A few questions for the experts

Hi guys, I'm sort of new here and not yet a Ferrari owner but I should be soon. Two years ago I sought out a particular BMW M roadster and finally found that car and it's a wonderful machine. Now that I have that I want to more seriously start my search for the next car. I won't be getting rid of the M roadster though, I'm trying to build a small collection I guess and I have always wanted a 308 or 328. To me the styling is classic on these cars and I feel is more attractive than many of the newer models.

I love the interior of the 308 with it's classic and more mechanical switches and I wonder about the reliability of them when compared to the more modern switches in the 328. Are they both as reliable as each other and simply a styling difference?

With regards to engine and in general as a whole reliability I have read that both are quite reliable, when properly maintained of course. Does either the 308 or 328 have any significant differences in potential reliability issues I am unaware of?

Seat of the pants, which car is the better driver? Does one handle better? And what about the power differences? Is it that noticeable between the models?

Is there a particular version of either the 308 or 328 that I should search for with regards to increased collectability? I tend to look for low-volume or special version when buying cars.

I really appreciate everyone's input because I truly expect to be buying in the near future. Thanks!

 

76 or 77 Euro fiberglass drysump 308 is the most collectible of any 308/328. There wouldnt be much difference between said car and a 328 power-wise or handling if both cars have 16" rims and modern tires. A 328 would be more reliable and a nice or perfect example can be found without much effort whereas the fiberglass car will require searching, patience and the willingness to pay to get a great example. Dont be fooled with low prices on any ferrari, a cheap car costs more in the end. A fiberglass EURO (not US) car can be pricey because a clean one is hard to find and expensive to make right. Dont connect cost with performance like telling yourself you can get a Testarossa for the price of a 308, if you really WANT the most collectible 308 made then you will bypass a TR or 355 for the same money to get the 308 you want. A 328 would be an easy purchase, no headaches, no rust, turn key and live the dream but it lacks some of the character an older ferrari has, its personal preference.

 

You outlined some of the questions I ask myself. I prefer the classic interior of the 308 GTB QV (which is the 308 I would consider) but I also like the 328 for it's further refinements as a whole.

 

Paul really got it all there. All down to personal preference in the end. When tuned right, they all give pretty good performance with 328s being the quickest and most reliable of the bunch. No strange quirks with these cars equivalent to Porsche 911 head stud issues or the like. Very solid.

 

My concern with the 328 was with the interior bits and switches. Are they well made and reliable?

I think the 1985-86 328 GTB is what I'm after. How's the headroom? I'm 6'3" medium build (I fit in an M roadster with no issues once seated )

Also, is is the general consensus to purchased from an individual enthusiast or to purchase from a Ferrari specialist type dealer?

 

With your height I believe a 328 is the way to go. Not so sure about the 328 switches, but it is my understanding that everything on that car is very reliable. I have seen some heavy hitting Ferrari mechanics on this forum state the 328 is one of the most if not the most reliable Ferrari ever made.

 

Depends on the car. Let us know what you find. A PPI is always a good idea regardless.

 

You actually make a good point, the 328 switches and HVAC controls are quite expensive compared to the older 308 ones.....

If you dig really deep there were some 'bad years' for oil burning motors, but most were rebuilt under warranty.

Heck one of my old pre catalyst cars exploded under warranty, they are serious about the break in mileage rechecks!!!

They guy was making a Hit list:

Wipers don't work smoothly
Trunk lid rattles...

Then his engine exploded! LOL!

 

it really is

 

I have a Euro 1989GTB 328 which is a sweet car and also low-volume and special version.

 

The 328 rocker switches are fine and replacable if necessary for a fair price. The remote mirror switch is multi-position and easily repaired (you can take it out and see the contacts). The climate control boxes are twitchy and replacements are expensive.

 

I'm 6'1 and fit comfortably in a 308 GTB but you have to enjoy a car that's close quarters. The guy I bought the car from is 6'3 and it's definitely a tight fit for him, but then he owned it for twelve years so I guess it worked. With the seat almost all the way back and reclined, I've got about an inch headroom in the GTB. Taller folks just have to slump more.

 

Hi there TMaher!!

First off either one is going to have its pluses or minuses. There are countless arguments that could be made for either car.

The 308 will have more of a vintage feel to it while the 328 is going to be more modern. The 308 has more cool switchgears and knobs while the 328 again is more modern.
The 328 has better A/C while the 308 is going to have (again) a more vintage feel.

Even among the 308s there are:

Fiberglass
Carbed cars non-cat
Carbed cars w/cat
2v injected
QVs

Each of those variations has its own little positives and negatives. The Fiberglass has already been spoken of, so I wont go more into that here. The early carbed cars have a distinct character (ask BigTex or LVFerrariPilot for commentary there). They also had a higher rated power output. Carbed cars with catalytic converter (not sure who owns one off the top of my head). 2v injected lost some power/performance as these were very early injection systems which Ferrari hadnt completely sorted out yet, quite reliable and no slouch when compared to the other cars in spite of what some people say. The QVs saw a return to some of the power of the earlier cars and typically require the least maintenance.


Neither the 308 nor the 328 is going to suddenly skyrocket in value, so PLEASE dont look at it from that perspective. You need to find one, perhaps from another member here, and sit in it. See how the car fits you and what YOU think is going to make you happiest.

For me it absolutely was the 308. I understood that the 328 was more modern, had a bit more power, etc.... but that could not compensate for the look that drew me to the 308 all those years ago.

Honestly, the power difference between the two cars may be felt in the seat of your pants, but neither car is going to be fast by todays standards. Dont plan to drag race your car at stoplights and run away from many cars.

Good luck and post as many questions as you like.


PDG
'85 308 GTSi QV

 

As the owner of a 328 and now a 1977 dry sump Euro GTB, I can tell you that there is a marked difference between the two cars. The 328 is more refined, better built, HEAVIER, a hair faster but not much, and not nearly as cool. And the sound...my 328 has a Larini Exhaust and test pipe and sounds great...until you drive the carb car. In short, the 328 feels like more of a GT car whereas the 308 feels like a slightly de-tuned race car for the road. However, bear in mind that this is a U.S. 328 vs. a Euro 308; an unfair comparison, really. The 308 in this configuration is an uncompromising, snotty, as-Enzo-wanted-it car, whereas the 328 has been fattened up and choked by moronic U.S. smog laws and regulations. Also, just because a car is better built doesn't in any way make it more of a kick to drive; a Lexus is better built than a Ferrari but...

I would HIGHLY recommend that you drive a few variants of the 308/328 series and, if possible, by ALL MEANS, drive and then buy a Euro car. If I had to do it all over again, I would've bought a carb car the first time around but everyone is different; you need to explore the different "flavors" and choose which one you like best.

Good luck!
Scott

 

I'm only a few onths into my ownership of an 84QV (US version) but I couldn't agree more. Drive both models and understand that this is an easy test - there is no wrong answer! Pick the one that works for you. I chose the 308 because I did want that classic look and feel recognizing that technical challenges would come with that. My interior switches have been fine including the antenna.
FWIW, I am 6'3 200lbs 34" inseam and 35" shirt sleeve and I fit in mine fine with the roof out. With the roof behind the seats I am comforatble but a tad squeezed. I would think with a GTB you get even more room and you will feel right at home. Go for it!

 

I've owned a 1978 308 GTS and 1980 GTBi, and am 6' 2" with 36" sleeve and 36" inseam. I definitely have more head room in the GTB.

I definitely prefer the styling of the GTB over the GTS. It's nice to drive with the roof off in the GTS, but the GTB is a better drive and easier to live with (IMHO) in every other regard.

If you add in the rarity factor, I'd say take your pick between a 308 GTB QV and 328 GTB. Both are fairly rare in the States. Decide which you like more and buy that one -- don't worry about things like how much a switch costs or such; the 328 GTB is going to cost significantly more than the 308 GTB QV, so things like switches sort of become a moot point.

Either one is a great car, and as for the price difference, if you keep the car forever, what does it matter? And if you sell it, as long as its properly maintained, you'll get your money back from either one.


Good luck in your search!

- T