[ferraristyle]

Guys

This is my first post to the board, and I've done some seaching and picked up some good points. I ready to buy my first Ferrari but need some advise from you on which would be best for me.

First, I'm a long time Porsche driver, and a big fan of the font engine cars. I currently have a 944S2, which I consider the best of the 944 series, but have owned a 928S4, and 944 Turbo. I just never really liked the 911's, but I did also have a Boxster S.

That being said, my price range is anything below 30K or so. The car will be a toy, and will mainly be used for car shows, parades, and the such so cosmetics are the most important thing to me. I'd also like a car with under 50K on it, preferably in the 25-35K range.

I've desided that I'd like to get one of 3 cars. Either a 308 Eurospec car, a 308 QV or a 328. I'd like to know what years these were produced and which was the best year(s) for these cars. My first choice would be an 88 or 89 328 but I think that may be out of my price range. The thing that scares me about the 308 is with 205hp, it's going to be somewhat of a dog. I'd perfer a later model 308, like an 84/85. Also don't the QV's have a little more hp? Any advise you can give me would be great!

Finally, I'd like to buy from a dealer if possible, because I'm going to want to trade my 350Z in on this car and I don't want to go thru the hassle of selling the car privately even though I know I'd make out better. I live in Baltimore so Algar and Washington Ferrari are relatively close for me.

I'm still learning about Ferrari's so if some of my info is wrong, I'm sorry. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[senna21]

You'll probably want to get this book
The Ferrari Dino 246, 308 and 328 (Collector's Guide).

It covers the differences of models very well.

The 308s and 328s although the "same" are very different. the 308s up to the QV are very angular in design. The 328 was softened quite a bit. The interiors are different as well. Up to the QV you had (IMO) wonderful knobs and levers to control the climate controls. In the 328 that all became more modern and modular. The Performance on the 328 will be much the same as you're used to on the Porsches mentioned above and also with the 350Z. The QV will be slower. A euro model though will be close. If you're going to look at the 308 look at either the carb models or the QVs. The early injection (GTBi, GTBs) were very slow.

As a whole they make great cars and by this time should be a good reliable daily driver. They did have their problems (fuse boxes need to be replaced, slow window motors, ect...) but most previous owners should have sorted this out for you by now.

It'll take some getting used to the mid-engined layout if you're not used to it. Having that extra weight back there is quite a lot of fun if you don't let it get away from you.

Welcome to the site! I hope I've given
you a good general start. I'm sure there'll be others chiming in.

 

[rfly2dive]

Although I am new to this forum I used to own a 1976 fiberglass 308...I could never get the carbs to stay in sync...when it ran well i was in love...when it ran rough i wanted a divorce...i sold it to a friend who sold it with the same observation after 1 yr. I tried to replace the feeling i got from her with a Harley Anniversary Classic and even a 1991 Lotus Elan...but they were not the same...so i got the bug again and was looking at either a 308 or 328 due to budget constraints...what tipped the scales was something Tim Stafford out of Lauderdale said to me...His opinion was that th 84-85 308's were at the pinnacle of their development and had the 'bugs worked out' whereas the 86-87 328 were new models with several early problems in their development that were resolved over the subsequent yrs...I found a 1985 Euro 308 GTSI QV with 7k miles...The obvious issues were addressed inc. belts, major, new tires all around, replaced water pump, blah-blah-blah because it was NOT driven...That is not to say there are not terrific early 328's nor do I suggest all late 308's are problem free...Rather buy with your head and not your heart...Get a pre-purchase inspection from a reputable mechanic and then enjoy like i am bring her back to 'better than new.' But above all else---DRIVE HER!!!

 

[rfly2dive]

Although I am new to this forum I used to own a 1976 fiberglass 308...I could never get the carbs to stay in sync...when it ran well i was in love...when it ran rough i wanted a divorce...i sold it to a friend who sold it with the same observation after 1 yr. I tried to replace the feeling i got from her with a Harley Anniversary Classic and even a 1991 Lotus Elan...but they were not the same...so i got the bug again and was looking at either a 308 or 328 due to budget constraints...what tipped the scales was something Tim Stafford out of Lauderdale said to me...His opinion was that th 84-85 308's were at the pinnacle of their development and had the 'bugs worked out' whereas the 86-87 328 were new models with several early problems in their development that were resolved over the subsequent yrs...I found a 1985 Euro 308 GTSI QV with 7k miles...The obvious issues were addressed inc. belts, major, new tires all around, replaced water pump, blah-blah-blah because it was NOT driven...That is not to say there are not terrific early 328's nor do I suggest all late 308's are problem free...Rather buy with your head and not your heart...Get a pre-purchase inspection from a reputable mechanic and then enjoy like i am bring her back to 'better than new.' But above all else---DRIVE HER!!!

 

[senna21]

God I love the QVs!

 

[4kids3fish]

Another excellent reference is Keith Bluemel's "Original Ferrari V8", which goes into great details about what each particular model & submodel had, plus specs & build numbers each year. For easier info about what happened each year go to www.qv500.com/indexferrari6.htm & lookup the different models.

As has been said, the first 308s were the fibreglass ones with between 240 (US) & 255 bhp (Euro). They sound the best of all 308s with the 4 twin-throat Webers. The FG ones are not common, and seem to becoming more collectable. A change was made to the steel body when the GTS was introduced, still carb'd. New anti-smog laws then meant the carbs had to go, replaced by FI on the GTBi and GTSi models. These suffered a bad performance hit, down to 205 (US) and 215 (Euro) bhp. As you know, the 4-valve QV recovered some grunt to 230 (US) & 240 (Euro) bhp, and also had more bugs sorted out.

The 328 is a decent bit faster, with around 270bhp, and has IMHO a more aggressive shape to it around the front. The 308 is just gorgeous from the side but the front bumpers make it seems a little "thin" from front on. the 328 also has more electronics & push-buttons, & these can be a bit of a pain, and doesn't have quite the same "classic-car" interior of the 308s, as Senna21 said.

I guess a lot is personal taste - 70's classic or 80's sportscar. The early 308s will be a lot older than any 328, although for the same money you may find a 308 with less miles. Good luck!

 

[Andrew]

Welcome to the site, looks like you have already been given some excellent advice. Best of luck in your search.

The models section here on Ferrari Forum will help show the differences in the different models specs but not much on parts and history. If you are going to get a 308 I highly recommend getting the GTSi QV. It has the most power and was the last model before the 328.

As far as looks go it is personal taste. I agree with Charles's post above, the 308 just looks awesome, even 30 years later. I actually perfer the 308's look s over the 328s.

Finding a dealer that is selling these models shouldn't be too difficult. The last time I was at Ferrari of San Francisco they had a 308 for sale in their showroom. Let us know how the search goes and if we can be of more help.

 

[ferraristyle]

Thanks guys for all the help.

I think I'm going to consider an 83-85 GTS QV. Of course I would prefer the later of the 84 and 85 and a Euro QV but we'll see what will come available. I would like to stay away from the 83's without the corrosion protection. I figure it will be a 6 month search or so.

I put the 944 on ebay today to get rid of it so that will free up some nice funds for a down payment, that way I may not need to trade the 350 (the wife likes that car and thinks the Ferrari looks to pointy.....the nerve)

Also, is it possible to lease an older car like this? Since I won't be modding the car at all, it may be a better option then buying as I'm lucky to keep a car for more then 2 years.

Finally, is there a difference in a GTSi QV vs GTS QV, or are all QV's fuel injected?

Any specific advice on these models?

Man....I feel like a 6 year old the night before christmas.

 

[Andrew]

Also, is it possible to lease an older car like this? Since I won't be modding the car at all, it may be a better option then buying as I'm lucky to keep a car for more then 2 years.

Finally, is there a difference in a GTSi QV vs GTS QV, or are all QV's fuel injected?

Any specific advice on these models?

Man....I feel like a 6 year old the night before christmas.

You could lease the car through a company like Putnam Leasing, maybe the dealer would do it, but that is doubtful.

All QVs are GTSi/GTBi (injected).