348 vs 355

What you have heard is true................... the 355 is much more powerful than the 348 !!

 

There you go Goth! Throwing matches at the dry Haystack again! (LOL)

 

you have hundred of threads concerning differences between the 348 and 355.
Summarizing in a few words: 355 better handling and more powerfull than 348.

 

If you want a far superior car in all catagories---- 355

 

If you want a more refined car like the Honda accord get the 355

If you want a real sport car with all the true sport car characteristics get the 348...

 

Simply, and I hope fairly objectively:

Looks - totally subjective. Some regard the 355 as one of the prettiest Ferraris ever built. Me, I prefer the more angular aggressive look of the 348.

Power - the 355 has about 10mph more top end depending on 348 ... but lets face it ... 173 / 183 how often? On normal road driving the difference is largely unnoticeable. The 355 does however have one big plus ... an extra 1000 revs to red line.

Handling - the 355 has improved handling over the early 348s but is the same as the later 348 GTB, GTS and Spider. It must be said though, even on the early 348s, the handling is very neutral and VERY competent. It may be unforgiving at the limit ... but you have to get to that limit first.

Reliability - the 355 has a lot more electronics. It has a few well known areas to watch including valve guides, power hood, manifolds. The 348 is a much simpler car mechanically, has no power steering and it feels much more raw. It is pretty bullet proof if looked after well.

So there you have it. Even in enthusiastic road driving, I don't feel that the benefits of the 355 particularly outweigh the 348, apart from the higher pitched scream

The 348 has the advantage of being simpler and slightly more involving ... and of course is a lot cheaper than a 355.

If you have the budget, try both and see which you like. I see no strong reason to discard one over the other apart from personal taste.

 

Its not often in my life time that i see a total eclipse. Its not often i see a 348 owner talking unbiased sense either Good summery that
burriana

 

Have you owned a 355 in the past?

Dave

 

I have owned both. Sorry guys, the 348 was fun but nothing like the 355. In my experience, the 355 is a far superior car in all aspects.

 

If i was a complete Ferrari novice, i would find it very remarkable if the 355 was not a more superior can than the 348. Or the 360 was not more superior than the 355 ect ect. No matter how small a way. Its called advancement.

 

I think you need to drive both - and it depends on what you're looking for. Coming from an MGA - a 355 maybe to refined for you. But like I said you should drive both. They're both amazing cars, and if I had to give the nod to one as being superior it would be the 355. I don't think they are light years apart however, but the power is a little better, the sound is a little better, and most think the styling is a little better. That being said, I don't want to take anything away from the 348 - as it really is a great car. Whatever you do, in either case - make sure the car as a stack of receipts.

 

both cars are sweet, you can't go wrong.... you don't buy a Ferrari for the horsepower..To truly understand and appreciate a Ferrari you must be a car guy.

 

I too have no intention of taking anything away from the 348, I own one. I am just curious if the above statements are made from reading road tests, reading statements posted here or actual ownership.

Dave

 

I own a 348 and I've driven 355's. Why do you ask?

 

You were right..........

 

Because I tend to agree with JSL's opinion / reply regarding performance. I do not see them on as even a footing as I often read on here. Cant say I have ever timed one against the other and I do not own a 355 but drive them daily.

Just a question I have often wondered about.

Dave

 

This is never going to end..348 VS 355...Jeez brothers, can't we all get along?!
why don't we pick on 360s?

 

I don't think they are on even footing performance wise either. I think the 355 is a better performer. I don't think the performance is an earth-shattering difference. However, I will say that the 348 gives the driver the overall feeling that the car is quicker than what it is ... which may be the reason I don't think the performance is earth-shattering. Again, don't get me wrong the 355 is quicker and faster than a 348, no doubt about it.

 

If you are a hairdresser then a 355 is better.

(Just trying to even the slander up a little )

Hehehe.

 

Because the 360 has more or less the same margin of advancement over the 355 as the 355 has over the 348.
But then again the argument would then be 355 VS 360. Oh sorry it has been discussed time and time again, and the 355 still wins

 

Good point .............

.................. isn't it embarrasing to have less horsepower than a 'hairdresser-mobile'??? ..............

Actually around the Fiorano test track..... the 355 was 7 seconds faster than the 348............................. and the 360 was only 3 seconds faster than the 355............................. even with an all new lighter alloy chassis, 6 inches wider, variable exhaust cam, variable intake manifold, 2mm larger stroke and 25 more HP .

A testament to the greatness of the 355.....

 

hehehehehe, shhhhhhh !!! don't tell everyone !

 

I like the earlier summary on the 2 cars. If you have the cash and can find a decent car, get the 355. Just accept that maintenance is going to be greater and that there are more things that can break which you cannot fix. The 348 is a lesser car, but more engaging to drive and far easier to work on for the shade tree mechanic. Get a Series Speciale and you will never look back. I had a hard time choosing between a 1995 355 Berlinetta and a 348, but getting an SS at the price I did was irresistable.

 

Vince.............. you chose well............. as you are currently a card carrying member of the 'nero alleanza'................