What makes the 348 GTB better than the TB?
Discussion
Hi chaps Y chapesses I have longed for a ferrari since I got my first 1/18 bburago 348tb and If I get my act together and stop surfing PH all day I'll be in a position to pay for a real, live 348tb in 9-12 months 
I have read in some publications/forae that the tb is the poor relation to the gtb and not only because the gtb is the facelift model (seems to be maligning it to call it a 'face lift'). It is also obvious that the gtb commands a much higher list price - 24-27k as opposed to 28-37k IME.
I can wait a further 6-9 months and get a gtb but really I want to know how the extra cash is justified..
so, pros, cons of each model? does the handling differ? looks? running costs - does the cambelt need to be changed earlier, that sort of thing?
can't wait for the ownership experience, it'll be a box ticked on the list that's for sure!
thank you all in advance
>>> Edited by minimax on Thursday 10th February 17:22
I have read in some publications/forae that the tb is the poor relation to the gtb and not only because the gtb is the facelift model (seems to be maligning it to call it a 'face lift'). It is also obvious that the gtb commands a much higher list price - 24-27k as opposed to 28-37k IME.
I can wait a further 6-9 months and get a gtb but really I want to know how the extra cash is justified..
so, pros, cons of each model? does the handling differ? looks? running costs - does the cambelt need to be changed earlier, that sort of thing?
can't wait for the ownership experience, it'll be a box ticked on the list that's for sure!
thank you all in advance
>>> Edited by minimax on Thursday 10th February 17:22
quoted from qv500:
Debuted at the Frankfurt Salon in October 1993, Ferrari's GT and GTS 348's were introduced to replace the outgoing tb and ts variants that had been around since 1989. After steadily losing ground to newer European and Japanese rivals, the second series 348's were launched with a number of enhancements, some of which had already been seen on the limited edition Serie Speciale and Ferrari's gorgeous Spider.
The most obvious changes were body colour-coded sills that brought GT and GTS 348's into line with the Spider and 512 TR. However, many tb and ts cars have also now been colour-coded.
A 348 GTS with it's body colour coded sills
Another distinguishing feature of second series 348's were chromed Cavallino Rampante's mounted between the rear light clusters, this decorative item having always been finished in matt black on first series cars. More importantly, however, the GTB and GTS 348's brought with them improved Tipo F119 H engines that delivered 320bhp (twenty horses more than the outgoing berlinetta's and targa's) this gain coming thanks to a revised electronic management system. Production continued for less than a year, Ferrari's sublime F355 replacing both from spring 1994. Just 440 were completed, 222 of which were GTB's and the remaining 218 GTS's.
The GTS had the 355 development suspension also.
Debuted at the Frankfurt Salon in October 1993, Ferrari's GT and GTS 348's were introduced to replace the outgoing tb and ts variants that had been around since 1989. After steadily losing ground to newer European and Japanese rivals, the second series 348's were launched with a number of enhancements, some of which had already been seen on the limited edition Serie Speciale and Ferrari's gorgeous Spider.
The most obvious changes were body colour-coded sills that brought GT and GTS 348's into line with the Spider and 512 TR. However, many tb and ts cars have also now been colour-coded.
A 348 GTS with it's body colour coded sills
Another distinguishing feature of second series 348's were chromed Cavallino Rampante's mounted between the rear light clusters, this decorative item having always been finished in matt black on first series cars. More importantly, however, the GTB and GTS 348's brought with them improved Tipo F119 H engines that delivered 320bhp (twenty horses more than the outgoing berlinetta's and targa's) this gain coming thanks to a revised electronic management system. Production continued for less than a year, Ferrari's sublime F355 replacing both from spring 1994. Just 440 were completed, 222 of which were GTB's and the remaining 218 GTS's.
The GTS had the 355 development suspension also.
craigw said:
quoted from qv500:
Debuted at the Frankfurt Salon in October 1993, Ferrari's GT and GTS 348's were introduced to replace the outgoing tb and ts variants that had been around since 1989. After steadily losing ground to newer European and Japanese rivals, the second series 348's were launched with a number of enhancements, some of which had already been seen on the limited edition Serie Speciale and Ferrari's gorgeous Spider.
The most obvious changes were body colour-coded sills that brought GT and GTS 348's into line with the Spider and 512 TR. However, many tb and ts cars have also now been colour-coded.
A 348 GTS with it's body colour coded sills
Another distinguishing feature of second series 348's were chromed Cavallino Rampante's mounted between the rear light clusters, this decorative item having always been finished in matt black on first series cars. More importantly, however, the GTB and GTS 348's brought with them improved Tipo F119 H engines that delivered 320bhp (twenty horses more than the outgoing berlinetta's and targa's) this gain coming thanks to a revised electronic management system. Production continued for less than a year, Ferrari's sublime F355 replacing both from spring 1994. Just 440 were completed, 222 of which were GTB's and the remaining 218 GTS's.
The GTS had the 355 development suspension also.
that, is absolutely spot on craig nice one
just one more thing, the handling..are we talking bad handling? shirley not, but I read a review that said it was a bit snappy, heavier than expected gear change, steering a bit vague...i'm assuming this is all relative bearing in mind the badge on the back!
always a problem deciding whether to spend extra savings on a later model
edit: why is it that 328's fetch more than 348TB's? and why is there such a step up in price to a 355 from a 348GTB when the GTB was a great car and it is so very rare?
another edit: problem is, i'm quite tempted to buy one now and make do with buying a smaller house..hence the agonising over each and every detail because it would mean it coming directly out of my savings!
oh the woes of being in love with cars
>> Edited by minimax on Thursday 10th February 17:56
I believe that the 348 is often seen as very much the poor relative of the 355. It is true that the side slats and the black slatted rear haven't dated as well as the 355 - I personally like the 348.
The 328 was a very popular car, and was of course a succesful development of the 308. It is often thought to be one of the finest shapes Ferrari have made ( I love it). I guess this is why it has kept it's value.
Bear in mind that you often see 348s advertised as being GTB/GTS when in fact they have been upgraded in some way, but are actually TB/TS.
>> Edited by guydw on Thursday 10th February 18:00
The 328 was a very popular car, and was of course a succesful development of the 308. It is often thought to be one of the finest shapes Ferrari have made ( I love it). I guess this is why it has kept it's value.
Bear in mind that you often see 348s advertised as being GTB/GTS when in fact they have been upgraded in some way, but are actually TB/TS.
>> Edited by guydw on Thursday 10th February 18:00
minimax said:
another edit: problem is, i'm quite tempted to buy one now and make do with buying a smaller house..hence the agonising over each and every detail because it would mean it coming directly out of my savings!
oh the woes of being in love with cars
Sounds familliar
I'd go 348 GTB if you can find a good un, qhip the cats off and you're in business. Certainly from what I've read and driven (only driven 3 348s 1 GTS and a couple of TBs) the GTS did seema little more composed, in the end thoguh the 'handling' traits of the 348 that are often discussed are more of an issue on track than the road IMHO....
I'm told there were suspension changes from chassis no. 92100 (92' or thereabouts), as well as battery relocation to help the supposed snappy on the limit behaviour.
Alternator also changed to Nippondenso (from Delco) for reliability. Clutch changed to single plate (cheaper to replace).
There were no GTB's suitable when I was looking so I went for a 92' (because of the above) - if it actually makes any real difference (over a 90' say) or not remains to be seen. Happy so far!
Chris.
Edited to add: The steering is not vague. It's fantastic!
>> Edited by chrisx666 on Thursday 10th February 18:44
Alternator also changed to Nippondenso (from Delco) for reliability. Clutch changed to single plate (cheaper to replace).
There were no GTB's suitable when I was looking so I went for a 92' (because of the above) - if it actually makes any real difference (over a 90' say) or not remains to be seen. Happy so far!
Chris.
Edited to add: The steering is not vague. It's fantastic!
>> Edited by chrisx666 on Thursday 10th February 18:44
they only made 15 rhd gtb the battery is behind the front wheel like the 355 was told they had 355 running gear but dont know how true this is i have had one it now lives in barnsley but never seen it since i sold it 20 months ago every body gives 348 a bashing but the car looked and drove lovely
Tom - knowing you reasonably well, I would say find a good TB with full history and you will be very happy - I can put you in touch with two Yorks TB owners and their cars look the bollox and I never hear them complaining.
The extra power and better suspension, as you say, is only relative in Ferrari terms. It will still be a leap away from the Ginetta.
If we are talking RHD only, as a guide, mid-late 20s for a TB high 20s early 30s for GTB/GTS - LHD opens the field right up.
Go on Son!!!
unless you want to put in an offer for mine?
The extra power and better suspension, as you say, is only relative in Ferrari terms. It will still be a leap away from the Ginetta.
If we are talking RHD only, as a guide, mid-late 20s for a TB high 20s early 30s for GTB/GTS - LHD opens the field right up.
Go on Son!!!
unless you want to put in an offer for mine?
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