Which Car Handles better?

1. 75 308 GT4
2. 84-85 308 QV
3. 84-85 Mondial QV

I have my desires set on one of these cars and I'd like some feedback from those who own these cars or have driven them extensively. If you can rank the three cars one to three. Thanks!

 

I've driven multiple cars in all three categories. With strictly stock suspension components, it's going to be #2. The Mondial shares the same engine and many other components, but it's a heavier car.

 

Depends on what you mean by best handling.

#1 is good for wider tracks and I think is more chuckable than a 308 GTB
#2 is awesome on tight mountain roads
#3 is the best for driving on the interstate

Pick the right tool for the job.

 

Due to the longer wheelbase, the 308 GT4 is reputed to handle better than the other 308 series cars. It is also suppoed to be lighter, even though it is a 2+2.

Supposedly the GT4 is often used by owners as a track car, or hill-climb car.

Of course, I may be a little biased

Dom

 

OK, I hate to use words like reputed, and supposedly, since I am a scientist. I like numbers. So, I took out my copy of Original Ferrari V8, and here are the numbers:

Wheelbase:
308 GT4: 100.4 inches
308 (GTB/GTS) QV: 92.1 inches
Mondial QV: 104.3 inches

Dry Weight:
308 GT4: 3197 lb
308 GTB QV: 3190 lb
308 GTS QV: 3229 lb
Mondial QV: 3419 (coupe), 3286 (cabrio) [I'm a little surprised here, I always thought convertibles were supposed to weigh more than their coupe counterparts??]


Hope this helps.

Dom

 

And, since we are talking numbers, here are the horsepower and torque figures from the same book:

308GT4 (1975): 240 bhp at 6600rpm and 195 lb ft at 5000 rpm
308QV: 230-235bhp. (didn't find torque numbers).
Mondial: Same numbers as for 308 QV.

Dom

 

I've never driven a GT4 but have heard it's a blast to turn.

As far as pure driving and cornering pleasure, the cab-forward design of the Mondial is hard to beat when compared to the GTB/GTS models. My opinion only.

 

Thanks for all the input. When I do get the "car". I'd probably use it for weekend drives, spirited driving and occasional track time.

Presently I drive a WRX wagon and a 97 Miata. Both are equipped with JIC coilovers. I enjoy driving the miata more than the WRX.

From what I have read, I am leaning towards the GT4....esp if I get a 75 for smog exemptions. Second is a Mondial due to the 2+2 lay out and Third will be the 308 GTB or GTS.

Can anyone compare the three cars to the current Lotus Elise....only because I drove one recently. TIA again.

 

I like the way you put #1 & #2. Totally in line with the kind of response I was looking for.

How's your newly acquired 308 doing BTW?

 

No idea, its 8000 miles away and I haven't got a phone call from the mechanic yet telling me which parts to get.

Back on topic, I'd try the GT4 first. Great car, I just like the PF lines on Mongo better. Personal choice, not saying anything about the Bertone design. Spicy and I are planning on having kids next year, so the extra space in Mongo works better for us. The GT4 has room in the back, but the extra wheelbase in the Mondial went straight into the back seat.

 

There is a DVD from Duke called "ferrari fury". Its about ferraris being timed over the twistys of the Isl of man (TT track)in the UK. The mondial kills the opposition (including 308s, GT4s and even a 355)and the Gt4s were second and the 308 around 4th.
All cars were driven very hard and was against the clock. Recomended DVD made in 95.

 

I wonder what sort of Mondial that was? There's a world of difference between an early 8 and the last of the line 3.4s.

 

I'd like to get my hands on a copy. Is this DVD still available? links to a web site?

I recently purchased this book on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6531003699&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

 

Dom, was that your red/black GT4 at CC yesterday?

 

From everything I've read...it's the GT/4.

Kurt

There is nothing like a Ferrari, there never has been and never will be!

 

I run a gt4 with uprated suspension and can honestly say that it does corner very flat and has excellent turn in. Steering is still slightly heavy I can compare it with a elise but with more pull from 60 mph upwards. Best handling of the 3 that you mentioned and makes a better track car than the others. I went down the same route ie my shortlist was the same but plumed for the gt4 after my experiences. Euro spec bhp was quoted @255. this can be improved on with some easy carb/exhaust mods.

 

The Mondial was a 3.4 and the thing flew and handled. I have posted a picture of the Vid/Dvd cover. Do a search on www.yahoo.co.uk or google for ferrari fury video, i got mine from ebay some time ago but i still see it from time to time.
Out of interest i have included a couple of pics that my son took today while we were cruising, its of a mondial spider SEMI AUTO! When i looked in it did indeed have only two pedals. Amazing i think.
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Yes. I'm usually there most weekends.

Dom

 

I'll chat with you next time I'm there.

Don

 

What modifications have you done to your GT4? Type of Suspension, Engine, Exhaust?

 

Search brought me some info about the video but none for sale. Do let me know if you find a place that has one available. Thanks!

 

I have driven all three of these at various tracks...

They all have great attributes, but the Mondial can indeed make quicker lap times. I found that all three can be pivoted well in corners, but the Mondial was more competent in doing so, and therefore reflected in the lap.

This experience was one of the contributing factors to why I bought my Mondial t.

Now talk about a great handling car! The Mondial t is very impressive, as the above mentioned video & I can confirm.

 

For LNR.
Suspension Uprated lowered Springs, uprated rear antiroll bar. uprated bushes solid alloy ones on roll bars. Revalved and uprated Koni shocks, added more neg camber bigger tyres/wheels.
Brakes braided hoses and better pads only so far.
Engine Ansa sports exhaust airbox mod (big article on the forum on this) rejetted carbs and some slight polishing of the ports might get some short carb stack in near future and a great guy(Mate) who knows how to set things up. Nothing too heavy just looking to improve dynamics and don't have a great deal of money to spend on it (Or am I just a tight Northern Englishman)

 

The longer wheel base of the Mondial gives you more competent handling, and a more consistent drive through the corners. The more forward position of the front seats helps a lot here as well.

They're all very quick because of this, irrespective of straight-line 0-60 times and the extra weight. The T in particular can be a bit of a beast. Cabrios are lovely, although less than practical in the UK ;-)

I love the lines of the 380QV, but went for a Mondial QV due to the need to cart round the kids. I thought it would be a lesser drive than the 308, but I must say I've been pleased with it on the track, and fast-ish road driving. Wouldn't go for a 2 seater now.

308GT4 is quick and eminently tweakable - vs. a Mondial it comes down to styling more than anything else.

It's a very personal thing, really - drive some good examples and try them all.

Cheers,
TOM

 

I had to wipe drool off my face.