How different and difficult is it to drive w/o Power Steering?

The beauty of the T's power steering is that it's there when you need it, and shuts off at speed when you don't want it. Besides the increased hp, other benefits of the T are adjustable suspension, anti lock brakes and lower engine position for better handling.

There are other threads which discuss the pros and cons of each Mondial, so don't base your decision only on the power steering. Remember, every Mondial is a joy to own.

 

Agree, the feel of the power steering at road speed is very good while the power assist during parking and slow speeds is good.
Cheers!
Greg

 

I have a 348 without PS and frankly, its not needed.

Kai

 

Even if I did I prefer the 3.2 for a variety of reasons.
Do your research and drive both.
Ron

 

+1, test drive a 3.2 and see if you think there will be a problem. I prefer that there's no power steering on my 88, gives it a more true classic sports car experience. Only possible problem I would see is if your wife will be driving the car, she might wrestle with the wheel some what when turning to park. But you really do get use to it and after a while, it becomes natural.

Best

 

Personally my 3.2 without power steering is driving me nuts and can be embarrassing sometimes. Its my only complaint about the car which i suppose is not bad.

You cannot reverse park or get into small spaces without busting your arms and going back and forth twice as many times than you would if you did have power steering.

The other issue here that plays a big part is the bus size turning circle. Seriously ridiculous which was reduced on the 3.4t. This means that sharp corners need to be taken diagonally or you will find yourself reversing back and forth to get round it!

I removed the spare wheel and tool kit and jack to lighten up the front but no big difference.

If i had the money i would have bought a 3.4t but i do love it and miss driving it even though after a long run you get exhausted but the thrill is still amazing!


Not sure how the 348 compares to a 3.2?

 

Btw, 308/328/348 are shorter length than the Mondial, also they are alot lower in height but I do know that the 348 is wider than the Mondials. This would affect handling and would make the 3.2 alot more harder to manage. But its not bad, like I've said, you get use to it and with my bigger Nardi wooden classic, its a breeze for me! But Doc, you really need to try it yourself!

cheers
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The 348 and the 3.2 feel completely different. Steering the 3.2 is much, much heavier.

Erik

 

Is it so different between the 2 cars? I think of the 348 as maybe a potential upgrade for the future but the lack of power steering is making me think again but if it's a lot lighter than the Mondial 3.2 then I would still consider it. Ithas a smaller turning circle as well which is a bonus

 

Three point turn to back into the garage at my office every drive. No problems at all. As long as the car is moving at all it's fine. Shouldn't force the wheels around when stopped anyway. It is a different technique getting the car moving just a little bit before twirling the wheel.

I've never had a hard time pulling a u-turn anywhere I normally would, but two of our three other cars are trucks.

Over 5,000 miles last year.

I guess you have to drive one as there's clearly a very big difference of opinion about it in this thread already.

 

... just need some good weather to take it out!
Cheers,
Greg

 

My 3.2 needed a Hill spacer to get the ergonomics right for me, the turning circle is wide, power steering is not an issue, although its much stiffer than any modern car at parking lot speeds so definitely something to get used to. There is an electric power steering kit available for the 3.2, used on F cars too others like the Daytona, appears properly engineered and is bolt on. I might get one for the sake of a project, but not really to solve for anything problematic, it does cost $3k just for the kit I recall, priced for the Daytona guys! The t lost some styling to my eye, a bit caught between eras, the 3.2 is probably the best rendering of the model design wise, but remember many think all Mondial 's have awkward styling, from some angles they do, from others just stunning. All thing equal I would (and did have the choice) get the 3.2, but good examples are hard to find in either model at this point, so the best car is the best one you find, and perhaps I chose my 3.2 as it was in such exceptional condition as the main deciding factor.

 

There are several threads about adding the EZ Power Steering System (308, Daytona, Countach, etc.). Seems to be popular and satisfying.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/australia/384319-308-power-steering.html

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/vintage-thru-365-gtc4-sponsored-redline-restorations/398592-power-steering-daytona-yes-no.html

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/lamborghinichat-com-sponsored-lamborghini-houston/351715-fitting-power-steering-my-countach-qv.html

 

Doc, the key to the 3.2 is to avoid parking lots and 3 point turns, and just drive her. It "drives" great. You'll smile more if you're clanking through the gate anyway in basically any gear other than reverse.

 

Like Wade mentioned, EZ Steering has been installed on this Mondial.

see this:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/352412-mondial-power-steering-sucess-story.html
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When I first drove the 348 (after driving the 3.2 for a year) I thought it had power steering. The front is extremely light compared to the 3.2. Additionally, the 3.2 steering wheel is bigger - to put it into prospective. It should be easier to turn if anything.

After driving locally the 3.2 for a day, I feel it in my arms that night. 348 - nothing.

Erik

 

Thanks Erik that really helps.

I've never been in a 348 let alone drive one but it's something I plan to do as I hope to get one in the near future. A 355 would solve any issues as it has everything I want except for price

Cheers.

 

My wife, proud owner of an 88 3.2 told me to post the following:
"Tell them your 5ft, 57 year old wife say's - not a problem outside of tight parking spots--there was life before power steering".

 

She's right, it's the tight parking spots that are the problem and the huge turning circle. Once you're on the move they're great and lighten up and so exciting to drive.

At stand still I can't even reverse out of my drive into the street without going back and forth twice because it won't turn in tight enough whereas my bmw does it in half a turn. No matter what anyone says the specs are in black and white and they're not good. Then I read that you shouldn't turn the wheel at stand still as it can damage the steering mechanism because it's so heavy, almost as bad as waiting half an hour for the gearbox oil to warm up so you can put it in 2nd. Geez

I had a 1988 Carerra 911 Sport with no power steering and was amazing to drive and took the tight corners no problem. But lacked the Ferrari spirit.

I suppose we could go on for ever but it's all about the delivery and once you're on the road I agree there is nothing like a Ferrari. Even after owning 9 Porsches they never gave me the same feeling as the Mondial does. They are quirky and have so much character and passion which makes them so special.

Can't live with them, can't live without them

 

If you are ever in NJ let me know, she's yours to try.

Erik

 

Thanks Erik

Appreciate the offer, might be worth the flight from London

Seriously though I am really interested in the 348 as a comparison. Maybe I need to hunt one down and take a test drive.

Thanks very much.