Hi Well until the other day I had not driven a Ferrari, but went out in a friends 355 and then got to drive it. WOW. Totally bitten by it. Sounded awesome (running a Tubi Sports Exhaust). Unfortunately this is a bit out of reach at the moment, so I then started looking into 20 to 25k and the 348 popped up. I am currently running a Porsche 944 Turbo S (running approx 310bhp) so this would seem on par in terms of performance with my current vehicle. How does this compare in terms of modern day driving of later 355's and so on? Has anyone got rough calculations on yearly servicing, cambelts and so on. I apologise for so many questions which I am sure have been answered here many times before, but would like to soak up as much info before I even think of dipping my toe in the water and getting embroilled in all things "F". I am based on the Wirral if anyone has one in my neck of the woods and could give any info. All the best Lee
my honest opinion is you have a better driving car than the 355/348 as the 944 turbo is one of the most underated cars on the market its even better on a track than a 911
Hi Steve F Wow that was quick Well I have to agree it goes like stink and handles unbelievably well. Just it is as quiet as a mouse.
i speak from experiance as i have owned a 355/348/911/944turbo have you?? or are you just a biast 348 owner ???
944 turbos are good cars, but 348/355 are stunning cars. It just aint about being the quickest etc, Mitsu's and Scoobys do that, its about the passion that a Ferrari invokes in you, makes you feel like no other car ever can. Do it.
Had a 944S2 for around 6+ years. Great car, especially as an everyday car... but the Ferrari 348 is in a whole different leaque.
Lee, I've owned a 355 and my brother had one of the final 348's. I've driven both and in my personally opinion I'd save a bit more cash and get the 355. I think the 355 is a more rounded and useable car which means you'll get more use out of it. It has similar characteristics to the 348 but it feels more planted and is slightly more progressive on breakaways. THe power steering, extra power and 6 speed box really helps the car maximise it's performance. The 348 is a good starting point but I think you'll be shocked after your first test drive as you've already experienced the 355 which is a better car. Early RHD cars are now coming it at 35k and a good 348 is still in the 25-30k mark. Get a 355, you'll never regret it, best looking Ferrari in my opinion apart from your classics like F40, etc. Whatever you buy, do your research and get a PPI done. It could save you thousands in the future.
Last summer I sold my '90 944 turbo and bought a '91 348. The turbo was standard with 250 bhp. The turbo 'seemed' to accelerate faster than the 348, but that might just have been the difference in the way the power was delivered - nothing much happening off boost then a big push in the back as the turbo kicks in. I don't get that same push in the back from the 348, the acceleration is more linear and less dramatic. I'd imagine your 310 bhp will accentuate the apparent difference and in reality you might have a faster car than the 348. The 944 was a lot softer than the 348 and rolled a little in corners but still got round them pretty quickly. The 348 is stiff and corners much flatter. My one gripe about my 348 is the way it handles in a straight line. On bumpy or uneven roads it's quite twitchy, which can be disconcerting, even a bit scary at times. The 944 did tend to tramline but never caused any drama. In the looks department it's no contest, IMHO the 348 wins by a street length. But if you don't welcome attention don't get a 348, or pretty much any Ferrari for that matter, little boys (and their dads!) will be round it like flies any time you park it. In my five and a half years with the 944 (which was in great condition) I don't remember seeing a single head turn! p.s. I have to agree with you about the sound - the 944 is really disappointing, sounds pretty much like any family saloon!
drove a new m5 the other day,and 500bhp it dont feel like it,amg 500 supercharged merc felt a bit better,lets not talk bhp it dont work.
Cant comment in terms of ownership of a 348, but from the feed back i get from the owners they are fantastic cars. Ive been in a couple of them and really enjoyed the experience. The shape is timeless and as a package they are brilliant value for money. In a way i regret never owning one.
Agreed. They are not as easy to drive as a 360 which anyone and their grandmother could get in and drive. These cars require skill to drive properly. Yes...the absence of power steering is one of it's greatest strengths. It feels like a go kart and the communication between driver and car is exceptional. Even 355 drivers who have driven a 348 have said how great the steering is. only downside is that it's heavy at very low speeds, but it does'nt really bother me and I drive it in heavy traffic in central london. The F40 does'nt have power steering either. errr....it's Italian and it's a Ferrari. Usually on the TS targa roof. Easily remedied though. Never had a problem with mine.
dont confuse steering weight with feel and precision Sy, the steering on a 355 is absolutely beautiful, and thats powered, just because a car has power steering does not mean it lacks precision and feedback. Did even the late 348's not have power steering???
