I would reluctantly choose the 328 because I need to pass California SMOG tests and because I no longer find tuning carbs to be entertaining. I still think I have the pick of the litter: a 308 QV.
I sold my carb GT4 many years ago and got into a 328. The carbs were never a problem but everything else was.
Carbs are a nostalgia thing. F1 ditched them around 1966 and went with injection, In the real world where it was absolutely essential to get a grip on automobile emissions people mistakenly attribute power loss to the advent of fuel injection starting in early 70's but the fact is that to get a carburetor to meet the emissions standards at the time they had to be an abysmal Rub Goldberg type device with dozens of vacuum lines, dashpots, switches and meters. As an example the 1980 carbureted Corvette got 190 hp out of a 5.7 liter V8. All the rest is just objective opinion. If "sounds better" means a more thrumming, gurgling noise because all cylinders are not getting the exact same mixture then that's your opinion. Fact is it just sounds "different". If dead spots or power loss on corners or just plain running like crap cause you're up in the mountains on a hot day are endearing attributes to you then have at it and enjoy them. Nobody is belittling you for choosing carbs but honestly, get over the exaltation and notion of superiority. I get the gearhead aspect of it, all those throttles, levers and linkages, dozens of short little fuel hoses and fittings and clamps to keep leak free. It's a real tinker-fest for those of us who like to tinker. But it seems that with any version of the 3x8 there is no lack of stuff to tinker with.
All this adds another dimension lacking with injection, distinguishes them from modern cars .Not that they ( any Ferrari for that matter ) are short of interesting “ dimensions “ Tinkering is 1/2 the ownership pleasure for some petrol heads .
My exact situation,, I rebuild the GT4 engine and overhauled the suspension, whilst it drove really nice,, I could never get the carbs right,,It always ran rich and frequently fouled plugs,, Admittedly the exhaust note with the X-Ost exhaust was crazy sounding but I’ve never looked back after getting the 328,,Always starts first kick and Iv’e never fouled a plug in 15 years of ownership.. I do have to admit that I ove/prefer the seat pattern of the QV over the 328 but otherwise styling, the 38 looks more refined.. I actually like the dash and switches of the 328 over the toggles of the 328,, The GT4 had nice toggle switches though
Sensory vs Logic. Its apparent after reading all of the posts so far that the 308 is more appealing to those who enjoy all aspects of classic Ferrari motoring, sounds, smells, carbs, toggle switches and the 328 is more appealing to those that enjoy technical superiority. 308 how it makes you feel vs. 328 give me facts, math and logic. Left brain vs right brain at work.
I like your insight, and this can apply to many other similar cars. I think that ultimately there is no final winner, but that it comes down to the individual personalities and purposes. While beauty is a crucial factor and I see that the 308 looks are generally preferred - altough many like more the 328’s - it is also true that the ownership experience is affected by driveability and reliability as well, and with time I think that people tend to prefer the more dependable cars. It would be interesting to see how many moved from 308 to 328 and viceversa without regrets. Ciao ciao, Nic
I have had a '79 308 GTS, an '81 308 GTsi ( the actual car used in the movie "National Lampoon's Vacation) and my current '87 328 GTS. I like using the 328 the best, as it has the best performance and the most comfort. I loved the raw feel of the '79 and the induction sounds. I also preferred the toggle switch laden 308 interior to the 328. The 2V 308 was stunning to look at, fun to talk about (due to the movie), and fun to be "seen" in, but not much fun to drive. The 328 is still my first choice, but followed closely with the '79 308.
The same people who rave over the sound of F1 cars also claim the carbed cars sound better. Whatever.
This matches my view of these models exactly. Depending on each person's individual priorities, the carb'ed 308 versus 328 preference can be a tossup (despite the 328 being the "better" car by almost any objective measure).
Not at all. It makes me feel ecstatic when my 328 leaves a 308 for dead. Feeeellings. I am all over it. I also feel really good when driving in a storm and can see where I am going.
I have driven both (own a carbd car) and the power to me was the same. The 328 had much better brakes, but that can be rectified on a carb'd car. I like both cars, but I like basic, and carbs for me are easy to deal with.
Regardless of it all if you own any 3x8 you've got something that is a bit unique and we tend to be loyal to that uniqueness. I've got an '83 QV and as illogical as it may seem I'll argue till the wee hours of the morning for satin black A pillars and body colored rockers but when the sun rises I won't have changed anybody's mind.
**** it. Why buy a 328 when you can get a new Honda Accord. Modern everything and quicker. What's not to love about that?
“Better car” has many different meanings to many different people. If “better” means more modern, superior numbers on paper, slightly more modern looks, etc. go with a 328. If “better” means more raw feeling/sounding, classic looks, go with a Weber-ed car! For me if it’s not carbureted, it’s missing some soul ; ) Being an engineer involved in developing aircraft autopilot systems for almost 30 years, I use my car hobby as needed a break from electronics/computer control (yawn : ) Enjoy whatever car you decide to pursue! Best, Anthony
I had to chuckle with the Honda Accord reference. Modern cars may be quicker and more comfortable, but not as much fun. In addition to the Ferraris, I have owned a bunch of Porsche 911's over the years, including my current 997 4S. It is very quick, comfortable, has a tremendous stereo, and is trouble free. My favorite 911 of the bunch I have owned was my '68 911 with an "S" spec engine. It was somewhat of a pain to keep running right, fouling plugs often (requiring an "Italian tuneup"), but it was an absolute hoot to drive. Often "better" is not more fun. That being said, the most satisfying driving experience I have even been in is my current 328GTS, with the sights, sounds, feel, and smell. It is automotive nirvana.
328 being the better car was meaningful decades ago - now that both are completely outdated and slow, that's not the point anymore IMHO. A 355 is better than a 308/328, so there are other reasons to choose a 308 or 328 - and when these reasons are given the priority, to me it makes more sense to go for a 308 carb than for a 328.
I think rule number one for first time 308/328 buyers is you must sign an informed consent form explaining that life isn't about 0-60 in one of these cars in today's world
I'm not so sure we really need to turn our back on a carbed 308 for another 308 with the fuel injection shared with a 77 VW Rabbit - you know, to stay modern and all...
