from 328 to 512TR

512TR is my favorite Ferrari at any cost (excepting the supers).
Perfect balance of old (gated shifter, non-assisted steering, unbeatable engine note) with modern (good AC, good outward visibility, supportive seats, etc).
If there is one car I wish I had not sold, that was it.
Truth be told I was worried about the gearbox issues. But it's not a big deal.

 

I'm not so sure you'll like the transition.

I also owned a 328 - 1987. I traded up for 512 BBi back in the late 90s, when nobody wanted a boxer. I originally had planned to move up to a TR (not 512 TR), but it just wasn't as exciting or edgy as the 328 or boxer. The Boxer was fine, but a very different type of car.

The big mid-engine V12s are much bigger and faster, but not nearly as agile or have the small sports car feel as the mid-engined V8s. Think of it like an F16 vs F15.

I have not driven the 512 TR, and many have told me it is completely different from the original TR - essentially a "new" car; even though they look similar.

Regardless, make sure you drive the 512TR first.

Also, remember that maintenance on those flat-engine cars can be expensive, due to the engine-out majors. But, probably not as bad as the engine-out V8 cars (348 and 355).

In my case, I wish I had not traded in that 328.

Good luck.

 

I have owned two 355s, my good friend in town has a pristine 328, and another with a 360.
I looked hard a 512 BB.
The ergonomics of the 512 BB were crippling, literally.
The 328 is a great little car with go-kart handling. It is also very small in the cabin, and the AC is rudimentary. These things distract significantly from the driving experience.
The 355 is much bigger inside, I can wear a helmet. The climate control system works, it is a very livable modern car. The 360 is even bigger and more modern.
The build quality of the 512TR made both feel cheap to me. The leather just feels higher quality. The switchgear, though old, feels more robust. But mostly, the entire car just feels solid and special. The climate control is real. The motor has more torque, especially down low, and it is a blast to drive. The 512 is MUCH more agile than the TR, with much better brakes, and a much more rigid chassis. The drive will not disappoint. It has an old-school dog-leg gated shifter that cannot be rushed, especially when cold. But it warms up to a delightful feel that is very rewarding. The steering on the 512 is a bit heavy in a parking lot but becomes almost Lotus Exige like in the mountains. And though it is quite subdued outside the car, the engine sound in the cabin is intoxicating. Even the sound of the starter motor is special.

So to me, the 512TR leaves out the things of an old car that take away from the drive (you are not hot, you can see, you are comfortable, everything works) while giving you the engine sounds and shifter feel and steering feel that are the foundations of a great sports car, all the while wrapped in an iconic body shape like nothing else.

And when I look at the prices I know I sold at the wrong time.

 

I went from a 328 GTS to the 512 TR ...NO regrets and never looked back. The power,torque and sound from the 12 cylinder has no comparison. The 328 felt like a go kart with a washing machine for an engine in comparison. Buy the 512. The only thing that you might not like is its size and width compared to the 328.Beleive me you will get used to it very quickly.

 

I've driven both extensively.

Think very hard before you get rid of your 328. The 512TR is a wonderful car, but it isn't, and doesn't feel, as compact as the 328. And, you can have more fun with the 328 at legal speeds, while the 512TR needs much higher speeds to "come into its own".

I just sold my personal 512TR and bought a 328. The 328 just seems to "fit" me better.

Just depends on what you're looking for. Don't get me wrong; again, the 512TR is an incredible car.

 

I have not owned a TR, but have driven them several times. IMO, a TR would seem to complement your CS better than the 328. I sold my 328 with no regret to get another F car that better suited my driving hobby.

 

If you are having so much fun with the 328, what niche will the 512TR fulfill?

It best to approach it as two different car altogether - versus of thinking that the 512TR will be a magnification of the 328 experience with more power, torque, and outrageous looks.

They are both very different. 512TR is a GT car - not as tossable as the 328, and will not have the go-kart handling. You will find that you will be slower through the tight canyon runs, but much faster through the straights and sweeping curves.

I think you just have to define what experience you are looking for - looks, handling, torque, power, V8, V12, sound etc... and that will guide you in your decision to upgrade or not.

 

I owned a 328 and a 512bbi at the same time but never drove a 512TR. Although I loved the looks and sound of the 512, the 328 was more fun to drive and felt more stable at top speed of around 150 mph. Both are moving up in price so neither will loose money.