308 v 328 comparison
Discussion
I am toying with the idea of 308 or 328 ownership and am wondering what experiences people have? My perspective is mostly around the driving experience. I'm not looking for specifically outright speed, but for niceness to drive, balance, poise, handling. I'm not at the point of test drives yet, but would like to get there. I'm in the talking and kicking tyres phase.
In talking to one of the specialists, they are clearly fans of 308s and say that the 328 is ok, but missing something in the driving experience that the 308 gives.
In talking to another specialist they seem to be much more of a fan of the 328 for its greater power and more modernness.
I just wondered if anyone had real-world experience of the two to compare.
Cheers
Bert
In talking to one of the specialists, they are clearly fans of 308s and say that the 328 is ok, but missing something in the driving experience that the 308 gives.
In talking to another specialist they seem to be much more of a fan of the 328 for its greater power and more modernness.
I just wondered if anyone had real-world experience of the two to compare.
Cheers
Bert
Hi Bert, I also considered a 328 but ended up buying a 308 GTB QV. I took delivery just before lockdown and I have to say I'm delighted with it. Although I didn't test drive a 328 I did a lot of research. These cars are not fast by modern performance car standards so the relatively small gains from the 328 were not a factor - I have a GT3 if I want to go fast! Indeed, the top speed of a 328 is only 4mph higher than a QV at 158.5mph (as tested by Motor) and just 0.2 seconds quicker to 60 @ 5.5.
I also prefer the more classic looks of the 308 and the delightful period details like the sliding controls and wrap around dash.
I also considered a carb 308 but to me the QV is the sweet spot.
They are both, however, amongst Ferraris prettiest designs and any 308/328 will be an event to drive. And very different to anything modern.
I should add that I bought mine to drive not to pose in! As a long time Porsche owner and keen driver, I had high expectations. The 308 hasn't disappointed. It has lovely tactile primary controls, a smooth clutch, a decent ride and feelsome, nicely weighted steering. It also has a beautifully balanced mid engined chassis. Then, of course, there's that famous Ferrari open gated gear shift. And unlike some Porsches, has short gear ratios too! Some complain about the noise of the engine but I like it. No, it doesn't sound as good as a V12 but nonetheless it's characterful and likes revs.
There's one or two on PH that have both versions so should be able to give you a decent comparison..
I also prefer the more classic looks of the 308 and the delightful period details like the sliding controls and wrap around dash.
I also considered a carb 308 but to me the QV is the sweet spot.
They are both, however, amongst Ferraris prettiest designs and any 308/328 will be an event to drive. And very different to anything modern.
I should add that I bought mine to drive not to pose in! As a long time Porsche owner and keen driver, I had high expectations. The 308 hasn't disappointed. It has lovely tactile primary controls, a smooth clutch, a decent ride and feelsome, nicely weighted steering. It also has a beautifully balanced mid engined chassis. Then, of course, there's that famous Ferrari open gated gear shift. And unlike some Porsches, has short gear ratios too! Some complain about the noise of the engine but I like it. No, it doesn't sound as good as a V12 but nonetheless it's characterful and likes revs.
There's one or two on PH that have both versions so should be able to give you a decent comparison..
Edited by browngt3 on Tuesday 21st July 20:55
I have a 355 and 308 so not quite the same but perhaps some relevance. The 308 is a GTB and the 355 manual GTS, owned one year and ten respectively.
In short I think the 308 is just perfect; plenty of power, great sound (overrun/ induction), wonderful steering feel, fantastic looks, low slung driving position. It’s also small and really well received by other drivers.
The 355 is relatively fragile and expensive to run, larger, too light steering but again looks great and, with a Capristo, sounds epic.
The more modern car might be tempting but the carburettor 308’s are really quite special IMO.
In short I think the 308 is just perfect; plenty of power, great sound (overrun/ induction), wonderful steering feel, fantastic looks, low slung driving position. It’s also small and really well received by other drivers.
The 355 is relatively fragile and expensive to run, larger, too light steering but again looks great and, with a Capristo, sounds epic.
The more modern car might be tempting but the carburettor 308’s are really quite special IMO.
The good thing about this question is that either model is a very good thing to own.
I have had a 328 GTS for 20-odd years. Very strong mechanically, good build quality relatively speaking, galvanised steel and easy to own. To drive, it is a handy size, handles well and is still quick enough for normal use. The steering is very nice, unassisted, and the whole car is nicely balanced as a package, in the sense that it has a number of good attributes, in terms of good looks, good engine and gearbox, handles nicely and steers well. It also has reasonable maintenance costs and good parts availability for most of the mechanical stuff at least.
I also have a 308 GTB, an early dry sump vetro car, which I have owned for about 15 years. Mine is road legal but modified for racing, so is a bit rawer than a completely standard car. However, it too has the same steering, gearbox and basic chassis (more or less) as a 328 as standard. It sounds better than a 328 because of the carb/induction noise. The engine is also very strong. Mechanical spares are no major problem but bits and bobs of trim etc might be harder to get these days (as I suspect they will be on a 328). Because of the induction noise, I think the 308 carb car sounds quicker, if you see what I mean, even if it isn't in standard form. The steel cars may corrode a bit more if pre-galv (I think Galv came in for the QV but not sure off-hand). The chassis is separate to the body so body corrosion isn't usually a structural problem but panels are not cheap or easy to come by.
Like many I spend time surfing the classifieds looking at cars. I sometimes think I should sell one of them and try something else but to my eyes at least I haven't found anything I'd rather have that I can afford. I still think it is one of the absolute best shapes in terms of styling. Possibly the 308 shades the 328 in terms of dainty door handles and bumpers and the interior controls but it is a close call.
There is a lot of expertise out there and I'd recommend a specialist inspection before purchase. Happy shopping!
(You might get more response in the Ferrari Classics area).
I have had a 328 GTS for 20-odd years. Very strong mechanically, good build quality relatively speaking, galvanised steel and easy to own. To drive, it is a handy size, handles well and is still quick enough for normal use. The steering is very nice, unassisted, and the whole car is nicely balanced as a package, in the sense that it has a number of good attributes, in terms of good looks, good engine and gearbox, handles nicely and steers well. It also has reasonable maintenance costs and good parts availability for most of the mechanical stuff at least.
I also have a 308 GTB, an early dry sump vetro car, which I have owned for about 15 years. Mine is road legal but modified for racing, so is a bit rawer than a completely standard car. However, it too has the same steering, gearbox and basic chassis (more or less) as a 328 as standard. It sounds better than a 328 because of the carb/induction noise. The engine is also very strong. Mechanical spares are no major problem but bits and bobs of trim etc might be harder to get these days (as I suspect they will be on a 328). Because of the induction noise, I think the 308 carb car sounds quicker, if you see what I mean, even if it isn't in standard form. The steel cars may corrode a bit more if pre-galv (I think Galv came in for the QV but not sure off-hand). The chassis is separate to the body so body corrosion isn't usually a structural problem but panels are not cheap or easy to come by.
Like many I spend time surfing the classifieds looking at cars. I sometimes think I should sell one of them and try something else but to my eyes at least I haven't found anything I'd rather have that I can afford. I still think it is one of the absolute best shapes in terms of styling. Possibly the 308 shades the 328 in terms of dainty door handles and bumpers and the interior controls but it is a close call.
There is a lot of expertise out there and I'd recommend a specialist inspection before purchase. Happy shopping!
(You might get more response in the Ferrari Classics area).
Edited by Fessia fancier on Tuesday 21st July 23:53
I owned a 328 GTS. At 6ft tall, my only niggle with the car was that when the roof was on, my head was brushing the roof panel. Also storing the hard top behind the seat and having any were near enough leg room was impossible. So I used to leave the roof at home to give me the leg and head room. I was trying to locate one of them fold away soft tops that I could put in the boot for ease of use.
However if your a short asre then you wont suffer from the above
Finally, I dont miss the gear stick constantly rubbing against my leg.
Other than that, the 328 is a beautiful ferrari and believe it or not, I still miss it.
However if your a short asre then you wont suffer from the above
Finally, I dont miss the gear stick constantly rubbing against my leg.
Other than that, the 328 is a beautiful ferrari and believe it or not, I still miss it.
FezSpider said:
I owned a 328 GTS. At 6ft tall, my only niggle with the car was that when the roof was on, my head was brushing the roof panel. Also storing the hard top behind the seat and having any were near enough leg room was impossible. So I used to leave the roof at home to give me the leg and head room. I was trying to locate one of them fold away soft tops that I could put in the boot for ease of use.
However if your a short asre then you wont suffer from the above
Finally, I dont miss the gear stick constantly rubbing against my leg.
Other than that, the 328 is a beautiful ferrari and believe it or not, I still miss it.
Absolutely spot on and I had neither issue in my 308 as you sit fractionally lower in the car (less padded seat too) and I could drive the car with the seat all the way back with the roof stowed.However if your a short asre then you wont suffer from the above
Finally, I dont miss the gear stick constantly rubbing against my leg.
Other than that, the 328 is a beautiful ferrari and believe it or not, I still miss it.
Still both are wonderful cars so no bad choice.
cgt2 said:
Absolutely spot on and I had neither issue in my 308 as you sit fractionally lower in the car (less padded seat too) and I could drive the car with the seat all the way back with the roof stowed.
Still both are wonderful cars so no bad choice.
Yes, I'm 6ft tall and have no problem with space in the 308. It is a small car and very low so the less agile or shall we say larger person might struggle a bit. However, I find it a surprisingly comfortable car.Still both are wonderful cars so no bad choice.
Recently I got into my GT3 straight after driving the 308 and it seemed absolutely enormous both inside and out. Guessing any modern Ferrari will be the same. Certainly when you see them parked side by side you realise how gigantic the younger relatives have become!
Fascinating video - though I'm not sure the lack of sound appeals. The performance does!
https://youtu.be/Gad0z2NuSCA
https://youtu.be/Gad0z2NuSCA
BertBert said:
Thanks all for the info, it sounds like it's hard to go wrong with the models (as long as you get a car in good condition).
I am a proper short-asre at 5'8", so no trouble there.
Regarding the S versus the B, what's the scuttle shake like on the S in comparison?
Bert
By modern standards it's wobblier than an open Coke can. But it's all part of the character. A strategic amount of blu-tac to stop the rear view mirror shaking around too much helps.I am a proper short-asre at 5'8", so no trouble there.
Regarding the S versus the B, what's the scuttle shake like on the S in comparison?
Bert
FezSpider said:
Fessia fancier said:
I am five foot eleven and a half and manage well in either. I think trunk height varies.
A crash helmet on top isn't easy, though.
As a bloke, you know very well that the half inch matters A crash helmet on top isn't easy, though.
Although technically being under 6ft, your a short asre
cgt2 said:
BertBert said:
Thanks all for the info, it sounds like it's hard to go wrong with the models (as long as you get a car in good condition).
I am a proper short-asre at 5'8", so no trouble there.
Regarding the S versus the B, what's the scuttle shake like on the S in comparison?
Bert
By modern standards it's wobblier than an open Coke can. But it's all part of the character. A strategic amount of blu-tac to stop the rear view mirror shaking around too much helps.I am a proper short-asre at 5'8", so no trouble there.
Regarding the S versus the B, what's the scuttle shake like on the S in comparison?
Bert
I have a 328 GTS, a 360 CS and an Alfa SZ and while being slow, yes, it's still an event to take it out (the 328). I never get tired of it. I'm actually thinking of doing a trade-up, but I'm afraid of regretting, so it's still there
But it needs to be driven. If it stays in the garage too long, things start to go wrong. It doesn't like to sit around.
I'm actually wondering, what kind of car could I replace the 328 with ? Thought of a Honda NSX (the old one), or maybe a Lotus...not sure...trying to find someething in that price point that won't let me down
But it needs to be driven. If it stays in the garage too long, things start to go wrong. It doesn't like to sit around.
I'm actually wondering, what kind of car could I replace the 328 with ? Thought of a Honda NSX (the old one), or maybe a Lotus...not sure...trying to find someething in that price point that won't let me down
cgt2 said:
Fascinating video - though I'm not sure the lack of sound appeals. The performance does!
https://youtu.be/Gad0z2NuSCA
Surely any modern car is objectively 'better'. This to me entirely misses the point of these cars. Sad to see somebody actually butchered a 308 in this wayhttps://youtu.be/Gad0z2NuSCA
Sacrilege!
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