328 or 355

OK, you have helped me greatly, and I have decided to take the plunge. My Audi S4 is on the chopping block (taking offers if anyone wants a great car for the coming winter...).
My good buddy bought an '87 328 yesturday - and if he hadn't picked it up, I would have driven it home. His purchase was even thrilling for me, cannot wait until it is my turn. But I am considering a 355 berlinetta instead. As I am used to the power and performance of the Audi, its more a match. But in some ways it lacks the raw fun of the 328.

The 355 costs more up front, will depreciate a little, and will cost more to service. 328 is slower, but more engaging to drive. Anybody have experience with both and want to pass it on? Open top is not a necessity (got an open car) and the car not a daily driver.

Thanks in advance for your help. This is just a great site.

 

You gotta go 355 for numerous reasons.


Thanks!
Vince

 

I have previously owned an 87 328 GTS, a nice car, but the 355 spider blows it way in all respects with the exception of looks (always had a soft spot for 308's and 328's).

The 355 is just so much more a "modern" car with better driving characteristics. Better brakes, lighter clutch, more compliant suspension, better handling, way more engine. Love the power steering (in spite of the naysayers). Just a much more comfortable and fun car to drive.

About the only negatives on the 355, higher purchase cost, more depreciation (and they ARE dropping), and much higher maintanence costs (like double the 328...so far).

 

S4 to 328 ---- huge performance let down

 

EZ Choice: F355, of course i may be a "Bit" Biased.

If you can find a 328 GTB (Good Luck), i would consider it.
The lines are much Smoooother.

 

Sounds like you have already figured out the pluses and minuses. The only decision is whether or not you really like the 355 more, and, if so, how much more are you willing to pay up front and on an ongoing basis to own one vs a 328. Over the long term, a 355 will probably cost about 2X to won vs a 328.

Dave

 

I'd lean toward the 328 based on looks, but I haven't driven a 355 and I'm sure the performance is night and day better. For me the maintenance on the 355 would offset the performance. It might come down to your budget and which one tugs your heart more.

FWIW, saw a red 355 spider yesterday on I-15 here in San Diego and it was looking pretty damn fast and red.

 

For me that would be a hard choice i love both cars..I currently have a 328GTS that i am selling and i regret having to sell it everyday...they are such an awesome car, a blast to drive and beautiful to look at, but thats coming from someone that hasn't driven a 355 yet. Someday i will buy another one and at the time i will also be in your shoes and have to decide what to buy. If your interested i have a beautiful 328 listed below market value. Good Luck

 

definately a 355, i like the looks on it more, especially a yellow berlinetta.

 

I still find my 308 makes me feel better for driving pleasure, feel and technique. 355 goes a lot faster but is more subdued, refined an clearly posey, as it is a much more expensive car. Lookwise, I think they are both amongst the most beautiful cars ever but the 308 is just a wisker ahead if I had to choose.

I will eventually sell the 355 (hopefully for a strad) but the 308 I will keep forever.

Philip

P.S clearly i am lumping the 308s/328s in the same bracket. Between them I like the 308 for looks but the 328 for the extra power

 

I agree, the early carb 308's without the rear spoiler and WITH 16" QV wheels look fabulous.

I had one, but have to admit the 328 was easier to live with.

 

Hmm, tough choice

The 328 is gorgeous but the 355 is almost as good looking but better AC, & much faster

I'd have to say, Get Both !!!

 

Drive both for 15 mintutes and then go with your gut feeling.

Then make sure you hae done the proper inspections.

Good luck !!

 

LoL....couldn't agree more!

355 > 328 > 348

 

These are really two different kinds of cars - the 328 being a sensual driving experience with just enough power to enhance that, and the 355 being a no-nonsense BMW/Porsche-for-lunch fireball.

There is really no substitute for taking a test drive in each and deciding which suits your driving personality.

 

The 355 just on the music it makes.

 

Changing the subject a little here, but if you can afford a 355 then why not consider a 512TR, don't buy a car yet and drive the 3 models, each has it awsome ways, but I think that for the money you invest in a 355 that a 512tr should be given a chance. A 328 alternative for the purchase price would be an early Testarossa and a 355 alternative is the 512tr.

 

The 355 is more direct comparison to the Testarossa. The 328 is no match to the superb performance and quality of the 355. However, the 348 which should be a direct match to the 328, the 328 is far more desirable... 355 is all around best, not too old, not too new, not too raw, not too smooth, not too slow, not too quite and not too too loud like the carb...

 

328 is very difficult to beat in terms of look and performs reasonably well but one thing is for sure it is fun driving it.
355 has more power, looks cool and easier to drive.
512TR sheer performance, great GT car, very aggressive.

I've owned them all but currently just hanging on to 328GTS and 512TR.

 

"It's so choice.. If you have the means, I highly suggest you pick one up." -Ferris Bueller (commenting on the 355.)

 

Perhaps a lot of people will not agree, but...
328 is one of the best looking car ever made.
Whilst being far superior under the technical point of view, 355 is too "Toyota" for me. I simply find it dull. 348 is much more exciting.
512 TR, my dream.
Ciao
Eugenio

 

Both are very different cars to say the least!

I've driven them both (so far the only Ferrari's I drove) and I think they're both great in there own unique style. Of course the 355 is the best choice if you want a modern car, feeling is much more up to date. Performance is obviously also a lot better in comparasion to the older 328.
But... I would never say the 328 isn't a good option! It's also a great car to say the least, much more classic and if maintenace cost is important by far the better choice! Both are fun to drive!

Looks are a personal matter! I think they're both drop dead gorgeous and equal to each other. Best option would indeed be to have them both

In the end I think the 355 wins the overal battle, it's my personal dream car but before I buy a 355, I would like to have owned a 328 too

Good luck in making the right choice John! I think you won't be dissapointed in either way but drive them both to see wich one attracts you the most.

Eugenio, the 355 too Toyota? Are you serious? A controversial opinion to say the least

 

355, it is the best modern ferrari, ever.

 

335 and you'll have no regrets.

 

Alex,
what do you want me to say? Yes, frankly the coupé reminds me a lot the Toyota MR2 lines. That does not mean at all it is awful, simply for me it is not in the same league with 308, 328 or 348.
Ciao
Eugenio