Maintenance 308 vs 328

Having owned a 308 QV and currently own a 328 I haven't noticed any great difference other than having to clean the 308's electricals.

 

Scheduled service will be comparable, but based on my experience ( 3-308's, 2-328's) 328's have far fewer little problems and just seem to hold up better over time. Among 308's, QV's should have the fewest issues. However, people who can do some minor mechanical things themselves can save quite a bit of money working on their 308's.

Dave

 

If you had to pinpoint a major system on the 308 that is significantly "weaker" than the 328 equivalent from maintenance point of view I think it would be the brake calipers - especially the rears. Some parts are NLA I think.

Almost everything else is very, very similar as far as I know.

I

 

Digiplex vs. Microplex ignition; different fuse block; different window mechanisms... three 308 weak spots. I think the more you look, there are quite a few differences. The expensive stuff, e.g., the drivetrain, is basically the same, AFAIK.

With regard to the OP's question, I believe the service costs are identical for routine and major services.

 

In terms of overall reliability, the 328 is probably marginally better when comparing when-new and point-in-time, however, as they are all 20+ years old, the reliability is more a factor of care and feeding of a specific car.

The ignition system is better on a 328, as is the fuse box...but the climate/ac controls on a 308 are not likely to fail like the 328 rockers.

Buy a well-cared-for example of the model you like the best, and you can't go wrong.

 

Here are a just a few big improvements with 328's:
electrical
ignition
cooling
brakes
accessories and powered parts i.e. windows
late 328's had updated suspensions

In addition, compared to 2V models:
rustproofing
better metals in valves and cylinder liners=much longer motor life

I'm not bashing 308's (I did buy 3) but these are the facts. My first 308 was 12 at the time, current 328 is 19. IMO, time takes less of a toll on 328 parts.

Dave

 

if you buy a car in very good condition, it won't matter. i have had both, and even with other models, the only thing that matters is how well the car has been taken care of. you could buy a testarossa and still have low running costs if you buy a well-maintained car. buying from an enthusiast owner is probably the best way to go.

 

I've been taking my 328 to same shop for maintenance for a couple of years, and I've yet to see another 328 there (except one in the parking lot before I bought mine), whereas there are always 4 or 5 or more 308s. I think if you're good at troubleshooting minor electrical gremlins, and upgrade the fuse block, the 308 is a decent car. In my experience, and from what I have been told by mechanics, the 328s are less needy.

That said, I know of a Testarossa owner locally who, as you say, takes good care of his car and apart from expensive major services says his car has been dependable. I suspect dry weather, proper storage and proper use have a lot to do with it -- he's not the type of guy to dump the clutch and blow the differential.

 

Jon, are any of this 308 QV's?

 

Yes. A mix of carb'ed and QVs, although there are more QVs so proportionally speaking I guess you could say the early cars seem to be in the shop more. Not some kind of definitive study here, just observations based on my wandering the shop to see what's around.

I do go out of my way to find other 328s, though, and even last week during the annual oil/fluid service mine was the only one there (among 40 or so Ferraris/Lambos).

 

One must factor in the fact that 308's are 5-10 years older than 328's and therefore have more things breaking and wearing out just because of time.

 

The 328 hit the factory sweetspot (together with Mondial) in late 80's. Nikasil liners help a great deal, and electrics were relatively simple & reliable. Ladder chassis & solid running gear/motor results in stable high performance motoring.

 

328 and 360 Modena are the most reliable Ferrari's ever made. Period. Nothing really goes wrong with them (F1 pump in 360 is the exception). And if you ask me, in 20-30 years when people ask which classic Ferrari to purchase, I bet most will take the 328 over the 360. The 360 has yet to show the gremlins it may have after 20 years (computers etc), and IMHO, the 328 is a much better looking car.

 

Keep in mind production ramped up and created a lot more early injected 308s........

I'll argue the point that an early carbed car is cheaper to run than the early injected 308s, as noted the injection system now is of an age that a lot of replacements parts may be needed...

My car is in for carbs and distributor rebuilds, and that's the sum of all engine management! Not cheap but simpler than all the injection components, IMO.....

 

usually ferraris are cash cows only for those fixing them!!

 

It's a mixed bag, parts for the later car are way more expensive.

My front turn lens is $215 new amd $50 used.

328 Front turn/driving lamp assemblies are $1,000 per side, and No Longer Available........see how that works???

 

+1

Agreed, although as you say the 360 is still fairly new so we don't have a long-term perspective on it. The later 360s seem to be well screwed -- er, glued together.

 

Yeah, the 328 front lamp assemblies are more prestigious.

 

Actually they are 1-12 years older.