Esprit or 308 | FerrariChat

Esprit or 308

Discussion in 'British' started by eternalx88, Sep 22, 2004.

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  1. eternalx88

    eternalx88 Rookie

    Aug 12, 2004
    42
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Michael Hsu
    Hi, I was thinking about selling my BMW M roadster to get something more exotic. I was thinking about a good condition older 89-90 Esprit or a 1980s Ferrari 308. How much are these cars going for? Mileage is not that big of an issue unless its nothing above 70k. I have heard that the Esprit isnt reliable and the maintenance on the 308 could be easy to work with.

    Mike
     
  2. vdavie

    vdavie Formula Junior

    Sep 10, 2004
    316
    norcal
    Full Name:
    vince davie
    stay away from that year lotus..a lot of problems. Even the later years (imo) are not that great cars. I sold my 99 twin turbo car a few months back after only having it 3 months, just didnt think it was that great of a car. These are just my thoughts. I have a few Porsches an NSX and a 355 and all of these cars, IMO are better than the lotus.

    vince
     
  3. aresgonz1

    aresgonz1 Rookie

    Mar 8, 2004
    3
    Corpus Christi, TX
    Full Name:
    Humberto Gonzalez
    I have a Mondial (same engine as 308) and a 4cyl Esprit, both are easy to work on. Ferrari and Lotus each have thier own unique gremlins, if you are handy with tools a 4cyl Lotus is not difficult to sort out and a 308 will be a little harder to work on. Ferrari parts are a little pricey, Lotus parts are also expensive but most can be cross referenced with parts available at the local discount parts store. Both cars attract lots of attention, and each gives a different driving experience. They are both wicked fun and for $40K to $50K you can buy both- a nice sorted 308 AND an 88-92 Esprit.
     
  4. eternalx88

    eternalx88 Rookie

    Aug 12, 2004
    42
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Michael Hsu
    I look through ebay alot and found many 308s and Esprits going for low to mid 20's. I don't think I trust Ebay tho. Do you guys know anyone who are selling there cars?
     
  5. patpong

    patpong Formula 3

    Jul 6, 2004
    2,274
    Bangkok, Thailand
    Full Name:
    Patpong Thanavisuth
    I have both cars.
    The Lotus Esprit is always under rated. They always say that the 20 years old design Esprit is too old but no one say about the design of the 911. Have you seen the new 2005 911. What is that? Are they going backward?

    I have the Esprit S4, 94 and 308, 1976. I now modified the Esprit to top the speed of 180+ mph, that's mph and 4.0 s to 0-60. The Esprit is very reliable if you maintain it right on the book and use it on regular basis. If you're not
    really paying attendtion to maintain stay away from it. In fact stay away from any supercars at all. It is easily modified. and fast. I mean fast. When the turbo kick, it pull you like there is no tomorrow. I mean faster than the 360, yes...360.
    The 308 is very nice styling classic. fun to drive. nothing fast. not much to upgrade. But the style last you forever.
    If you are looking for performance and ready to modify, go for the Esprit. If you looking for the classic styling and the name and some good fun, 308 is a dream come true....
     
  6. audionut

    audionut Formula Junior

    Apr 25, 2003
    566
    Toronto, Canada
    Full Name:
    Adrian Low
    Hey Patpong, what have you done to the Esprit? Have been toying with the idea of getting one and souping it up. Can you describe some specifics and manufacturers? If you prefer to pm me, please do so. Thanks
     
  7. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2003
    18,071
    Savannah

    check ferrariads banner at the main Fchat page. my 308 is listed but may be sold already. (sale pending)
    ferrari market letter, the autotrader and ferrari ads are great. i have nothing good to say about ebay. so i wont. Jfrasar on this site is a friend of mine, and has several stunning cars in his collection. i drove his 4cl lotus turbo last sunday. i REALLY liked it. i want a V12 ferrari, so the other toys will have to wait. a carb 308 is heck of an experience, just remember they are NOT " fast" . they are, however, a pleasure of the senses, the roar of the carbs, the howl of the Ansa, and the smell of the leather that is unique to old, unrestored Ferrari's of the 70's.
     
  8. lotustt

    lotustt Formula 3

    Aug 28, 2002
    2,026
    Full Name:
    TRM
    Gave up on the 308 huh carreaper?
     
  9. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2003
    18,071
    Savannah
    no i did not. i dont like open top cars. i wanted a euro carb gtb before i got this car. i STILL want a euro carb GTB. i may settle for a " regular " US spec GTB since there are a few around.
    Jfrasar is a member here and his red Lotus turbo esprit is a joy to drive. i am considering a Lotus or an older Porsche 930 turbo, as an " extra" fun car. 308GTB is on the top of the list. i will add a B.Boxer ( 365 only ) when the time is right.
     
  10. patpong

    patpong Formula 3

    Jul 6, 2004
    2,274
    Bangkok, Thailand
    Full Name:
    Patpong Thanavisuth
    What i have done isn't much? I did not touch the engine at all. The exhaust system is what i totally renew, header, no cat. that should bring you up there....
     

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