308 2valve-QV comparison

Only the Euro cars have 255BHP. The 76/77 US cars have ~240, the 78/79 cars have ~205 and the 80-82 "i" cars have ~195. The QV cars have 235.

 

I've always been a little skeptical of the 255 bhp claim for Euro carb 308s...

 

In addition to the different emission set-ups making for a mix of seemingly contradictory numbers, the "standardized" test method changed over those years -- when they measured that 255 bhp on the early 2V carb 308 that's probably with an external water pump and alternator (and it's a dry-sump so the wet-sump cars are down a little at the top end even with their excellent windage trays). The 308QV number is probably measured under more real-world conditions.

 

Don't forget the big weight difference euro vs. US.

Early euro GT4s came without leather, AC, crash bumpers (along with their extra frame componets) and all of the emissions equipment such as the heavy thermal reacter.

All of the early 308 tests ('74, '75) that I have tend to record a 1/4 mile time in the mid 14 second range for euro cars. Even US series 1 GT4s would manage mid to low 15 second 1/4 mile times. As the emissions and safety noose tightened and importers included more options (more weight) the cars slowed quite a bit.

Tuning and drivablity issues between examples of US spec cars seemed to vary the test results considerably. Ferrari, as were all manufactures, was really stumbling along trying to meet smog standards with carb/points technology. The late '70's and early 80's was the low point, performance wise, for every marque.

 

Steve
Wasn't this the DIN vs. SAE BHP measurement stuff? From memory, about a 3% difference.

All
In addition to the weight data, the early US cars had different cam timing vs the Euro counterparts (4 degrees on the intake cam IIRC).

Euro QV has higher compression than US QV too?
Philip

 

Philip -- Along those lines, but I think even worse fudging went on (e.g., I believe in both DIN and SAE testing the WP would have to be self-driven although the alternator may or may not, and then you've got to wonder if the headers they used were the twisted stock 308 shape and did it have a silencer -- I'd bet not ).

 

I really question the 195hp figure for the 308 2 valve injected cars. I have raced a couple of qv's and a carb 308,none could really pull away from me at all. Maybe the cars I was with didn't have the power anymore as my engine is a fresh rebuild...but they could not shake me, infact I feel I could have pulled out and passed them both!. Even in a drag race we were side by side until the qv just started to pull away..the advantage of the 4 valve head showing it's self. I beat the carbed car quit easily. I guess to me anyway the 2 valve injected car is really not a bad car at all. I really enjoy mine. Of course it;s not fast..but neither is any 308/328. There all slow.. but damn they are fun.