328 or 348? Techno Advantages to Consider?

I have owned them both. A 89 328 and a 92 348. Both great cars. I would say that the 328 beat the 348 on dependability but the 348 was a far more fun car to drive in my opinion. The 348 has much more room, power, and a/c. But it comes down to what you like. I would have another 328 in a minute! Probably wouldn't have another 348 but I have a 355 now. If this is your first, I would suggest you try the 328 as a starter. If you like the looks, go for it. They are all great toys! Get a well documented car and enjoy.

 

I would recommend joining the FCA, and participate in local club activities. This will get you in touch with owners, and notably, a few rides in member's cars. Some may even let you drive their cars. This will give you way more information than you will get here.

My thoughts (I have owned a carb 308, currently own a 328, and have driven a friend's 348 spider a couple times), is that the 328 is a bit more reliable than the 348. Indeed the 348 has a bit more creature comforts, and DEFINITELY has more power, and superior handling. It also has ABS, which only the late 1988 and 1989 328's had.

Go with what you are passionate about...if you like the 328, then get it. Though the 348 may be less reliable than a 328, I don't think it is that big a deal, that it is made out to be. It appears (from the posts on this site) that the 355 is worse. I STILL want a 355 though....

 

I went from a 87 328 GTS to a 94 348 TB challenge back to a 89 328 GTB. I put about 14K on the 348 and 18K combined on the 328's. Frankly, 328's are just plain better made. 348's have a lot more power and better brakes, but I was able to equal my 348's track times with the 328 on a short, twisty track. IMO performance should not be much of a factor in your buying decision since many newer cars of "lesser" marques can blow the doors off either one. On public roads, I enjoy the 328 better. It has better ride, better shifter and graceful, predictable handling. Maintenance is a good deal more expensive on 348's as well. Over the long run, beauty maintains value (just look at Dino prices) 308-328 styling is about universally considered beautiful and classic. 348 styling is controversial at best.

Dave

 

Well put hardtop.

 

Hardtop, I could not have said it better.

Ciao

Eugenio

 

I am interested in comments about reliability,

from pelple ive spoken too i get the impression that the 328 was one of the leas reliable ones around? when compared to Dino through to current?

what is there that I dont understand?

and as far as reliability goes, what sort of things are you talking about?

and dont get me wrong im not bad mouthing 328's just curious to hear your experiences?

 

I do not now where you got that. I bought my 328 in December 03 and, up to now, everythyng is absolutely perfect. From what I hear from friends with the same car and reading in this forum, I think that 328 can be considered perhaps the most reliable Ferrari ever...
In addition to that, no electronics mean that problems are usually easy to trace and to solve, even by yourself. Compared to 348, that I like a lot anyway, 328 is certainly cheaper to run.

Ciao

Eugenio

 

Mechanics generally consider the 328 as the most reliable model with fewest inherent problems Ferrari ever made. There are articles in past issues of Forza and Sports Car Market relating to 328's reliablility. Whoever told you otherwise is either ignorant or lying for an ulterior motive.

Dave

 

Technical DISADVANTAGES actually.

328 is the last tube frame car, with the 348 being Ferraris first experiment with unibody construction.

You'll only notice the difference AFTER you crash hard...........

 

I have owned a 1981 308gtsi, a 1987 328gts and now a 1991 348ts, and would bave to say that the best all around is a 328, hands down. If it were for beauty alone again it would win. 328's are built better, cheaper to repair and once more are the most beautiful car on the road (IMO). 348's are more fun to drive more power better handling (when set up correctly), roomier interior and if your 6ft or over you want a 348, also the AC is amazing in a 348 and soso on a 328. You can get alot more HP from a 348 rather quickly and cheaply, Tubi, Chip, and you have some good gains that way. Owning both I would say that a 348 is light years away from a 328, just like a 355 is light years away from a 348. Now am confused?

 

I've owned both a 328GTS and a 348 Spider. I would recommend the 348 over the 328 by a wide margin. It's just more fun to drive.

 

The decision is simple - if you want a classic Ferrari that offers predictable handling out the box and is reliable enough to be used daily without breaking the bank go for a 328. A buddy of mine at SEFAC (the South African owner's club) has had a GT4, 328, 355, 360, 512, 550 and 2 Dinos and still rates the 328 as the best all-rounder. No denying that the 348 with the Challenge exhaust has a great soundtrack though...

 

I have to take issue with the reliability concerns of a 348. My 348 "check engine" lights have been extremely reliable! You can almost set your watch to them. Every other time I drive the car, one comes on! Actually, I have drilled down and found some correlations. If the weather is between 70 and 80 degrees F, and if the car is driven between the hours of 1pm and 8pm (excluding a break from 5 to 6pm) the lights are more apt to function properly and turn on. The only unreliable thing in my 348 is the driver!