Did you have a Ferrari BEFORE your 456?

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by mike996, Jul 9, 2008.

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  1. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
    6,875
    Full Name:
    Mike 996
    I'm curious if those of you with 456s had a previous Ferrari and if so, which one. I have been looking at 328's and a good friend (Mondial owner) is suggesting I forget that and buy a 456. I realize these are totally different cars in every way. I have been thinking of the 328 as the perfect "first" Ferrari but he is encouraging me NOT to consider only one specific model without looking at other possibilities (and he really likes the 456).

    I know I'm asking that on the 456 section and would expect folks to like their 456s better than any previous Ferraris they may have owned but did some of you move from say a 308/28 to the 456? If so, how do you view the "experience" with the two cars?

    Thanks for any input.
     
  2. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 5, 2002
    26,137
    Portland, Oregon
    Full Name:
    Don
    I went from a 3.2 Mondial Cab to the 456. 456 is a vastly better car in every respect. Of course, you can't take the top off of a 456, if that matters to you.
     
  3. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    #3 SonomaRik, Jul 9, 2008
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2008
    They are almost TOTALLY different, and you will be interested in the differences.

    328:
    1. Mostly fully depreciated: good value, in retaining value IF you do your maintenance and keep the appearance up.
    2. Great 'Pony', fast in the curves, a road hugger,
    3. easier on the maintenance
    4. two seater [pro, and con]. Not good for more than two, but nice daily driver.
    5. Power a bit lacking IMO but you'll only notice AFTER you have driven the 456 :)
    6. A bit forgiving in all gears: good daily driver.
    7. Timeles, well balanced looks...will be a classic and hold its value PERIOD.

    456:
    1. Beast, not Lambo or 512 beast, but powerfull in torque through all the gears: You'll fall in love at what a Ferrari really is.
    2. NOT at it's lowest depreciation AND if too low: watch out.
    3. Fixit cost MUCH higher than normal.....usual cast of suspects: Pre-M models: windows, rear-suspension 'stuff', motor mounts --always, valve guide issues--maybe, exhaust leaks on mani/head gaskets, gas 'odors', Seat electronics -- yikes..worse that damn seat hamsters, rear-spoiler deployment, Radiator bottoms getting torn, or radiator overheating due to core blockages due to time--have one built, lets see...thinking...
    4. NOT a great cornering car...better as an open road, highway driver.
    4a. can carry four, and has plenty of room.
    5. Timeless, well balanced, Looks...be surprised how many see it as a Ferrari, when in the beginning many said "is that a honda or something>>Q?"
    6. Will hold its value, period ...SOMEDAY>


    I could go on, but I love them both....

    actually was disliking my Mondial T for awhile as I drove the 456 more and more, but NOW
    appreciating the T for what it is and it's a GREAT looker, more classic, and quite a pony runner up in its own right.

    but my maintenance can keep pace with the 456 costs anytime.
    328 better choice IMO, unless you need the extra power or looks of the 348 series < IF more power is your goal, 328's are MUCH easier to boost....NOT the 348 series and certainly NOT the 456.
     
  4. number46

    number46 Karting

    Jun 21, 2005
    110
    London
    I currently own an early ('94) manual 456 which is my first Ferrari, and my friend has a 328. We have both driven each other's cars and I have also driven a 348 and a 355. We both have much experience of other performance and racing cars on the roads and on track so can offer some observations for you. First off, they are different sorts of car really, ones a grand tourer the other a sportscar, perhaps the 355 is a better car to compare with the 456 as it is from the same decade.
    We both took the cars recently though France to the Nurburgring and then back to a trackday at Spa over a five day trip. My friends comments on his 328 were: that is was noisy and a bit tiring to drive all day, it was under powered at Spa and I noticed he was not happy to go a my pace on the road driving i.e. over around 90mph he would slow as he found it just too noisey and tiring . On twisty roads I could keep up with him quite easily and of course on any open sections I could blast past him if I wanted !! as the 456 has more power and torque, it just keeps on accelerating. I didn't take my car on the Nurburgring but we both drove them at Spa, his car was just not powerful enough on track where as mine was fine, although the brakes as not really upto more than a few laps at a time, also the 456 is a big car and quite heavy and it also rolls abit so it's not really an idea trackcar but still is worth taking on a track just enjoy the power and torque. My friend uses he 328 alot on english country b roads for 1 or 2 hour blasts and it is a great car for that as it looks the part and still is quick but I think the 355 is a much better version of the same idea.
    In terms of maintenance the 456 will cost you more, no doubt, and if you can't fix things yourself then it could be really quite an expensive mistress !! The early cars uses SD1 diagnotics so you have to take it to someone with that kit to check alot of the stuff, the 328 is a much more simple car and therefore cheaper to get fixed and probably less complicated so i think more reliable, the 456 has the dreaded ecu and electrics everwhere so lots to go wrong.
    I still am really happy with my car and glad that I have a V12 Ferrari, as it really has a special sort of unique sound and drive, it looks great and they are pretty rare. You should really drive both to see which one you like, however I think if I didn't need the rear seats then I would go for a 355 over the 328 as it is a quicker car and still looks superb(my friend would get the 355 too)

    Hope that helps !!
     
  5. JazzyO

    JazzyO F1 World Champ

    Jan 14, 2007
    12,156
    The Netherlands
    Full Name:
    Onno
    Good posts already from the previous guys.

    I would just like to add: ask yourself what you are buying the car for. Is it a cruiser or a sportscar you have in mind? 456 is the first, 328 is the second. Both are great cars. If you want to crush continents in style, the 456 is your choice. If you want to do a run up a mountain on a Sunday afternoon, go with the 328. Mind you, if you're looking at other models, don't forget the other contenders: 348 = 328 with more power. 355 = 348 with a LOT more power. 550 = more sporty version of the 456 with fewer seats and quite a bit quicker.

    Finally - if you buy a good one of any of these, you're in for some serious fun.

    Have fun deciding!


    Onno
     
  6. phillg

    phillg Karting

    Feb 4, 2007
    54
    Dorset UK
    I have owned my 328 GTS for 7.5 years,and use it for sunny day's or drives of 1-2 hours,it's great fun.
    I have owned my 456m gta for 20 months,and use it most day's,and for weekends away,it munches up the miles effortlessly.
    As said above,totaly different cars.
    The 456m is far more expensive to upkeep.It has had more money spent on it in the 20 months than the 328 has in 7.5 years.
    Could I choose between the two?,it really does depend on how you will use the car.The 328 can be uncomfortable after a while,the 456 never has,even after a 2000 mile trip covered in just a few day's.
    Good luck with your choice.

    Phill
     
  7. chuck1

    chuck1 Rookie

    Aug 12, 2005
    37
    MD
    Full Name:
    Chuck 1
    I had a Mondial T coupe before buying the 456M, Totally different cars. The twelve vs eight cylinder engine is really different I really enjoy my 456M GTA. I would recommend to anyone
     
  8. Modificata

    Modificata F1 Rookie

    Apr 27, 2003
    2,654
    Hampton, England
    Full Name:
    Andy Rasool
    I had two Mondial t coupes before the 456. Very different cars, and the 456 is by far a better built car. Faster too. I've always wanted a Ferrari that I can use, and since I have two kids the 4 seater is whats needed for me. I would love to buy a 360 or a 355, but the car would never get used. If you need the back seats then there is nothing better than a 456.
     
  9. 2000 456M

    2000 456M F1 World Champ

    Sep 29, 2007
    12,600
    Portland, OR
    Full Name:
    Allan
    #9 2000 456M, Jul 10, 2008
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2008
    My previous Ferrari was a 330GTC which I treated as a garage queen, so it is obviously not a good standard for comparison. Just before I got the 456M, I had a '96 Porsche 993 Carrera Targa Tiptronic. I found the interior a little austere and the engine down on power and my children were outgrowing the little jumpseats. The 456M solved the problem on all counts. I think 456s represent the greatest bargain of all modern Ferraris. That being said, when and if something breaks, or even just doing regular maintenance, the car is, compared to every car I've had except the 330GTC, VERY expensive to keep up.
     
  10. kidwhizz

    kidwhizz Karting

    Feb 16, 2008
    165
    Mike,

    very interesting advice from the experienced guys above. I never had any car "in my name" and the 456 GTAM was my first ever "CAR" purchase without "Dad" being involved initialy at some stage.

    So the apprehension was immense, also reading all the scare stories and issues even today are little scratches on the heart, but that would be for any car you research.

    I am a family man and needed the Seats, due to sporting injury years ago I was mailny limited to an Auto, this helped narrow my decision and the waiting game began, i.e. finding one that would suit my pocket, with a reserve fund and specification.

    Never thought I would ever afford one to be honest but various things happened, and thank God that they did.

    Today - I am very happy that I have one it is so easy to Drive, there are people out there that do 1000's of miles and really use there 456, there are others that enjoy it with there family and on there own, it introduced me to a nice bunch of enthusiasts, that TBH may not buy a 456 but appreciate it just the same.

    The 456 Modificato personally has a very nice interior and handles great for me. Note I have never driven any other Ferrari! and at present am very happy with mine and do not even feel like it and this is just over a year on.

    So this was my first F-Car Drive and the Feeling for me is increased everytime I get in it.

    There is a 328 where I live and I love it also, sounds and looks amazing! I think the 456 is a mature and Gentlemans Car, that can mix it with more flamboyant Fcar's or other exotica. People appreciate the family in a F-Car Look. People take pics of the child seats and stand back and admire the looks.

    It is not just about showing off - not to say others are doing this - it just feels complete! V12, Wife, kids, nice sounds, great roads. you can enjoy on your own or with the family. If however money was no object then I would still have a 456 in my collection. As it would make me smile to remember the first time I sat in a F-Car and turned the KEY! go on you know you want to :)

    I dunno if you have seen the 456 Slalom racing : ref cornering ability at low speeds as opposed to fast speeds, great for a heavy Ferrari : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhL9RUwEcc4 "cant verify the link from where I am" but do a google for 456 Slalom.

    err did I say it is a V12? V12 it is :) makes you smile everytime u hear and listen and look at an amazing piece of engineering
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cN-ogN6wIk


    kindest regards Aamir
     
  11. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    What I find interesting here is the number of previous Mondial owners and moved UP to the 456. :)

    seems I'm in the same line of process as many, which is conforting.

    I always wanted 2+2's [but wouldn't turn down a 2 seater] for the practicality of haveing more room etc.

    wonder: is that your appeal too?

    r
     
  12. kidwhizz

    kidwhizz Karting

    Feb 16, 2008
    165
    Rik, I am sure it is progression - for the years ahead - I would consider the next stage i.e. 612 Scag V12 - not too sure of the California Yet.

    kindest regards Aamir
     
  13. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    I agree, the California has little appeal to me other than technology. The looks, sort of a cut and paste of several models all trying to vie for a piece of the action....not, coherent and Pininfarina messed up this time. Single rear-lights! and funny exhausts. Grills/gills and stuff well it just went too far. Sort of a Japaneese version of trying to be a Ferrari.

    Think I'll skip the 612 also....too plain.
     
  14. GEaston

    GEaston Rookie

    Jul 3, 2008
    21
    I have a 456m(a), but have only driven one other Ferrari which was a 348. I'm very tall (6"10) so don't fit in many Ferrari's. For the record 308 I can just about squeeze in were there an emergency, can't drive the 328, 348 is tight, 355 is ok, but clearly I'm best suited to a 456 due to rear seat space (well hardly any while I drive but at least I fit). I thought the 348 was slow but at the time I had a Porsche 996 Turbo which accellerates more like a high powered motorbike than a car.

    I have 2 small children so that and the height issues make it a very easy choice for me. I'm impressed by the car's performance - exactly matched in accelleration with a Mercedes CL 600V12 BiTurbo which has an extra 60 Bhp (500) but more weight. By any standards the 456 is a quick car.
     

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