Chosing between 308QV or 348

I have neither ('79 308) but prefer the look of the 308 for its simplicity. At the same time, the 348 is likely more refined. Different cars for sure, I leave it to others to comment on the experience of the two.

 

The driving experience if each echoes a change if eras. The 308, with it's transverse engine and non-aero body drives like a vintage car. The 348, with it's longitudinal engine and lower COG, drives similarly to all subsequent V8 Ferraris. The change in layout is fundamental.

There is also a very different feel dimensionally. The 308 is narrowness and you can see the body edges. The 348 is wide, low, and and "slithers" like a modern car, especially at low speeds.

Lastly the interiors are different. The 308's materials and toggles are from the end of the classic post-war era; the 348 (with it's endemic stickies) is almost modern, but I'd argue that it's dated to most these days.

 

David did a great job comparing the two. But he didn't mention the more costly service requirements of the 348.

I actually like the 348 and think they are nice cars but if I had to choose I go with the 308.

 

check out this thread in the 348/355 section on this very topic

 

If you don't have a particular desire to own a 308 (like me) and you don't care much about the huge difference in maintenance costs, buy the 348 and throw a Tubi on it. You'll be happy.

 

Just get the 308 QV and be done with it for life.

 

I would drive both and make the decision with first hand driving experience as I hope driving it is the intent of the purchase, anything else is a fools game.

They both will cost you lots of money, if you can't work on them yourself. They both will be fun and they both look great. It's really your choice. Once you make that decision, ask for specifics on the nuances between years you will get loads of opinions on why one is better than another.

If you buy a 308 get an 83QV. ;-)

 

I'm in full concurrence with both above posts.

You, yourself can actually do the belt change on the 308 without the engine coming out.

And it's the easiest thing ever! LOL!

 

I have no bias or arguments, you don't buy old Ferraris with logic, you buy the one that you love and never look back.

 

A question: as you're looking at the 308 QV, what kept you from considering the 328? Just curious. I wouldn't think the price for each would be much different, assuming more or less equal condition, etc.

Cheers,
Rich

 

I just posted a 308 QV and a 348 in the for sale section:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/ferraris/453485-1985-ferrari-308-gts-qv-euro-20k-miles-excellent-condition.html

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/ferraris/453486-1992-ferrari-348ts-12k-miles-recent-service-rare-colors.html

Both are low-mileage excellent condition cars. Why choose, buy both.

 

Nice cars, and I agree, by both. They are like Lays, you can't have just one.

 

I had a 308 for 15 years. I just picked up a 348.

The 308 has much more of a classic car feel (thats not bad, it just is the way it is), with the cable actuated HVAC and just the overall feel.

The 348 is by no means a "modern" car, but it definetly feels more modern than a 308

Driving the two cars is kinda similar in a way since neither have power steering, but it;s also a little different as well. 10 years of car development is a lot in car years. To me the 348 on the road feels much more "solid" than the 308, heavier and more "planted" on the road.

My 308 was a fun car and I'm glad I owned one. The 348 has a little more modern feel, but still retains some of the classic Ferrari feel with no real driver aids or bells and whistles.

 

I strongly considered a 348 when I was shopping, for a couple reasons. I really like the styling, they are relatively affordable, and there are quite a few available. Also the 308 I wanted was proving very difficult to find. The 348 is really a wonderful car to drive, still has that "analog" experience, and I think they are really very similar to a 308 in most dynamics, just more power and better planted. I think the 308 has a sweeter balance and is more of a dancing partner, while the 348 is more of an attack machine. But they are really fine differences, and both feel like classics compared to modern cars.

But then I stumbled upon my dream 308 and that was that. The 348 would have been wonderful, but the 308 was what I really wanted.

Some people just prefer the 308 styling. I'm one of them, love the 308 but never warmed to the 328 changes so it was never a consideration for me.

Best answer by far!

 

No offense to anyone with a 348... but of all my favorite Ferrari's, it's one of the few that have just never appealed to me. The proportions don't look right and the wheels have always looked plastic or something. 308 QV, with all of it's switches, lack of power steering, old body design and classic look, is the last of the vintage Ferrari's to me. The 348 seems like it was in a weird era where Ferrari was changing a lot post Enzo.

 

I have to say, I recently saw a 348 GTB in Rossa Corsa with the speed line challenge rims and I was taken back by how much I liked it.

Like most cars, the lines of the 348 GTB flow nicer than the TB's.

The only thing I wasn't keen on during my search regarding the 328 and 348 was the interior. I preferred the more vintage feel of the 308. The latter seemed really 80's to me.

 

Did you mean lines of the GTB flow better than GTS?

 

Maintenance costs alone would keep me away from the 348. Though they do sound damn good with a Tubi passing you at about 90mph...

 

I already have a 308 and love it dearly, so I'm not changing. But if I was in the market today, I'd seriously consider a 348.

The latest copy of Classic & Sportscar is written specially for you. It compares the 348 to the 308 carb and the 328, which is close enough to your face off. Arguments for the 308 are looks & vintage ride. The 348 is now good value and is much more planted to the road.

The 348 is still mostly free of driver aids but is a totally different beast. If you like the look, I think the 348 is looking like a bargain as 308 prices creep ever upwards.

 

If you can get a Euro 308, go for it. so much lighter and quicker, easier steering.

 

I used to love the look of F355 but then started to like the lines of 348, but then *talking about lines*, I find myself looking at 308s.

Love the look of 308, not sure why in the hell US spec came with the different front bumper but it's an easy fix.

Good luck!

 

Wish that where so.

 

Yeah, it seems tortuous to me. I just pushed the front in. One day I'll do a full switch. Maybe.