308/328 vs. 348

get a 328.

first decide how much performance you want. then decide how "old school" you want to get. 308/328 are average performers by today's standards and are definitely old school cars that you need to adjust to. 348s are more powerful, require less warm-up time and have a more modern driving feel.

if you aren't doing the services yourself, any of these cars can be expensive to maintain. don't believe the bad rap on 348s, buy a good example and you should be ok. as for depreciation, 308/328 are your best bet, but 348 not far from bottom, IMO.

try to get at least a ride in each car before buying--it really helps give an idea what the car is like.

john

 

I believe I can comment on your situation as I was in the same instance myself not too long ago. First of all, a '96 or '97 355 with 25-30k miles can be had for upper 50's to low $60's range. A 348 with the same mileage I have seen for as low as $40k (needed a service though). After test driving and researching maintenanace needs for both examples I decided to go with a completely different animal. Keep in mind this is just my opinion and my wants/needs may be completely different than yours, although I hope it might light your way.

I test drove an early carb'd 308 with the most radical camshafts that came to the U.S. shore (pre '78) and was hooked. The sound, the feel, the rawness, and the ease of maintenance did it for me. Is it fast? I suppose it depends on what you call fast. 0-60 is undoubtedly in the low 6 second range, and I have had mine up to nearly 150 without any issues. It is fast enough, but I like the feel of it ten times more than that of the later cars I drove. Will it hold its' own with anything else on the street, sometimes, but I am not in it for racing Honda's and BMW's. The 308 can be tuned to a much higher bhp by using high-com pistons, cams, rejetting the carbs, different ignition, and all kinds of things that we take up all of your time. You get where I am going. The 355 is quite fast, but it is not an experience like a '70's race-bread machine IMHO. I also have a special spot in my heart for the cars made while Enzo was around, and still had a say in everything. Some say that the only cars that will actually appreciate in value are the cars made while Enzo was alive. Only time will tell, but again, I am not in it for that either.

As far as maintenance is concerned. 355's have some issues. valve guides are a craps shoot with those cars. Some are good, some are bad. I guess it just depended on the shipment the factory recieved that particular week for the guides they were using. I have heard countless stories of guys having thier heads, or engines rebuilt very prematurely. Another issue with 355's are the exhaust manifolds. They crack and can be repaired (rarely) or replaced($3k a side). I have heard of them failing at 15k miles, and at 30k miles, but it will happen eventually on all of them. 15k mile service is quite a bit more with 355's and 348's due to how must more expensive the parts are (tensioner bearings are $250 each last I checked). All parts for both cars are much more expensive with these cars, and many of the parts are dealer only items. The support network for these cars is very good, and on this website there is a large following so should any issues occur and you wish to try and tackle it yourself, help is just a mouseclick away rather than having it towed to wherever. Those are the two most prominent issues I have noticed that are worth mentioning.

I do not have a ton of knowledge with the 348, as I have not wrenched on one very much. I am told that the last of the 348's made (93 and 94) were the best, and that the earlier models were more troublesome(how much, I am not sure). All 348's had two Bosch air flow units that had to be somewhat in synch with one another. The 1995 355 had two, and then in 1996 they switched to just one unit for obvious reasons (although power suffered 5bhp). 348's and 355's have one thing in common, the frame around the cooling vents melt and sort of get really sticky. It makes a big mess and they have to be either replaced, or their is a procedure to fix the issue (not sure on that one). As far as 348 muscle building. It is as easy as putting a chip in, getting a different exhaust, and setting the cams to Euro settings (20bhp alone in Euro cam setting). Whamo, insant faster 348.


good luck with your search. I hope this helps.

regards,
john

 

You'll get a much different response on the 348/355 forum, but:

348 prices are nearing/equal to 328 prices for a number of reasons unrelated to performance or how modern they are (and neither one is modern at this point): cheap interior materials, single-belt design with its attendant increased risk of failure, love-it-or-hate-it cheese-grater design, finicky ECUs, expensive double-plate clutches (early cars), required engine removal for timing belt services, chronic cracking around the base of the C-pillars (except on Spiders of course) an appetite for catalytic coverters (located too close to the engine block and the additional heat) and other idiosyncrasies.

In other words, the market comes up with these values for a reason. You'll also see Testarossa under a lot of price pressure because the market factors in ownership costs for those cars.

That said, the 348 is a 300bhp Ferrari that almost everyone fits in comfortably, and it's a lot simpler than the 355 (which has many expensive issues). So, you get a deal on the purchase price and pay more once you have it in the garage.

Regarding performance, none of these cars is going to beat a new Mustang GT or Boxster S or BMW 330 or... well, the list goes on. Enjoy the 328 and 348 for what they are. If you want a V-8 Ferrari that's scary fast in 2006, you need a 360 or 430. Otherwise, buy the one that looks best to you and provides the best driving experience.

To me, the 308/328 are the best looking Ferraris in the post-Daytona era, and I can't afford a Daytona. The snug cockpit is ideal, IMO, the dashboard has those GTO gauges (in the 328) or Dino/Daytona switches (in the 308), the Momo steering wheel is art, the wheels are iconic, etc. But you might like the 348 better, and a lot of people do. It's a really aggressive-looking little car, shorter and wider than the 308/328.

BTW, as investments, none of these cars are a good idea. Mutual funds are probably better.

 

Don't make it a matter of what you can afford but what you like. All three models have completely different styles, looks, and performance. Go with the model that you have a passion for. I had an extreme passion for a 328 in a specific color and that is the car I selected. I could have bought a 348 with more HP and speed, but it wouldn't have made me happy.

Go with your gut and buy the car you like the most!!!

 

Posted the same/similar question in the 348/355 section about 2 weeks ago.

See thread:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122626

James in Denver

 

I would agree with lvferraripilot's comments below. While I've had limited experience test driving the cars (and never a 348), the 308 QV was a BLAST compared to the 328, very much a real sports car (emphasis on SPORTS car, not SPEED car). Light and "flickable", great sound, good power (not put you back in the seat straight line power, but power out of a curve power).

Was going to put up a review of the 308 I drove, didnt get around to it (and I bought a Pcar as mentioned, shame on me ).

When I do get around to looking, I will definately consider a 308 if I can find one that is in good condition.

Just my non-Fcar owner opinion.

James in Denver

 

My short story is that my first Ferrari was a 308, then a 328, then a 348. It was a 94 TB and I put 14K miles on it in a little less than 3 years, but I always missed the 328 and eventually sold the 348 and bought an 89 328 GTB 5 years ago which I still have and expect to always have. A year ago, I added a 430 to the garage and many people thought I would no longer have any fun driving the 328. Not true! 308's and 328's offer a driving experience you cannot get with any other car and, although the technology has advanced light years, I can feel the similarities between the 328 and 430 in the steering, balance, etc. Performance wise, any 3X8 can be eaten alive by any number of modern cars, but the fun factor remains. 308's and 328's are simply great cars. Great to look at, fun to drive and, as exotics go, economical to own and operate. 348's are more modern, but cost a lot more to operate and, although more powerful, lack the balance and charm of the earlier cars.

Dave

 

Buy the 89 328 gts. Red on Tan. Here are the reasons.

1. all the reasons stated above
2. Antilock brakes and updated suspension and 17 years of 308 experience for Ferrari to draw on ( all the bugs worked out)
3. Rarity only 850 89s made for the US I may be wrong on this though
4. A great blend of 60s design and racing technology but still modern enough
5. Resale value. The 328 is beautiful to look at and the 348 has Dated styling and is suffering on the market because of this. And arguably has some handling problems.
6. Reliability. 328s have been documented with well over 100k miles on the original mechanices.

JJ

 

I'm lucky enough to have a 328 GTS 1988, 308 GT4 and a 911 1994 TL. The PCar is a fantastic car and I will never sell it - it is safe, solid quick and reliable and compared to the FCars is well ... not Italian. The FCars are also fantastic but they don't feel solid or well built in comparison but they are FERRARIs'. Of the 2 though I have to say I get a greater buzz from the GT4 - its performance is on a par with the 328/911. The handling is so immediate and direct its like a roller skate and it sounds like a Ferrari. I've not owned the 328 very long but have to say it sounds like a Fiat and is kind of stodgy in comparison. I really hope I get to like it more with a little more mileage under the belt but for now I would definately go for the 308. All this is ignoring resale/purchase costs etc as I'm really not in it for that reason. Also I think the 348 looks dated already.

Just my 2 cents

Bottom line is that they're all Ferraris and as such just cannot be beaten for simple charisma alone.

Cheers

Mark

 

Just get the 308 QV and be done with it

 

I would go for the 308 QV...I have an '85 and love it. I could have gotten a 328, but my personal opinion is the 308 looks better. I like the US black bumpers. THat's the first way I ever saw a 308 and I wanted one just like that. I had a '89 Mustang GT years ago, and recently had a Dodge Magnum with the Hemi...both faster than the 308, but the 308 is art on wheels and fun to drive. It feels faster than it really is and is a blast.

Again, 308/328 is the way to go. The 328 had some improvements, i.e. cooling system...but the interior of the 308 is more pleasing to the eye.

Either way, you are looking at a fun car. Go with your heart.

 

An old Italian guy I knew said it best. " 308's are the last Ferrari to look like a beautiful woman".

He might be a little off-key with that statement, but it was fun to hear him say it.

 

I am an old Italian guy and I think that guy was right.

I consider the 308 the best balanced car I have ever driven. It is balanced in styling, handling and power. I think that the closer to Euro spec the better on all three of these counts (IMHO).

I have not driven a 348, but understand from those who have that their reaction to on/off throttle in a hard turn is not for the faint of heart. This steered me away from a 348 when I was looking for a car. I have had my carb 308 GTB for 4 years and am very happy with this car. I expect to keep it and pass it on to one of my sons.

 

here is a crazy idea. drive all three and buy the one you want. obviously the 308 owners will say get the 308 and the 328 owners will say get the 328, ect.

 

here is another tip. drive several of each before you decide. the difference between one 328 and another can be startling. hell, the difereence between my car when i bought it and after i did the clucth, tires and alignment is night and day. i decided against the tr after driving two bad examples(didn't know it at the time). i drove a "correct" one recently, now i want one.

 

I don't agree with this statement, and I don't believe everything I read, cause most of it is negative. Very very few positives are read or posted. It is a fact, most people like negatives, regardless of the topic, it is just more interesting in most cases

If you want to learn about certain cars, ask the ones who own them, not the ones whoe speculate what "can happen" to them.

check out this thread


http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124464

 

The 348 have a number of potential weak spots that are very costly to repair. As I understand it, the T type gearbox came with differential gear carrier that was made of two pieces and welded together. Evidently the weld sometimes breaks, and this also causes a lot of colateral damage to the (expensive gears). Repairs are definitlly in the + $10,000 range. Also the vibration balancing system in the clutch is problematical. Add the single timing belt for all 4 cams, and the 348 start to look high risk. If you can afford to cope with the above and a 348 turns you on, by all means buy one. As I understand it the 355, IMHO a beautiful car, also has potentially high dollar repair issues. So for a more "reliable" F-car experience, if you cannot afford a 360, go for a 328 (most reliable) or 308. The 328/308 are also the most DIY friendly of the bunch. Mine is a carbed 75 308 GT4, and as noted in previous posts, it is a rewarding visceral car to drive.

 

The 308/328 main draws are the sexy curves on the body and the compact nature of the car as well as slightly lower maintenance costs. That said, they are older and the non-maintenance items will be wearing out (window gaskets etc...) sooner than the newer car. If you intend to keep the car for 8-10 years that becomes a non-issue as either car will need the same kind of updating. The maintenance costs are not as bad as I thought they were going to be. Have $5-10k in reserve for the big unknowns, and plan on spending about $2k per year on average with a good example of a 348. The earlier models have some advatages compared to the newer 348 and mine has been anything but problematic. The looks and the driving experience are the main reasons to make a decision. drive a few of each, then decide. I think the depreciation is pretty much over for the 308/328/348. enjoy the search and don't be in a hurry is the best advise I can give you. Notbostrom searched for about 6 months for the car he bought and I would bet he got a good one.
BT

 

Agree with what others said in that you should test drive and make your choice. Just remember to factor in the cost to maintain the car and how each model carries with it different known problems.

None of them should be considered investments at this point in time.

A picture says 1k words...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

As a non-FCar owner, I COMPLETELY agree with wetpet's suggestions below. In my search, I drove a very bad 328 and a very good 308 QV and a pretty good 308GT4. As a result, I'm tainted towards the 308. As mentioned in another post, I really need to drive a GOOD 328 and I've never even driven a 348/355 so I can't compare. When I get serious again (after selling the boxster), I'm going to make an effort to drive EVERY car that I can, so I can really feel the one I want.

James in Denver

 

I sense another photo post opportunity here...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I'd post a picture of my 348 Spider here, but it would prolly get relocated to the other section.

My $0.02 is get what u can afford, but do not buy in the low end of the range. If ur price range takes u up to 348 territory and u can handle mid $50's, then a nice 348 coupe is for u. Pay a bit more and u are in Spider territory. Get the latest model year u can find in the 348 to avoid earlier issues. It's not perfect, but it is a good compromise car - performance vrs. maintenance (ok, u do have the engine out belt service, but it's only once every 5 years).

A 328 is over-priced IMO. The 308 guys have really jumped on this one as the ultimate of the series and the prices have crept up for finer examples. The 1983-85 308 QV is the best example of this car and has decent performance, lower maintenance, few smog issues and good value. Prices are creeping up on QV's.

Earlier 308's are less expensive, but are underpowered. The carb cars will ahve smog issues in CA. For me, I wouldn't bother with the smogging porblems unless it was a 1976 308 GTB fiberglass car. 1975 GT4's avoid smog altogether. Older cars = more maintenance. Face it, stuff just breaks, but if u have a good mechanic, it won't matter to u.

 

you must not like magazine and book reviews either. most of the posts i see about 308/328 are positive. the neg rep for the 348 is earned. 308/328 don't have this rep for a reason. i won't go over the many reasons the 348 is frowned upon, it's been beaten to death. but it's not because of the lack of positive posts. is the 348 a"bad" car? no. is the 348 one of the least desireable ferraris? yes. should you talk to people that own them? yes, but you should also talk to everyone else too. i went through this exact buying process several months ago and decided, i think objectively because i had no preset notions, against the 348 and for the 328. price was not an issue in that decision.