Ferrari 308,328 or 348?
Discussion
I have never had a Ferrari and whilst I am not interested in anything modern I do really fancy owning one. My favourite to look at has always been the 348 but I would also consider a 308 or a 328. In terms of driving pleasure and ownership costs and hassle I would really appreciate some advice. Many thanks in advance.
I owned a 348 for about 18 months.
It was much better than I expected it to be, and very fun to drive. It was already about 20 years old when I owned it and he did seem to require fairly frequent tinkering but it was generally minor stuff (electrical connection to the door etc).
I did find myself looking at 308 and 328s after I'd owned the 348 - I think they are more 'classic' and I prefer the styling I think.
But if you prefer the 348 I'd say they're great cars.
Only negative is that when I sold mine prices suddenly jumped up. I'm not entirely sure I'd choose the 348 vs some other Ferrari if the prices are still high. It was a good car at ~£30k - I'm not sure it was a £50-60k car
It was much better than I expected it to be, and very fun to drive. It was already about 20 years old when I owned it and he did seem to require fairly frequent tinkering but it was generally minor stuff (electrical connection to the door etc).
I did find myself looking at 308 and 328s after I'd owned the 348 - I think they are more 'classic' and I prefer the styling I think.
But if you prefer the 348 I'd say they're great cars.
Only negative is that when I sold mine prices suddenly jumped up. I'm not entirely sure I'd choose the 348 vs some other Ferrari if the prices are still high. It was a good car at ~£30k - I'm not sure it was a £50-60k car
davek_964 said:
I owned a 348 for about 18 months.
It was much better than I expected it to be, and very fun to drive. It was already about 20 years old when I owned it and he did seem to require fairly frequent tinkering but it was generally minor stuff (electrical connection to the door etc).
I did find myself looking at 308 and 328s after I'd owned the 348 - I think they are more 'classic' and I prefer the styling I think.
But if you prefer the 348 I'd say they're great cars.
Only negative is that when I sold mine prices suddenly jumped up. I'm not entirely sure I'd choose the 348 vs some other Ferrari if the prices are still high. It was a good car at ~£30k - I'm not sure it was a £50-60k car
Thanks for the info it does seem that you need about 60k for a good 348. Having said that none of them are cheap anymore. I enjoyed reading your 650 threads BTWIt was much better than I expected it to be, and very fun to drive. It was already about 20 years old when I owned it and he did seem to require fairly frequent tinkering but it was generally minor stuff (electrical connection to the door etc).
I did find myself looking at 308 and 328s after I'd owned the 348 - I think they are more 'classic' and I prefer the styling I think.
But if you prefer the 348 I'd say they're great cars.
Only negative is that when I sold mine prices suddenly jumped up. I'm not entirely sure I'd choose the 348 vs some other Ferrari if the prices are still high. It was a good car at ~£30k - I'm not sure it was a £50-60k car
davek_964 said:
I owned a 348 for about 18 months.
It was much better than I expected it to be, and very fun to drive. It was already about 20 years old when I owned it and he did seem to require fairly frequent tinkering but it was generally minor stuff (electrical connection to the door etc).
I did find myself looking at 308 and 328s after I'd owned the 348 - I think they are more 'classic' and I prefer the styling I think.
But if you prefer the 348 I'd say they're great cars.
Only negative is that when I sold mine prices suddenly jumped up. I'm not entirely sure I'd choose the 348 vs some other Ferrari if the prices are still high. It was a good car at ~£30k - I'm not sure it was a £50-60k car
Agree, there was a lot of tired 348's around when they were cheap so unless the current owners have put money into them since baring in It was much better than I expected it to be, and very fun to drive. It was already about 20 years old when I owned it and he did seem to require fairly frequent tinkering but it was generally minor stuff (electrical connection to the door etc).
I did find myself looking at 308 and 328s after I'd owned the 348 - I think they are more 'classic' and I prefer the styling I think.
But if you prefer the 348 I'd say they're great cars.
Only negative is that when I sold mine prices suddenly jumped up. I'm not entirely sure I'd choose the 348 vs some other Ferrari if the prices are still high. It was a good car at ~£30k - I'm not sure it was a £50-60k car
mind they have appreciated i think that a 360 preferably a manual (to give you that classic feeling )would be a better buy than a 348 if it's not to modern
for you, thumps up for a 308 or 328 though, great cars if a little slow by todays standards,
Not able to compare those three, but the 328 is very pretty to look at, just not very fast.
Very modest power (a hatchback GTi would be quicker) and fairly basic and built like a Fiat inside. Also worth noting it’s small - I’d say 6’ is the absolute height limit to be able to drive it. That said, it is fun to drive because even at low speed it’s engaging (if rattly) to throw around plus you get to look at.
When I had mine it was a £30k car and worth every penny. At 3x that now it’s not such great value, but still a work of art.
Very modest power (a hatchback GTi would be quicker) and fairly basic and built like a Fiat inside. Also worth noting it’s small - I’d say 6’ is the absolute height limit to be able to drive it. That said, it is fun to drive because even at low speed it’s engaging (if rattly) to throw around plus you get to look at.
When I had mine it was a £30k car and worth every penny. At 3x that now it’s not such great value, but still a work of art.
67Dino said:
Not able to compare those three, but the 328 is very pretty to look at, just not very fast.
Very modest power (a hatchback GTi would be quicker) and fairly basic and built like a Fiat inside. Also worth noting it’s small - I’d say 6’ is the absolute height limit to be able to drive it. That said, it is fun to drive because even at low speed it’s engaging (if rattly) to throw around plus you get to look at.
When I had mine it was a £30k car and worth every penny. At 3x that now it’s not such great value, but still a work of art.
Oh I’m 6.2 might not fit then.Very modest power (a hatchback GTi would be quicker) and fairly basic and built like a Fiat inside. Also worth noting it’s small - I’d say 6’ is the absolute height limit to be able to drive it. That said, it is fun to drive because even at low speed it’s engaging (if rattly) to throw around plus you get to look at.
When I had mine it was a £30k car and worth every penny. At 3x that now it’s not such great value, but still a work of art.
bentley01 said:
67Dino said:
Not able to compare those three, but the 328 is very pretty to look at, just not very fast.
Very modest power (a hatchback GTi would be quicker) and fairly basic and built like a Fiat inside. Also worth noting it’s small - I’d say 6’ is the absolute height limit to be able to drive it. That said, it is fun to drive because even at low speed it’s engaging (if rattly) to throw around plus you get to look at.
When I had mine it was a £30k car and worth every penny. At 3x that now it’s not such great value, but still a work of art.
Oh I’m 6.2 might not fit then.Very modest power (a hatchback GTi would be quicker) and fairly basic and built like a Fiat inside. Also worth noting it’s small - I’d say 6’ is the absolute height limit to be able to drive it. That said, it is fun to drive because even at low speed it’s engaging (if rattly) to throw around plus you get to look at.
When I had mine it was a £30k car and worth every penny. At 3x that now it’s not such great value, but still a work of art.
Think Tom Selleck i believe is over 6ft 2" only just fiitted in the 308 GTS but often wondered if they had removed the seat
as my 6ft 5" mate had to do to drive one of my 308's ,had to do the same for him in a Caterham ,
I can thoroughly recommend a 308. Had mine 5 years now and love it. Very reliable, practical and easy to own car. Running costs have been minimal although it is due a belt service now.
These are old cars now so buying a good one with extensive maintenance history is critical. If you buy one that has been stood around it'll more than likely drive poorly. When they get used, the lovely gearbox frees up and becomes a pleasure rather than stiff and horrible. Same goes for the suspension. A good 308 will be a very smooth and engaging drive. They are plenty fast enough for our roads so don't take any notice of people saying they are slow. By the way the engine is a masterpiece. Nail the perfect heel and toe downshift and you won't look at a paddle shift ever again!
I haven't driven the others but the same will apply. The difference between a good car and a poor one is huge. I think the 348 has aged very well and I actually prefer it's looks to a 355. Never used to think that
These are old cars now so buying a good one with extensive maintenance history is critical. If you buy one that has been stood around it'll more than likely drive poorly. When they get used, the lovely gearbox frees up and becomes a pleasure rather than stiff and horrible. Same goes for the suspension. A good 308 will be a very smooth and engaging drive. They are plenty fast enough for our roads so don't take any notice of people saying they are slow. By the way the engine is a masterpiece. Nail the perfect heel and toe downshift and you won't look at a paddle shift ever again!
I haven't driven the others but the same will apply. The difference between a good car and a poor one is huge. I think the 348 has aged very well and I actually prefer it's looks to a 355. Never used to think that
browngt3 said:
I can thoroughly recommend a 308. Had mine 5 years now and love it. Very reliable, practical and easy to own car. Running costs have been minimal although it is due a belt service now.
These are old cars now so buying a good one with extensive maintenance history is critical. If you buy one that has been stood around it'll more than likely drive poorly. When they get used, the lovely gearbox frees up and becomes a pleasure rather than stiff and horrible. Same goes for the suspension. A good 308 will be a very smooth and engaging drive. They are plenty fast enough for our roads so don't take any notice of people saying they are slow. By the way the engine is a masterpiece. Nail the perfect heel and toe downshift and you won't look at a paddle shift ever again!
I haven't driven the others but the same will apply. The difference between a good car and a poor one is huge. I think the 348 has aged very well and I actually prefer it's looks to a 355. Never used to think that
Thanks for the advice I love the look of the 308 and the 328 as well. I need to find an owner nearby in Lancashire and have a proper look at one and make sure that I can fit in it. I am in no rush to buy so I am happy to wait for the right car to come along.These are old cars now so buying a good one with extensive maintenance history is critical. If you buy one that has been stood around it'll more than likely drive poorly. When they get used, the lovely gearbox frees up and becomes a pleasure rather than stiff and horrible. Same goes for the suspension. A good 308 will be a very smooth and engaging drive. They are plenty fast enough for our roads so don't take any notice of people saying they are slow. By the way the engine is a masterpiece. Nail the perfect heel and toe downshift and you won't look at a paddle shift ever again!
I haven't driven the others but the same will apply. The difference between a good car and a poor one is huge. I think the 348 has aged very well and I actually prefer it's looks to a 355. Never used to think that
Had multiple examples of all. No question a carb 308 is the best. Even when I had a 308 and 328 at the same time the 308 was a car I drove much more. I'd probably choose a 348 in second place, mainly to do with the worse steering/seat positioning in the 328 due to overpadded seats and less seat travel. 
bentley01 said:
Oh I’m 6.2 might not fit then.
I'm 6'3. 308 is absolutely fine as you sit low. A smaller steering wheel helps too. 348 is fine too. 328 was the worst for me. My 308 and 328 were both LHD by the way, much better driving position for tall folk due to lack of wheelarch intrusion on throttle side.Edited by cgt2 on Saturday 8th February 00:18
cgt2 said:
I'm 6'3. 308 is absolutely fine as you sit low. A smaller steering wheel helps too. 348 is fine too. 328 was the worst for me. My 308 and 328 were both LHD by the way, much better driving position for tall folk due to lack of wheelarch intrusion on throttle side.
Excellent thanks for sharing at least I will fit. I will try and look at an early 308 as well. Do the carburettors need continuous fettling or are they easy to maintain?Edited by cgt2 on Saturday 8th February 00:18
Worth mentioning that a GTB is much much stiffer than a GTS. I tested a carb 308 GTS before choosing my 308 GTB QV and the earlier car rattled like crazy and felt quite loose in comparison. Much heavier clutch on the carb car which I prefer and that one had a particularly nice gear change - probably because it was high miles. But the QV steered and rode much better.
This is why you need to drive a few. No two cars the same.
I'm also quite tall at just over 6 ft and have no problem fitting in mine, it's even quite comfortable.
Have a look at Number 27 on YouTube. He bought a carb 308 at auction during the pandemic. Don't let it put you off though
This is why you need to drive a few. No two cars the same.
I'm also quite tall at just over 6 ft and have no problem fitting in mine, it's even quite comfortable.
Have a look at Number 27 on YouTube. He bought a carb 308 at auction during the pandemic. Don't let it put you off though
bentley01 said:
Excellent thanks for sharing at least I will fit. I will try and look at an early 308 as well. Do the carburettors need continuous fettling or are they easy to maintain?
You have to find a person who knows how to tune them. Many people didn't have that expertise and probably even less do today. But once tuned and running properly it's a very simple car to maintain by any competent mechanic. Worth upgrading the fusebox to sort out electrical niggles though most have probably been done by this point. It's a very simple car and once you sort it out (or find a well sorted example) it will barely cost anything to run other than the fuel cost which is a lot as it's not very economical.A 348 is orders of magnitude more expensive to run because of the engine out belt services. In that regard a 328 will likely be the cheapest and most reliable car, As above, they are not quick by modern standards, but that's not really the point with any of these cars any more.
Overall though, buy the one you like and buy on condition and history.
There are some very expensive time-warp cars about that haven't been used which are a) likely to need a fair bit of work before you can use them and b) will depreciate like a stone if you put any mileage on them.
If you can pick something with about 40k on it you'd avoid the worst of that,
Overall though, buy the one you like and buy on condition and history.
There are some very expensive time-warp cars about that haven't been used which are a) likely to need a fair bit of work before you can use them and b) will depreciate like a stone if you put any mileage on them.
If you can pick something with about 40k on it you'd avoid the worst of that,
Another vote for the 308 here. Mine’s a GTB which I wanted for both looks and rigidity. And I was pleasantly surprised at its performance; I guess it’s quite light for the alleged 240bhp.
Another bonus is its size, which by modern standards is tiny. Great for overtaking and avoiding SUV’s coming round a bend on your side!
The sound is fantastic too, with the air being sucked into the carbs behind your head. Mine has an aftermarket exhaust as well and gives all the theatrics on the overrun.
Finally I think they’re ‘good value’ when you consider the price of a Dino, and you’re getting ‘similar’ old school Ferrari aesthetics plus an additional 60bhp.
Another bonus is its size, which by modern standards is tiny. Great for overtaking and avoiding SUV’s coming round a bend on your side!
The sound is fantastic too, with the air being sucked into the carbs behind your head. Mine has an aftermarket exhaust as well and gives all the theatrics on the overrun.
Finally I think they’re ‘good value’ when you consider the price of a Dino, and you’re getting ‘similar’ old school Ferrari aesthetics plus an additional 60bhp.
Edited by priley on Saturday 8th February 11:45
My carburettor 308 GTB has now covered 158,000 miles both on road and track
Lots have been replaced but not through wear just uprated for track use,
Two engine rebuilds again not due to wear more to increase the bhp to nearer 300 instead of the
factory (probably exaggerated )255,
The other was a misreading on the dry sump dip stick while doing a track day at Goodwood
It read almost full when it was almost empty again no fault of the car ,would have got away with it
if we were just going for a normal drive on the road as these engines are really strong.
I've owned from a carburettor 308 to a 2 valve injection and a qv and i always end back with a carburettor car,
Never owned a 328 but here good things about them .
Lots have been replaced but not through wear just uprated for track use,
Two engine rebuilds again not due to wear more to increase the bhp to nearer 300 instead of the
factory (probably exaggerated )255,
The other was a misreading on the dry sump dip stick while doing a track day at Goodwood
It read almost full when it was almost empty again no fault of the car ,would have got away with it
if we were just going for a normal drive on the road as these engines are really strong.
I've owned from a carburettor 308 to a 2 valve injection and a qv and i always end back with a carburettor car,
Never owned a 328 but here good things about them .
Edited by ratrod 2 on Saturday 8th February 14:55
Had a 328 GTS and still have vetroresina 308 GTB road legal racer. The mechanics are tough on both. I would probably choose a GTB for road use and probably a 328 over a 308 but the differences are not great and it is more important to choose a good example.
I am sure you would enjoy either and they are simple cars. I have never tried a 348
I am sure you would enjoy either and they are simple cars. I have never tried a 348
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