GT4 vs. Monidal Coupe

Having faced this choice myself, the unexpected thing that tipped me to a 3.2 coupe was the fact that it had an effective rustproofing galvanizing type treatment to the metal like Porsches. Having fought corrosion before, it's no fun. That and the fact that a Mondial coupe is quite large inside with headroom galore - quite rare in many Ferraris as is the practicality.

The biggest draw to me still of the 308GT/4 is it's elegant mechanical simplicity and raw earthiness. The Mondial is more complex and sophisticated small GT being a more modern design.

The Mondial and 308 GT/4 are really cars for the cognescenti - they do not appeal to the bling buyers - you appreciate them for more subtle reasons. They are both terrific cars, and incredible value for the money because of this subtleness lost on many Ferrari buyers looking for more of a toy than a car.

I think you have chosen both wisely. Good luck and have fun!

 

The GT4 has more 'edge' in both handling and looks.

Mondial is more practical and family oriented.

They are both very good cars, so you need to drive both because only you can make the call.

 

The GT4 is more a sports car with some teeny back seats (like a 911). It handles better than a Mondial (I'm told) and is lighter. Not to mention has carbs and makes all the right sounds.

The mondial is more sophisticated, more comfortable, more space, has better back seats, and a very civilized injected engine for daily use. None of those tricky carbs that make beautiful sounds but require a bit more effort on the part of the driver. The Mondial is supremely solid at high speed. Even my wife noticed the first time she drove ours. "Man, this thing just feels planted at 90 MPH!"

I just love the Mondial, but I love the GT4 too. They are different beasts.

///Birdman\\\

 

GT4 is the better choice for long term collectibilty.

The Modial is the better value for the money.

What an interesting decision...

Nah, I'd take the GT4.

 

It's a tough decision. Both are great cars. I think the mondial is more practical, the GT4 more raw.

I think finding a good example of either of these cars is tough (many have been abused due to their cheap purchase price but expensive maintenance). You may just want to search for both mondials and GT4's, and just buy the best one you can find. Whichever one it is, as long as it is mechanically good, you've got a winner.

Dom

 

Maybe, but I doubt that either of these cars will ever be worth much. The 4-seaters just aren't all that desirable. Oh well, their loss...

Dom

 

+1000!

I've had both. I loved the GT4, but I'm glad I bought the QV coupe and I really like my t Coupe. Buona Fortuna.

-Peter

 

You are right in that finding a good example is the most important thing.

Both cars occupy a similar status at the moment. They are both pretty useable and the maintenance cost not outrageous by Ferrari standards.

I think in the long term the GT4 will hold it's value better, because it's more raw. And people looking for rawness will favour it over the Mondial. After all, if you want a sensible sports car then there will always be a faster more sensible car in your budget.

 

Unfortunately for me I've never ridden in a Mondial before. I love the GT/4 so I am abit biased, though I do think the Mondial is a cool car in itself. But on the other hand I do know of a guy who is considering selling his Mondial coupe and looking to possibly buy a GT/4. I don't know if that tells you anything? But it does say something to me. Good luck in your quest and keep us posted on the possibilities you run across, I'm sure we'd all love to give our $.02 worth.

Cheers!

DT

 

Gents,
As well as the previuosly describes "raw sports car feel" it is the looks.

The GT4 Bertone styling is unique, and keeps you looking at it to study the blending of the svelte overall lines and the edginess. It is form over function.
A true inspirational work of art (sculpture on wheels). Definetly female image.

For me the Mondial is more function over form..it is rather boring to ook at. More of a male image. (Sorry Birdman)
Martin

 

mondial qv......end!

 

A buddy of mine, Paul (pad on here), had a GT4 many years back, and says it was a fantastic car. He often tells me that he still wishes he had it. Quick, nimble, fun car to drive, as he says.

I owned a Mondial QV for a couple of years, and enjoyed the car immensely. Great car to drive. But it's a highway car, not a sports car in the "raw" sports car sense of the word. It handled great and I drove it on the track and it performed great. But when the chance came along for me to get a 308 carb car, which was what I wanted from the start, I let the Mondi go.

So you have to decide. GT4 is going to be an old fashioned carbed car with all that comes with those old Webers, etc. The Mondi, especially the QV or 3.2, is a generation or two newer, and the look and feel are very different. You need to decide between old fashioned raw sports car, or a bit more modern, a bit more sophisticated road car. My $.02, YMMV.

 

I have driven neither but have looked into both & I think the GT4 is more Classic Ferrari ala Dino & Daytona as where the Mondial tends to more modern sophistication ala 348, 355, 360. I also think the GT4 will be cheaper to operate if u do your own work. & theres nothing that says sports car more than popping webers & exhaust backfires.
The GT4 in this thread looks killer http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138955
Bill

 

Not mine, no financial interest here...Cavalino motors, a fellow F chatter is listing jon eisemans gt4, it a platinum winner at cavalino, I think 3 times..if thats what your looking for, this is the one...good luck, mark

 

Ummmm. Not so sure re; "Cheap purchase price". My Mondial sold for over 110,000 in 1991 (cost was equal to a house in 1991). Translate that to value in todays dollars and you will quickly see they were very expensive cars to purchase.

 

Yes, it pop and backfires just enough to say '70s sports car. Its raw and fun. And you just gotta luv the wrap around dash--now that really says '70s sport car. The gt4 is raw, in-your-face...more so in person than in photos. It is lower and more dramatic "in the flesh" than on the computer screen.

The mondial is all '80s--the red-orange gauges, the body colored bumpers, fuel injection, more smog junk, etc. I'm sure it's more civilized, more "useable," less edgy.
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+1. I guess that's what happens when you get old(er).

-Peter

 

For me it is the GT4. Had one for about 14 years. Driven it, raced it, pranged it, repaired it, repainted it, blown up the motor (308 sodium filled exhaust valve disaster), replaced the motor with an EFI/MoTec 328 motor and that's about where we are at the moment. But the GT4 has great road dynamics, is lighter relative to other 308s, 328 & Mondials and so if you up the hp you get a better power to weight gain! I also love its wedgy look. And yes, it is a bit raw, but that in itself has a certain je ne cést quoi, don't you think?
Cheers,
Grahame