Porsche 930 vs 348

I previously owned a modded 930 turbo. My 1998 F355 Berlinetta is a far, far better car. While it doesn't have quite the brutal acceleration of the 930 (after the turbo lag), it also lacks all the problems associated with that car (e.g., throttle-induced over-steer). It is more modern, more comfortable, better engineered, etc... I could go on and on. Moreover, put a P-car next to an F-car and which one does everyone gravitate to? There are just too many P-cars. By way of example, on its 50th anniversary, Ferrari had produced about 35,000 cars in total, that is a little more than Porsche produces in one year. Oh, and yes the AC in the newer Ferraris (i.e., 348-on) is quite adequate. Buy a Ferrari!! This is just my opinion. Best of luck in your search.

 

+1...what he said

LOVE MY 355!!

 

I would agree with the above except on the production number by '97 Ferrari had produced a little over a 100,000 cars. Still far less the Porsche after 50 years.

 

He owns both (not a 930, but a Porsche Turbo and a 348 SS)

He convinced me to go Ferrari, and I test drove a number for C4S's, but guess what, they are not a Ferrari "."

Good luck making the call.

MB

 

Sorry, yes my numbers were off. According to Ferrari 1947-1997:The Official Book, Ferrari produced 81,091 units up to 1997. Llenroc's number is far more accurate. My apologies, I should have actually looked-up the numbers before quoting them. However, Porsche currently does produce more than 30,000 cars/year - quite a difference in production numbers.

 

There are lots of not so complementary things I could type about Porsche but I wont, instead I would encourange you to drive a 355, if that scream of the V8 doesnt impress you...seriously though a 996 TT is just boring in comparison...

 

Are you really asking people on a Ferrari board whether you should buy a Porsche or a Ferrari? What kind of answers did you think you would get? Check out www.pelicanparts.com if you want info on a 930. Check out www.rennlist.com if you want info on a 911TT. FWIW, I own an '87 911 yet I really, really want a Ferrari. One day I will get one. They are completely different cars in my opinion.

Scott

 

I hate to say it but chics gravitate to the black porsche!!!! Only gear heads and high schoolers go for the Ferrari. (I have both so this is my personal experience over the last 5 years)

I love the Ferrari compared to the Porsche. The sound and feel are far superior.....but damn I love the lag followed by the acceleration in the 930 (plus the back seats for the kids) If I had to choose one...Ferrari. just make sure you know all about the service nightmares for the 355 (headers, valves, sticky controls....will make the volkswagon seem like a toyota incomparison)

 

Turbo is a GT car capable of very fast straight line speed. Ferraris are cornering demons. It's a choice of acceleration or balance. TT's are prett cool, but I love the 348 even tho it is slower.

 

I had a monster 930 followed by a modded 993TT and test drove a 996TT (996TT was too refined IMO). The p-cars were great but as the models progressed, they became more civilized ........... I always oogled the sexy wedge shaped f-cars for years and that f-car sound was always incredible IMO. I considered the 360 but the bulbous bodywork was too p-car-ish IMO. I test drove a 512TR and it was a beast considering its size ....... but the strakes were not my bag. The 355 was always on the table and when I test drove that ......... it was all over !!! The ultra low stance, clean lines, awesome sound, great handling and raw feel could not be matched by any of my pcars.

The 355 does not have the flat out torque of a p-turbo but combine the 355's total attributes and it beats out the p-car experience by far ...........

 

A picture-perfect summary! Oz, you should write for a car magazine!

 

Yes, he should actually.

It would go well with the article he writes for hairdressing magazines.

 

Porsche 996TT= everyday super car - very fast and grip like on rails, eats oil and gas, very reliable but $$$ parts
348 or 355- garage queens, sounds really sexy and can get scary at high speed. $$$ maintenance.

 

I would disagree with this statement. A properly set-up F355 is probably one of the most predictable sports cars at high speeds and in "at-the-limit" cornering. Rear engine Porsche, even the 996TT, still suffers from typical P-car handling problems. Although they have made much improvement over the old 930 turbo. Just my opinion, but I think it's backed-up by plenty of facts/reviews. I have not driven a 348 at high speed or with high-g cornering, so you may be right about the 348. I know some reviews did seem to have "issues" with its handling at speed. 348 owners.......???

 

Great post.

 

+1, with Scott's & BullFighter's posts. Gee, I don't think I'm biased......... All kidding aside, it is an "apples-to-oranges" comparison.

 

Lots of good advice already, but I'll toss the "Ferrari is an exotic and a Porsche is a fast daily driver" card out there -- if that matters to you. A 996 Turbo is very easy to drive, comfortable, gadgets to keep you out of trouble and it can be either a sports car or a cruiser coupe depending on how you drive. Every city has multiple dealers with great access to spares and service techs.

The Ferrari 348 is a lot more modern than the 308/328, but it's still an exotic, with all the maintenance costs, obscene parts prices, low ground clearance, zero luggage capacity scant dealer network, etc., that come with a high-strung old Italian car. The ergonomics are dark ages stuff compared to the 996. Also plan on $6,000++ for major services every 3-5 years. Have a look at www.eugeniosferrariservice.com for a sample of service prices. Porsche/BMW/Merc are expensive to own, but not like this.

Also, my opinion here, the 996 series is a pretty forgettable run of cars with cheap trim and bland looks. If I decided the exotic car thing wasn't for me, I'd stretch and get a 993 Turbo, or if money was tighter a 964 Turbo.

 

Haven't had the chance to drive my 348 at real speed. But I've read that the stock setup tends to give a light, "darting" front end, I believe above 120mph. Some retrofit an additional front spoiler lip that I believe helps a lot, but I think most owners find that retrofitting larger rear wheels/tires solves the problem.

 

Two very different cars - the comfort, reliability and handling of a 996TT is well beyond either a 348 or 355. I also own a 2002 996GT-2 (the model known as the "widowmaker") and even without the 4 wheel drive, it doesn't even begin to get scary until well beyond speeds that would send me into a cold sweat in my 348SS. My old 355 was more stable than the 348, but still no match for a 996TT.

As for maintenance, during 3 years of owning my GT2, I have spent less than $2,000. With my first year of my 355, I spent over $10k and now over $20k with my 348 in the first 6 months (which obviously included a major on each car, plus sorting the other issues - misc. mounts, wires, seals, latches etc. etc.) Two entirely different leagues of $$$.

That being said, the sound and the passion of a Ferrari cannot be matched by ANY Porsche. Secondly, the 348 and the 355 both receive 10X the looks, tops off, pictures/ video taken, etc. etc. of any of the 3 black 911s I have owned. Really depends what you are looking for. Finally, for what it's worth, both the 348 and the 355 air conditioners worked well enough (not like the 996, but probably on par with a 993)

-SE

 

Mdurbahn, come to a FCA event in Denver and meet some of the people and check out the club, cars and people.

Also go down to FOD and meet Derrek and Mike and they have had 355s there for the last few months.

I love P cars (great daily drivers!), but there is no comparison from a 930-355 in many regards. You are going from a $30K 930 to a $75K-85K 355 so be prepared for the costs and set aside about 2K a year for repairs and service.

 

i say find a Ferrari you like, and get an older 84-89 911, as they are still affordable, and have both.

i have , twice now !



my current blue 308 QV and 89 911 anniversary edition:

my 77 black gtb and 84 911 ( both sold)
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nice ride! do you dd both cars?