5 yrs ago. A fellow Mondial owner the next town over bought a Mondial 8 for 18k and no kidding spent 30ish on top of that to make it the nicest Mondial 8 that was still not worth much more than he originally paid. Now i have a 74 GT/4 as well. Best advice is whats most important to you. Odds are better to find a Mondial in better condition, but its still slim pickings either way. If the back seat is important as it is to me, the Mondial wins. Also if considering a Mondial, try to find a 3.2. Its much more sorted from my experience and looks better IMO. But what you always hear is so true, buy the best example of either one first and foremost. After the honeymoon you still have to live with her... Decisions, decisions.... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'll be brief. If you are large (ie - tall), go with the GT4. You'll never be able to crawl under the steering wheel of the Mondial. It will feel like you are driving a sleeping bag. I bought a GT4 and immediately took it to my mechanic (RIP, and I'll miss him). He just happened to have a 3.2 Mondial in his shop. I told him that I considered buying one. He told me quite emphatically that I bought the right car. Aside from the fact that I couldn't get into it, he mentioned both the much higher weight and the added complexity that in the long run would add to cost of ownership. Once the old carb cars are sorted out with new hoses, gaskets, seals, etc., they are damn near bulletproof and almost maintenance free. Or I could be totally wrong............ Hans.
I've had a different experience. Perhaps Hans wasn't told about the little silver lever that Mondials have that allow the steering wheel to be both adjusted for reach AND height - it was a major reason I got the car. I am 6'2" and 250 and fit well with lots of leg and headroom. Again, just my experience, but the Mondial is amazing for how much room is inside: with a small daughter at the time it was the main reason I chose the car. Twelve years later, I have yet to find a more comfortable and roomy mid engine GT. It may not be as blindingly fast as some others, but it is in the real world that both cars really shine in their usefulness and fun. That said, I am a huge fan of both the GT4 and Mondial. Drive both and get what you like. In the world of Ferraris, all 2+2 regardless of cylinder count are the best value for the dollar and are terrific. Both are also very DIY friendly, and there are many things the owner can do himself to maintain or tweak the original package. Aftermarket support is pretty good for both (better for the GT4). Although this may not be a big consideration, the GT4 and Mondial communities are a pretty good and mutually supportive group of folks. There is always help available here on FChat or other places for most questions or challenges. Note the highly sophisticated graphic below showing the steering wheel adjustment lever: Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have owned both. My GT4 tended to eat plugs, but I got to the point where I could change all 8 in about 45 mins. My Mondial, I'd turn the key and go. Very reliable, very comfortable. No worries, as far as the driving end goes, the GT4 was one of the most fun, visceral cars I have ever owned. However, everything else aside, personally my decision would be based upon body shop availabilty. Although my GT4 was one of my favorite cars overall that I have ever owned, but I could not keep up w/ the rust. It would rust sitting in my humidity controlled garage. Good luck with your choice!
They are very different cars. I'm not sure trying to compare them works well. One is a carb'd vintage automobile; while the other is one of the first modern day sportscars. They don't feel, act, drive, or anything the same.
I think you've gotten some good advice here, so I really don't have all that much to add. My overall summary, GT4 is more Raw, Mondial more refined. Whichever floats your boat. As was said numerous times, find a good one, set aside some money for the service. Regardless of which one you buy, you still win. You can't go wrong with either one. Drive an example of each, then decide which one you like better. If you can't decide, just buy one of each Dom
Curious about plugs. Mine have been in for over 12,000 miles now and the engine doesn't miss. OK, maybe just a touch initially on cold start. However, this is on the list for this summer's driving season. Last time that they were changed was during a valve adjust several years ago and with about 10,000 on them they looked at that time like they had a lot of life left. Rust? Mine has none. Not in the bottom of the doors, nowhere. However, it is a zero rain car and I will keep it that way. I don't even use a hose when washing. Carbs? Once set, sync is a total non-issue. I rebuilt mine a few years ago and the initial sync was a bit of a trial, but since then all has been just fine. Fuel hoses are getting to be a few years old, so this is on the short list with the plugs. Probably the biggest downside to a GT4 is that they are 30+ year old cars and even if well maintained, they have a lot of 30 year old parts on them that will likely need attention at some point - possibly sooner rather than later. Hans.
I think the rust issue is important, and actually was one of the 'metallurgical' reasons I chose the Mondial. The Mondials were some of the first Ferraris to recieve the whole body Zinc anti-rust dip treatment like the later Porsche 911s, which works fairly well. Along with the Nikasil cylinder barrels, these subtle technology improvements help to make for a longer wearing and tougher package overall.
His car is damn good looking, isn't it? Is there anyone else on the board who has a '74???? I think that DAVEM and I are the lucky ones!!!!!!!!!!!! (I'd kill to have those side marker lights....) JIM Image Unavailable, Please Login
There's my good looking twin! I might have to find me a nice exhaust like yours if i keep looking at your pic.
X-OST hmmm, good thing the dollar is so strong now!! Yikes. Maybe Timevalve can polish me one up. They are local here in Ct. Feeling better thanks for the thoughts. Dave
Hans gt4 is also from 1974 http://ferrarichat.com/forum/member.php?u=29921 His car is extremely beautifull. I had the fun to drive with him in the Italian Dolemites last week Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi there, did you ever driver both cars? So if, you will recognize, the 308 GT4 is a pure machine. Driving at its best. The cars runs better than a 308 GTS or even GTB! I own an early GTS and know I am talking about... The GT4 is the more collectalble car as it still has carbs. A mondial QV is the better every-day-use-car. My friend owns a 308 GTS QV and this car is allways starting and running fine. He never had any problems after a winter storaging or something else. Just in contrast to my expieriences with my carbs car. Another point of view is the design finishing of both. The Bertone look is just NOT the typical Ferrari look with its hard lines. Nevertheless such a car is the much more classic one. I just like also a Mondial, but only the convertible version. Otherwise I think it was a heavy job to plan a midengined car with 2+2 seats. The coupé version seems to be to long... This is much nicer if watch a GT4. My opinion. So finally I would ever prefer a GT4! Ciao ELR-21
Hi there, did you ever driver both cars? So if, you will recognize, the 308 GT4 is a pure machine. Driving at its best. The cars runs better than a 308 GTS or even GTB! I own an early GTS and know I am talking about... The GT4 is the more collectalble car as it still has carbs. A mondial QV is the better every-day-use-car. My friend owns a 308 GTS QV and this car is allways starting and running fine. He never had any problems after a winter storaging or something else. Just in contrast to my expieriences with my carbs car. Another point of view is the design finishing of both. The Bertone look is just NOT the typical Ferrari look with its hard lines. Nevertheless such a car is the much more classic one. I just like also a Mondial, but only the convertible version. Otherwise I think it was a heavy job to plan a midengined car with 2+2 seats. The coupé version seems to be to long... This is much nicer if watch a GT4. My opinion. So finally I would ever prefer a GT4! Ciao ELR-21
Hi there, did you ever driver both cars? So if, you will recognize, the 308 GT4 is a pure machine. Driving at its best. The cars runs better than a 308 GTS or even GTB! I own an early GTS and know I am talking about... The GT4 is the more collectalble car as it still has carbs. A mondial QV is the better every-day-use-car. My friend owns a 308 GTS QV and this car is allways starting and running fine. He never had any problems after a winter storaging or something else. Just in contrast to my expieriences with my carbs car. Another point of view is the design finishing of both. The Bertone look is just NOT the typical Ferrari look with its hard lines. Nevertheless such a car is the much more classic one. I just like also a Mondial, but only the convertible version. Otherwise I think it was a heavy job to plan a midengined car with 2+2 seats. The coupé version seems to be to long... This is much nicer if watch a GT4. My opinion. So finally I would ever prefer a GT4! Ciao ELR-21
OF COURSE, How could I forget HANS! He is just soooo far away..LOL! I think that his is one of the better GT4 colors! JIM
The biggest issue is the rust (as has been mentioned already). I owned a '75 GT4 for 4 years after a full restoration and still the rust eventually bubbled on all 4 wheel wells and around a few areas of the windshield. Given more time, I expect the rocker panels would have shown signs as well, being another common problem area. However, I currently own a 328 and have a great deal of experience driving a 308 and a mondial cab, and can say the performance of a well running early GT4 exceeds them all. Though replacing plugs fairly often to maintain performance should be expected. More specifically, of all the 308/328/Mondial cars, from my personal experience, I'd say that the Mondial is the least comfortable to drive and has the worst handling. Perhaps the lighter coupe has some improvements in that area, though I've never driven one. My GT4 3 years ago right before I sold it (from a distance, you'd never know the rust was there): Image Unavailable, Please Login
