I think there are more treads with this discussion but I wanted to start a new tread because I have to choose between 2 specific models. I am looking for a Mondial to replace my Dino 208gt4. looking around overhere in Holland I found 2 candidates. 2 Totally different cars and I am very curious what you all think about these cars. Let me tell you about the choises: First car: Mondial 8 1982 US Version Red 75000 km (60000miles) Black leather interior Completly documents / all maintanace done at Ferrari specialist. This cars looks really awsome, exterior and interior looks as new. Second car: Mondial 3.2 QV 1987 European version Black 75000 km (60000miles) Tan leather interior. No documents / maintanance done at unknown garage. This car is in "used" condition, some scratches and a really used interior. Both cars run very well, everything electric is working well too. First I was really in for the 1982 Mondial 8 because it looks amazing and I like it is red. Now I am thinking about the black 1987 3.2 QV because I think it is MUCH MORE car. Unfortunatly it is black and that isn't my favorit color. Please give me your input!!! Thanks in advance...
Depending the price difference, I have an 84 which looks very similar to the 82, but prefer the the 87 look. I also have to agree with you that red is the way to go with a ferrari, especially on a mondial it really brings out the beauty. Here is a shot of mine in red: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36574 The dif between the 82 and the 87 aside from the look of the front and rear bumbers is probably in the engine. Not sure but I think the 82 are still carbs. And I'm not sure how many ponies it has. Mine is an 84 with the 3.0 fuel injection, with about 240 ponies. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the 87 is a 3.2 300hp car. Which I hear makes for a pretty nice ride. But it all comes down to taste and MULA!!
The Mondials were never carb'ed. The USA spec 8 has probably less than 200 hp, the 3.2 is a better sorted design. I have an 8 and I think its a great car (and about $10k less than an equivelent 3.2). I'd be a little concerned about that particular 3.2. If you like the 3.2 in general, I'd find a better example. Otherwise, go with the 8.
The European 3.2 had 270 bhp and was generally a more "sorted" car than the 8. judge4re is right, the Mondials were always injected, but you will know that having looked at the 8. The power difference between a US '8' and a European 3.2 will be very noticable - it is at least one third more. Furthermore in 1987 ABS was introduced (can be spotted by the convex wheels) along with other tweeks. Conventional wisdom says that you should avoid a Ferrari without a full service history but if you know what you are doing and have the car thoroughly checked (or do it yourself) then the lack of documents becomes a price negotiating tool. This will also make a difference when you later sell but can, to a certain extent be offset by having the car looked after & documented by a recognised F-specialist/dealer during your ownership. The scratches and interior can be fixed and are also tools to beat the price down. Out of interest what are the asking prices of the 2 cars?
The European 3.2 had 270 bhp and was generally a more "sorted" car than the 8. judge4re is right, the Mondials were always injected, but you will know that having looked at the 8. The power difference between a US '8' and a European 3.2 will be very noticable - it is at least one third more. Furthermore in 1987 ABS was introduced (can be spotted by the convex wheels) along with other tweeks. Conventional wisdom says that you should avoid a Ferrari without a full service history but if you know what you are doing and have the car thoroughly checked (or do it yourself) then the lack of documents becomes a price negotiating tool. This will also make a difference when you later sell but can, to a certain extent be offset by having the car looked after & documented by a recognised F-specialist/dealer during your ownership. The scratches and interior can be fixed and are also tools to beat the price down. Out of interest what are the asking prices of the 2 cars?
8 is a great car for the money - offers superb capability, refinement. reliability and excellent balance. 3.2 4 valve is a lot more car than the 8, especially the euros that are lighter and have more much more hp. Have commonly seen mid 6 second 0-60s in Euro 3.2 tests. Key techno advantages are long lived Nikasil cylinders and a good rustproofing treatment. Probably the most bulletproof of all the Mondials due to longest development. General Mondial truisms: Biggest bugaboo is common electrics - cycle EVERY switch and ensure everything works. Fuseboxes with the spade type fuses help a bit All Mondials have the same wheel offsets. Can swap the later 16" Mondial wheels to any of the earlier cars to upgrade from the dodgy trx's; Even the OEM 16: Goodyears were crap. New technology tires transform the car - the single best investment you will make. Aftermarket or later Ferrari alloys very common upgrade as well and generally quite successful in looks and driving. Ferrari 2+2 owners, especially Mondial guys, are generally the most secure and well adjusted of Ferrari owners.... Good luck and have fun rt
To go from a 208 to a Mondial 8, especially a U.S version might be going backwards! I owned a QV Mondial first and the 3.2 is much better than that even.
Thanks for input guys!! Some answers: Both cars are offered for the same price: 20K euros (now that is 15.3K US$) Mondial8 214bhp Mondial 3.2QV 270bhp Replacing the 208 because I want some more space in the back and want to go a step up Why is the step from a 208gt4 to a US Mondial8 a step backwards?? (180bhp & 214bhp) Ofcourse I like the 3.2qv engine the most but it is black and not red. Whats more important?? Color / engine / documents / looks / bhp or maintanance history ??
Buy the one you like best. The 8 probably only has 190 or so HP, so performance wise, its about a wash really. The 214 is the euro spec motor. 3.2 is a better car, but if this example is not what you want, don't buy it.
cool thread ...did you drive both already?? ...and are both garages also give the same for your GT4? ... It's a difficult choise. For the reliability of the garage I would go for the Mondial 8, but you are right about the 'more car' in the QV. And black = beautiful isn't that what they always say?? But if that car has more scratches and stuff... hmmm...difficult choise to make!!!
roel i support the opinions mentioned already. i would not go for a us-spec 8, because it is just too slow. however, the prices seem to be quite high imo. for example take the mondial t red/tan from my dealer at http://www.ferrari-frey.ch/start_home.htm, it is CHF 39000, negotiations possible i think and for a few euros more (about 2000-3000) you get a good t. think about it! check also the prices at www.autoscout24.ch to get an impression on our market values.
Thank you very much Trevi, You think price is to high?? Never seen such "cheap" mondials in Holland. I prefer to change in my 208gt4 at the company where I buy a Mondial. Not happy with selling the gt4 myself. I don't want all those fake buyers at my door. So you think the 3.2qv is the best choice of these 2 cars?? I know a red car is no important option for you
ok, if you want to trade in, it's easier to go to a dutch dealer. despite of my personal opinion, that the mondial is not very attractive in red, you should nevertheless go for a mondial, you really like. as you described it, that particular qv is not the car you really dream of. so i would recommend you just to wait. there are plenty of mondials around, and the one you really like will show up soon. the 8 is definitely no option, then you rather keep the 208.
What sort of price have you been offered for your GT4......im currently looking for one!!!! And youre only across the water!
The race car Mondial from the 50s with the 4 cylinder engine. If you can't afford that one, get a Ferrari road car with a 12 cylinder engine.
The Mondial 8 has a different interior (primarily in the center console and dash) than the 3.0 ++ later cars.
Hi, It seems to me that you like the 3.2 but don't like the color. This is too big a purchase for it all to hinge on paint! I say, don't buy anything until your heart says GO!!! For what it's worth- Hank
Yes it is true. My wife has finally talked me into the 456. My babied 3.2, with only 25k miles, in 1A condition inside and out, will be sold to some Ferrarichat Enthusiast. What you should know: 1. First Read FORZA's Mondial Buyer's Guide. They tested all four Mondials and recommended the 1988 3.2 for two reasons: a) Reliabily and Service costs (Engine stays in the car during the major service) + ABS Brakes b) Best build quality. 2. This car has only had two owners, the last owner was in possession for 13 years. 3. It has only been serviced by Ferrari here in Switzerland 4. The car has only lived in a garage and is free from any cosmetic issues inside and out 5. All of the belts have been replaced last year 6. I will cry when you drive away with her. Send me an Email for more info at [email protected] Offered at 20k Euros or 30k Swiss Francs
Yes. Very happy. My thought process that led me to my choice of year and body style: I knew I wanted a 4-seater and couldn't afford a 456 and, frankly, wanted an older, less complicated car that I could perform most of the work on. I wanted a coupe as I intended to use the car as my daily driver and wanted the durability of a hardtop. I did not want an '86 as this was the first year of the 3.2 and it's not a good idea to buy the 1st year of any car. Also didn't want to deal with those metric wheels. I didn't want an '89 for the same reason. It was the 1st year of the 348 engine. I also think the 3.2 body is nicer than that of the "t". Also, the "t" has additional electronic controls on things like the shock absorbers and my belief is that the Italian electronics should be kept to a minimum. The additional 2" of body width in the "t" did make quite an improvement in the seating and pedal positions. If you have any additional questions, just ask. Whatever you get, drive it and enjoy it. Tom
