I've had my car for a little over a year now. From my perspective: Pros 1. Sound 2. Driving experience (Excellent road feel & Open top) 3. Looks Cons 1. Notchy Shifter 2. Chassis Flex It's not that the shifting and chassis flex are that bad, it just that driving would be an even more enjoyable if those items were improved. How do other owners feel?
Seal2cc: I did put red line mtl in the tranny, and there was some improvement...thanks. DrT: I'm sure a TB would be stiffer, but that open top is just so nice... Again, I don't find these items that objectionable...they're just characteristics of the car that could be improved upon. For example, I'd love it if the car could shift with the precision of an NSX. What I'm looking for is what other owners would consider strengths and weaknesses of the car. For example, if Ferrari approached you and asked what were the top items you'd like to have changed...how would you respond?
My response would be like if you were selling realestate, you know location, location, location ... 1) Transmission ie. either like the 328's or the 355's 2) Transmission ie. either like the 328's or the 355's 3) Transmission ie. either like the 328's or the 355's ... Otherwise the car is awesome!
You can do a search but what the heck. I used to own a 94 TB, now have a 328 GTB and more recently, also a 430. 348 better than 328 the fllowing ways: Stiffer chassis More power Better brakes More interior room (important for some people) 328 is better than a 348 the following ways: Better shifter/tranny Better looks Significantly better balance (348 a handful at or near the limit) Better build quality Significantly cheaper to maintain or repair Significantly better ride Personally I prefer the intimate "car you wear" aspect of the interior. I have not owned a 355, so I can't in good faith compare. As a side note, every small mid engine Ferrari I have driven form 246-430 has much the same character in overall steering and balance that makes them so addictive to me, except the 348. It just does not feel right or seem like the rest and, yes, I have driven more than one. Dave
Compared to the 308, the 348 is:Faster, more power, better handling (my 308 seems to have alot of understeer), better brakes, roomier interior, and to me better, more modern looks. Is a 348 the best Ferrari? No. But I think it is a very affordable modern car. Is the 355 a better car? Maybe, but not by much and for the price IMO not at all. Everyone seems to dis the 348. But the 308/328 series cars look old compared to the more modern 348. As far handling on a ts vs tb I truely don't think it matters exept maybe on the track. Even so I think there were a number of 348 Challenge ts's that were competetive in the series.
I love the 348 period. I'm looking for another car to add to my stable and I can honestly say for the money the 348 is the best car out there. Maybe some are quicker, or handle better, but the overall package the 348 delivers cannot be beat. I'm leaning towards a 550 or a Gallardo, but we'll see. I certaily like other cars, but when looking at a 348 in a sea of exotic cars (like Crystal Cove) it hold it own in the looks category, especially when you consider the price difference between it and other new F-Cars and L-Cars. I'm very happy with my 348. As far as build quality it may lack compared to a 550,360,575, or F430, but I can't see how a 355 has "better" build quality. I like all Ferraris, but let's be honest, it's build quality is no better than a 348.
Most people go off 348's that they see in pictures. As an owner, I am a firm believer that the 348 is not a photographers car. Most pictures ive seen (and there are a lot) just do not do the car justice as its presence in person. All exotics are beautiful in pictures and, of course, more breath taking in person--but for some reason i think pictures don't capture the true beauty and class of a 348. Call me crazy--it's ok! Ive been called a lot worse.
