our 348 secret

Although I have not had the same opportunity to drive a bunch of other sports cars, I have to agree, it truely is an experience to get out on the road and experience all that the 348 has to offer. I think those who continue to have disdain for the 348 have most likely never had the experience in one.

It's almost like our little secret!

 

The newer exotics have to have power seats, power steering, and multiple suspension options (most set to a soft limo ride) in order to make sales.

In contrast, the 348 is set up with agressive camber, tight suspension, and a great non-power steering feel. It's a generally lightweight, mid-engined car...which all translates into a fantastic driving experience.


I dig it!

 

True, and for cars in general -- too many distractions from driving. This is what happens when carmakers design their products to be rolling cell-phone booths (Ferrari less so than others).

I was in a Mercedes E-Class with the active body-gripping sits recently and I quietly wondered how many engineers DCX would have to fire to get rid of it.

 

+1

 

I don't have my 348 anymore but I agree, new cars have lost all the appeal with too much refinement. The 348 is a great drivers car.

 

when i was in my 20's, seems like a life time ago, my dad and i restored an early can-am car called a cub, it was owned by the late jerry titas, it was a mid engined monster, hewland trans and a aluminum block traco olds with 4 monster duel draft weber carbs on the top, the 348 is the closest thing ive driven to that car since i sold it years ago, not in exceleration of course but just the over all feel and feedback you get from driving

 

older cars always feel more 'raw' and undiluted than a modern vehicle.....its a great experience

 

You can't beat a 348 if you want to feel connected with the road. No band-aids, no crutches, just you, the car, and the road!

 

when did the big leap in comfort/refinement occur?

was the 355 a big change to the theme....or 360?

 

The F355 added power steering, power-adjustable shocks/suspension, power convertible top, automatic F1 transmission, exhaust cut-out, air bags, and power seats to the 348 chassis.

That's a big jump. More refinement. More weight. More complexity. More maintenance. More speed.

Less raw.

 

You forgot More dollars when the car breaks down.

 

Ya! 5 valves per cylinder instead of just 4. More ECU's. Collission sensors for the airbags. $16,000 for an F1 hydraulic pump. 6 forward gears instead of 5. Extra electric motors for the convertible top, power seats, adjustable shocks, etc.

You need the SD2 computer system (~~ $13,000) to reset the 355 after a clutch change.

More expensive shocks.

OEM exhaust headers that must be replaced every 12,000 miles due to heat issues.

OEM valve guides (engine overhaul time!) that must be replaced within 25,000 miles.

Power seat potentiometers that crap out routinely (~~ $250 each).

All of that and more for the F355 is above and beyond the same expected maintenance costs for the less complex 348.

Ya gotta pay to play!

 

Dont you need the SD2 to help you reset the clutch with only the F1 setup,dont you?
Do the manifolds crack at exactly 12,000 miles?? They crack dont they? Who ever said it was 12,000 miles? Could happen anytime couldnt it?
The valve problem is not a total engine overhaul,only the heads,as you know all about with your 348.
I did actually want a F355 before i bought my 348,but i couldnt afford the 355. If i had waited another few months,i could have had a 355,if the right car came up. But i love my 348 now,and i think im glad i havent gone with a 355 as a 1st Ferrari

 

Right. I wouldn't know if the 355 OEM exhaust headers crack or burn through, but they have a fairly short expected life. And yes, the SD2 would just be for the F1's clutch. In contrast, the manual 355 6 speed tranny would be right at home (been done, even) on the 348.

The 355 is not a car to be stretched on. As in, if money is an issue, don't spend your budget on the purchase leaving no money for 355 maintenance.

Gotta pay to play there, which is fine.

 

I think they crack and owners are better off goin with aftermarket ones instead of OEM. And you are correct,if you cannot afford to maintain the car,then you are better off goin for the model that you can afford to maintain.

 

One of the reasons i got a 348 Spider over 355 or 360 was the "back to basics" drive of it. It really is a driver's car in the sense as you dont have all the technological amenities of power steering, power this, assisted that.

When you hit a nice bend at 70+ you feel the car fighting you and nothing can top that. Sure, its lighter on the power. But I took the overall picture into consideration before I bought.

My wife thinks it's, "OK". She loves the styling of the 360.

Shes just lucky it's Mother's Day!

 

This is an interesting discussion. I am presently debating my first Ferrari: 355, 348, or possibly Mondial T or Mondial 3.2. What are the pros and cons of each? Common failures/known issues?

I hear a 3.2 is A LOT cheaper from a maintenance perspective than a T because a 3.2 is essentially a 4 seat 328 while a T is a 348.

 

All these reasons are why my 348 has been in the garage for 16 years....and there have been alot of other Fcar visitors...........TR, 308, Mondial t and an F40. For the money the 348 is a great experience.

 

You guys are getting me psyched... the truck that is carrying my "new to me" 348 Spider is supposed to arrive on Monday.
I bought a 348 Spider because I want a go cart for the street - and I also wanted to own a Ferrari.
I hope it arrives early in the day because I have a lot of narrow, hilly, curvey roads that I want to drive it on as soon as it comes off of the truck.

Kirk

 

I contemplated upgrading to a 360 a while back.............. until I test drove it.

Ther 360 felt like a Jaguar limosuine compared to the 348. As I left the dealership in MY 348... I knew I would be keeping it for a looong time.

 

You'll get more enjoyment from your 348 if you do a little post-purchase prep work before driving her: http://webpages.charter.net/aircover/348/1994Ferrari348Spider.html#postprep

 

I have been reading your thread off and on for the last 6 months. The guide helped me to understand the 348 better, which helped me to be a more educated shopper.
I will be refering to it alot in the future too.

Thank you very much No Doubt, you put alot of effort into the guide!