Hello all, I am new to the 348/ 355 forum as I am a 1976 308 owner (early California, now in NJ Steel car) and so often post in the 308/ 328 side. I must say just like here - they/ we have a nice community. So .... cut to the chase, I was just very curious to hear any thoughts of anyone who travelled the 308 to 348 road ..... or even vice versa, to be fair? What made you make the move and decide on the 348 versus after having the 308. I love my 308, its an early collectable year, classic looking, and a vicious sounding carbed car ... but I can not deny the appeal of a 348 - modern, also very sexy, no magum pi comparisons, etc .... any ideas with running costs vs the 308, reliability and mostly ideas from anyne who actually owned a 308 and now owns a 348. If I go the 348 route, I'll keep my 308 ... I'm curious to see what happens to the early 308 values in the next 7 years and the 308 is what made me love Ferrari in the first place .... but thoughts and feelings would be very cool and appreciated. Let it rip everyone. Thanks!!!!
There really is no comparison of the 2 cars. They are completely different. From the way they are built, to handling, to power, the only thing the same of the 2 is that they both have the horse on them. I liked both cars equally but for different reasons. The 348 of course has more power and better handling and brakes. Sorry I can't be better help but it is hard to compare the 2.
I have not owned a 308 before Mike........but I WANT to. I will keep my 348 and get a 308 GTB one day. I just love them heaps! I was fortunate enough to drive another Fchatters 308 QV last year! I had a lot of fun behind the wheel of it. The biggest cost of the 348 ownership would have to be the engine out cam belt service done every 3 or 5 years. Depending on what you want to do of course.
No worries, Pap's here to keep all the drunks and lunatics away. You might PM Huskerbill -- I think he went from a 328 to a 348 last year. Not quite the same, as the 328 has FI instead of carbs, but he'd have some driving impressions and maybe service experience.
Pap? we are talking about Pap right???? drunks????? Lunatics????? aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah has any one told pap? Oh ya right he is in AA meetings in the loony bin...
Lunatics aside, I went from a 308 to a 348 3 years ago. I had an '83 QV. I kept both for a while, but after having the 348 there was no reason to keep the 308. More power, better handling, better brakes. I jumped at the chance to get a '94 348 challenge. It is a bit more stiff and not as comfortable for everyday driving. I was willing to sacrafice that. Talk about vicious sound? You cannot believe what a 348 sounds like with a challenge muffler. I looked at the 355, but went with the 348 challenge car because of rarity, race history, and in some way more rawness to the 348. The 308 may appreciate better at this point mostly due to age. The 348 are really at a bottom right now IMO. As far as reliability, I have had no issues to date. Always starts, and runs great. All instruments work. Paid a bit more for major service (about 2x more). Mostly because I had to replace the clutch and flywheel. If you want a great car (way underrated) for cruising and occaisional track time get a 348. The 308 is no comparison on the track.
I went from an 85 308 QV to a 90 348 to a 95 355. The 308 was way underpowered in my book, other than that I loved the cars classic looks and styling. I then picked up a 348, power was way up over the 308 and the sound was much better. I then went to a 355 and all I can say is is that I have found my grail Ferrari. With a few aftermarket options the 355 sounds like a beast. I upgraded the steering whell to a 360 stradale wheel and it makes the interior look perfect....... 0.02
Compared to the 348, the 308 is a trip back in time to the days of soft sidewalls and 4 wheels drifting through corners. Not fast, but keep your speed in a turn and exit just right - ah, very rewarding. The 348 is just amazing however, as is any modern Ferrari. Flat thru the twisties, punch it and you're gone.
Thanks guys. Keep the responses coming! I went on the Eugenio's Ferrari Service site and the Major is about 1K more than on a 308, and about 1.5K more if you want to do the water pump ... which Eugenio does include with the 308 major. Do these numbers hold true in your experiences?
I have a 1976 glass GTB and its hard to compare cars that were designed 15 years apart. Keep in mind that when the 308 first saw the light of day, it was the hottest car in the world! They never sat unsold in dealerships despite of being produced in a difficult automotive decade. 308's have and will, stand the test of time. Like you, I will not sell my 308. I will instead buy a newer Ferrari that can be used more often. Keep in mind that 355 prices are getting lower and lower. You get an additional 80 HP over a 348, better interior, tranny, and in my opinion, the best looking Ferrari since your 308 GTB. All of that for an additional 15-20k, is a bargain. Ferrari 550s are also dropping in price by the day.....I am keeping an eye.
1500 is the price of a rebuilt water pump through the Ferrari network. There is a place where you can get your pump rebuilt for 99 bucks plus shipping and another place you can get a rebuilt for 300. Mine is the 99 dollar deal and the Installer (a ferrari dealership) commented on how nice the rebuilt one was. search on alternative parts for a thread on the subject. ahh screw it...try here http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179621&highlight=alternative+parts
