328 or 348

I think this one comes down to personal preference.

I used to own a 328 and have several hours of drive time in a 348.

For me, I like the looks of the 328 better. Not the fastest car on the planet, but it handles nicely. Also, less things that can go wrong in a 328 - For example, it is fairly common to see the digital temp readout in the 348 center console not working properly.

The performance increase in the 348 just isn't enough for me to go away from the 328. Even in the 348, I was waiting for some power to kick in when I was in first gear - It never happenned.

So, if you like the looks of the 348 and want a little more power, go for the 348.

If you like the classic lines of the 328, you can't go wrong.

Good luck!

 

to me the 348 is much more exotic looking. There is no comparison in the performance too. Even though my 348 is a turbo charged car, I've driven a stocker quite a bit too. I have also some seat time in a later 328, ABS. To me there is no other way to go than a 348. IMO they are currently the biggest ban for the buck, easily. I DO like the 328, but I'd get a euro QV first. JMHO.

 

Maintenance wise the 328 would surely be the better bet. Yes the performance of the 348 is substatially better, but when weighed against the gorgeous looks of the 328 I would definitely go with the 328.

Ron

 

chairo_slag - if you want to feel the power in a 348 I suggest you take it out of 1st gear

 

Not sure I'm on board with the huge increase in performance.

348 = 300 Horses 328 = 260 Horses
348 = 237 Torque 328 = 213 Torque

328 is 100 pounds lighter.

348 is zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds.
328 is zero to 60 in 5.9 seconds.

So the 348 is obviously a bit faster - I'm just not ready to tout the 348 as "no comparison" or "Substantially faster".

They are both relatively quick and nimble cars, but neither of them are speed demons.

 

True - Same with my 328 - Not much power until 2nd and 3rd gear above 4000 RPMS.

My TR though you can feel in 1st.

 

348 by a LARGE margin. I have owned both a 328GTS and a 348 Spider, and the 348 looked, sounded and performed better than the 328 in all areas.

 

My father owns a 348 and it's way faster than my 328. But I prefer to be inside a lovely "girl" than inside a "hairy guy"......

 

A 328 with a CFI (I think that is the right letter combination) can keep up with and match any early 348 (before they bumped the power output)

 

328 for look, charisma, reliability, maintenance cost.
348 for performances.
I made my choice, you will make your and it will be the right one for you.
Ciao
Eugenio

 

They are both great looking cars. The only way to figure it out is test drive them both, and see which appeals to you more.

 

I drive my '88 328 for style, charisma, fun and because I love the looks. It is the car I always think of when someone says "Ferrari." Maintenance is cheap.

I drive my '03 996TT when I want pure performance and am willing to sacrifice the above. Maintenance is cheap.

Net the price of these two cars (~$180K) and you have two cars for the price of one 360 (maybe an early model with some miles on it.) You have the Ferrari thing covered and there is little on the road in stock form that can take you when you are in the Turbo.

Anyone else have a similar deal in their garage?

 

Declaring an interest, I have a 328 GTS. Risking every 348 owner's flaming:

Read everything you can. You'll find the 328 is a firm investment and the 348 has a (perhaps unjustified) stigma hanging over it. In modern terms neither car is blindingly quick, but the 328 seems to have captured the imagination of buyers and is holding its value very well.

The 308/328 shape is iconic, in part because it lasted so long. The 348 generally gets damned by feint praise.

jg

 

328..a much better built machine all around. Just close the door on a 328 and the close the door on the 348. For my taste plastic such as the streeing colum trim peice should not be used in an exotic..and the VIN plate should at least be stamped into metal..not on plastic. Everything is much more expensive on the 348, if cost is an issue. The shift action is not as friendly as the 328..very notchy almost can be annoying, and it doesn't like to downshift into second gear without a fight. This however can be adjusted. Clutches and slaves are expensive and do fail. Brakes are expensive as well to replace if you need rotors.

BUT..the 348 is has more room inside and feels much more modern. I love the steering feel in the 348 and the way it absorbs the bumps in the road. Get the off road test pipes and a Tubi..you will swear you have an F1 engine behined you..possiably the sweetest sounding F-car around. The looks are subjective..I personaly much prefer the 308/328 lines but the 348 is a very nice looking machine.

The choice is of course up to you. But if you really like the 328 then go for that one. But if your more of a performance guy..you really can't go wrong with a well sorted 348. Just make sure you get a car with ALL recalls and updates performed. The you will have a very robust machine, that you can drive almost daily without worrry.

 

I have owned a 328 GTS & now own a 348 spider. There both great cars and I loved my 328. I like the wider track on the 348. If you look at the rear of both cars I like the 348 much better. If you go with a later model 94 or 95 they have all the upgrades & most of the bugs worked out and they only made 1090 spiders compared to 6068 328"s. It's a tough decision good luck.
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'86 328GTS for style, charisma, fun and love the looks.

'89 928GT w/ 6.5 litre (400rwhp/460rwtq) when performance is wanted and when willing to sacrifice the above for a street sleeper (or is that sweeper?).

'01 XJR when four doors and suitcases are needed.

Love, Want and Need: All bases covered for $100K capital cost (all previously owned).

Of course, not ALL Loves, Wants and Needs are covered by the above, but it'll have to do for now.....

-- Rick --

 

I have had a 89 328 for 3 years and now a 348, there's no comparison in the feel of the 2 cars. 348 is much better performace right through the gears. The looks for me on the 328 is dated. All in all I would go the 348 route.

 

the look of the 348 still fresh...
when you drive a 348 some people ask you if it's a new ferrari...never the same question with a 328...

 

very well put !!!

 

Not so well put - I got asked that exact question at a petrol station recently, in the 328. They couldn't believe it when I said the car was 15 years old!

328 is a classic Ferrari, and the 308/328 shape is the one that conjures up in most peoples minds when they think Ferrari.

For me there has not been a shape as perfect as the 328 up until the 360, but as ever it's a personal choice. You can't really go wrong - you're buying a Ferrari!

 

the observer must've been retarded
the 328 shape is old, old, old. I like to call it "classic".lol

 

Absolutely. The 308/328 design epitomizes "Ferrari" imho.

 

The 3x8 styling is the one that stick to most peolple when they refer to ferrari. It is so classic and a legend of its own. The look is definitely much better than 348, handling more raw and very Go-kart like, performance is no question that 348 is much better. But all in all I would take 328 over 348 any day. You can see that the prices of 348 have moved very close to 328 and one day will be equal IMO.
I don't think 348 will ever be catagorised as classic or collectable Ferrari.

 

I really don't see the point in argueing (spelling?) about the looks of the 328 or the 348...
How important is the looks of the car to you?
If that's all that matters, go buy a 328.

Otherwise drive both and by the best car you can find.
Either way you won't regret yourself.

Good luck!