308 GT4 vs. Mondial

5652 Views 16 Replies 12 Participants Last post by williamtaylor, Jun 4, 2006

Paul K.

Discussion Starter · Jul 30, 2002

I have been a Ferrari enthusiast since childhood and would like to purchase a "starter" car. Both the 308 GT4 and Mondial line appeal to my aesthetics and pocketbook, but I'd like some information from experienced drivers. I would appreciate any opinions on either car, handling - maintenance, etc. Thank you. By the way, I've read the posts in the Mondial 3.2 vs. "T" discussion - very helpful.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

'75 308 GT4 (Peter)

· #2 · Aug 1, 2002

I'm happy with my GT4. They require more maintenance, but since they are cars from a mechanical era, they are simple to fix. The electronics in a Mondial are more reliable, but when they break-down, there are no road-side repairs. Very complex too.

The Mondial is a roomier car, but is corespondingly bigger and not as agile as the GT4.

The Mondial was made in an age of corrosion protection and are generally well built. The GT4 are renowned rust-buckets, but there's a few out there in good shape.

Whichever you chose, get it THOROUGHLY checked out by a F dealer or an independant. Buy the best you can afford.

Mick

· #3 · Aug 4, 2002

:wink: To my eyes, the GT4's Bertone design is far more attractive than the Mondial's Pininfarina design. I think it was one of best designs that Bertone has ever made.

Pete04222

· #4 · Aug 4, 2002

I like both of them! I am a new owner (had my car for 3 months now). I spent 6 months looking for the "right" car at the "right" price. I had to have a carburetted 308 GTS so I didn't have the problem you are having as to what model to choose. If you are looking at Modials have you considered a GTS or GTB?

There has been talk around the house of a second Ferrari someday (his and hers). I will probably get her a GT4 since it will share the same parts as my GTS and I will already know how to work on it. (but this is way down the road)

Mick

· #5 · Aug 4, 2002

Pete04222 said:
...I will probably get her a GT4 since it will share the same parts as my GTS and I will already know how to work on it...

Whoa. Your wife must be pretty athletic because it takes some muscles to drive a car without power steering.

'75 308 GT4 (Peter)

· #6 · Aug 5, 2002

Mick said:
Whoa. Your wife must be pretty athletic because it takes some muscles to drive a car without power steering.

I'm 5'7" and 135 lbs and by no means, a super-strong guy. I admit to a bit of arm-wrestling trying to back the car into the garage, but on the road I can steer and shift with my finger-tips (especially the 2nd-3rd shift which is just straight back and lightning fast

). The clutch pedal isn't that heavy either.

Dj Dirk

· #7 · Aug 5, 2002

Mick said:
Whoa. Your wife must be pretty athletic because it takes some muscles to drive a car without power steering.

Oh comon, it isn't that hard, my grandmother still has an Audi 80 without power steering and she still drives it, well not much anymore, she's selling it by the end of the year.
She's getting to old to drive know.
BTW she's 82

Boxer

· #8 · May 21, 2005

[quote='75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

I'm 5'7" and 135 lbs and by no means, a super-strong guy. I admit to a bit of arm-wrestling trying to back the car into the garage, but on the road I can steer and shift with my finger-tips (especially the 2nd-3rd shift which is just straight back and lightning fast

). The clutch pedal isn't that heavy either.[/quote]

Does the 308 GT4 have a single or twin plate clutch ?

Also do you know if it is a wet or dry sump.

Dr. Bob

· #9 · May 21, 2005

wow, did you dig up an old thread :lol:

dinogt4guy

· #10 · May 21, 2005

GT4 vs Mondial

Paul

Obviously I like the GT/4 better. Much easyer to work on and (imo) better looking. I like simple, too many eletronics in the mondial for me. I never have much luck at trouble shooting elec. problems. Don't you have to pull the engin on the Mondial to service it. To heck with that. But really you should go for the one that really does it for YOU. Go test drive each model if you can. Look them over really good. You'll know which is the one for you. You'll feel it inside you. Then......enjoy every second. I may also add I too love the Bertone design of the GT/4, but my favorite is the Lambo Miura SV.

Kurt

jungathart

· #11 · May 22, 2005

Paul K. said:
I have been a Ferrari enthusiast since childhood and would like to purchase a "starter" car. Both the 308 GT4 and Mondial line appeal to my aesthetics and pocketbook, but I'd like some information from experienced drivers. I would appreciate any opinions on either car, handling - maintenance, etc. Thank you. By the way, I've read the posts in the Mondial 3.2 vs. "T" discussion - very helpful.

Hi Paul, for me it was also between these two. I prefered the GT4 but chose the Mondial because I have small children and its rear seating is more useful. I think the GT4's lines are more aggressive (!) whereas the Mondial is more elegant. My research seems to suggest that the GT4 is better handling and more nimble due to its lighter overall weight as well as its power to weight ratio. I also prefer the notion that the GT4 is even more owner serviceable than the Mondial. Lastly, don't refer to any Ferrari as a "starter" [just as there is no "starter" wife...yikes!]: you buy the best you could afford and enjoy and take excellent care of her and she will please you in soooo many unimaginable ways 8)

Pete04222

· #12 · May 23, 2005

jungathart said:
Lastly, don't refer to any Ferrari as a "starter" [just as there is no "starter" wife...yikes!]: you buy the best you could afford and enjoy and take excellent care of her and she will please you in soooo many unimaginable ways 8)

Well said!! :green: If it is what you want and you buy it, you own it.

Airdog

· #13 · Jun 2, 2006

308Gt4 Vs Mondial

Caro Ferrarista!
Hello all. This is certainly a beautiful site, especially in this strange time and world right now.
I have just purchased my second Gt4. I sold my first, which I had for 2 years, to settle accounts and pay off a house, my only house.
I have selected the Gt4 after a LOT of deliberation. Price is certainly a starting point, but, FERRARI is the main thing. A Ferrari is a work of art. JUST like a Reubens/Picasso etc. Yes, it can get you from A to B too, but, just like plaster, paint, wall-paper are not required for a wall to perform its function, pictures like a Picasso etc cannot be compared to wall paper, even though both perform the same function. Decorating a wall!
When I sit in the Gt4, and especially when I drive her(yes HER!, I'm old school), I need to experience the feeling. The Gt4 has that on the inside. She is beautiful on the outside, especially when parked next to other cars. But when parked next to the other Ferraris she is rather 'different'. But remember, most of these Ferrari's are PininFarina's GREAT works of art! So yes, the Gt4 is less exotic looking next to THESE Ferraris.
However, I don't need to own a Picasso for my mind to absorb and enjoy it.
I can see all the Ferraris I want at the meetings, and I absolutely LOVE them!
When I'm in one, I can't see it, from the outside. But, I DO need to own one to experience the FEELING when driving. Now, the Gt4 does give you that when driving.
She has a sportscar's interior. A sportscar feel, and a sportscar performance. No, not the speed, any bottom of the range BMW today will run away from her, but that's NOT what she is about......
Prior to buying this one I drove and looked at lots of Mondials.(400's too, more like a ship for me) The Mondial is certainly pretty in the Ferrari way. But, the interior. I'm apologetic here. But that dash and instrument layout do not do it for me.
Sit inside your garage one day in your Gt4. Switch the lights on(dash/instruments). Look at the detail. Those scalloped lenses for the handbrake and other little indicator lights. Beautiful!!!
I also drove a BB512. Carburettor model. To die for. Period! I have to have one still. Have both!
The Gt4 is a truly wonderful Ferrari.
I believe it's just a matter of time before things go silly about them. Remeber 25 years ago, where the 206/246 stood in the REAL FERRARI ranks............

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Andrew

· #14 · Jun 3, 2006 (Edited)

Airdog,

I can sense in your post that you have the passion and love your car for what it is and is not. Glad to have you here.

Boxer

· #15 · Jun 3, 2006

Airdog said:
Caro Ferrarista!
Hello all.
Sit inside your garage one day in your Gt4. Switch the lights on(dash/instruments). Look at the detail. Those scalloped lenses for the handbrake and other little indicator lights. Beautiful!!!
I also drove a BB512. Carburettor model. To die for. Period! I have to have one still. Have both!
The Gt4 is a truly wonderful Ferrari.
I believe it's just a matter of time before things go silly about them. Remeber 25 years ago, where the 206/246 stood in the REAL FERRARI ranks............

Welcome ! It is always great to hear the enthusiasm of a new owner. Just promise that you will drive it often and with vigor!

Airdog

· #16 · Jun 3, 2006

Driving with vigor

Hello all.
Yes, I shall drive it as Enzo intended/required.
I am not a speed freak on the roads though. I have three little children of my own. I realise that the laws of physics DO apply to me too, and I don't reserve the "right" to drive as fast as I see able to on public roads.
I love taking it on a track! Wow, that noise and feeling!!
This is a truly great site, thanks for all the lovely- stuff, to peruse!
AD

williamtaylor

· #17 · Jun 4, 2006

Hi and welcome. Have you seen the latest issue of our magazine ? It can be downloaded from: http://www.ferrarilife.com/flq/

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

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