308i vs QV vs 328 | FerrariChat

308i vs QV vs 328

Discussion in '308/328' started by skierlawyer, Jan 4, 2011.

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  1. skierlawyer

    skierlawyer Formula Junior

    Sep 12, 2010
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    Golden, CO
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    Brian
    I am looking to make my first F-Car purchase. I currently have a P-Car (930 Targa). I test drove a '81 308i and was a bit underwhelmed by the performance. I loved the look and overall feel of the car, and I know its not a fast car but I was surprised how slow it was. I really wanted to try a QV or 328 but there are none listed locally. The seller insists that there would not be much difference between the performance of his car and a 328. Is that really true? How big a difference is there between the 3x8 line? I read the Hierarchy thread and it got me thinking that I should pass on this car and look for a 328. Any thoughts?
     
  2. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
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    Steve (85 308 Owner)
  3. GrayTA

    GrayTA F1 World Champ
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    The Heirarchy thread was just a fun thread - not to be taken too seriously at all - so dont let that sway you at all.


    There is not a huge power difference between most of the 3X8 series really. Obviously there is some, but there are tradeoffs between any of them. Check out a few and see what you really like - thats the most important thing of all. None of them are really "Fast" by todays standards - even the most recent 328 out there. These days its about the feel and driving experience that only a Ferrari can give you.




    PDG
     
  4. wazie7262

    wazie7262 Formula 3

    Feb 13, 2008
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    There is a 1977 carb car for sale on this site under Ferrariads.com. I would HIGHLY recommend your inquire about that car. In my experience, early carb cars, when properly set up, have much better throttle response than any injected 308/328 variant, and sound better, as well. That being said...what state are you in and, accordingly, what are your smog laws?

    I would also HIGHLY recommend a Euro car over any U.S. variant; they look better, are lighter, have a few more horses and, as you may have guessed, are faster. I have a Eruo dry sump 308 GTB and a U.S. 328 GTS and I don't care what the old stats books say, the 308 is faster.
     
  5. ace_pilot

    ace_pilot Formula Junior

    Sep 6, 2007
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    George
    With how old these cars are, it really depends on the state of the car and whether it's maintained properly.

    Ace
     
  6. 2dinos

    2dinos F1 Rookie

    Jan 13, 2007
    3,027
    There's a long standing race called "The Virginia City Hillclimb".

    From my experiences:
    The 3x8's are grouped pretty tightly. The winner for many years was an '80 308 GTSi, and I doubt his record has been beaten. All of them (3x8) perform so close that on the track, it's all driver's skill that makes the difference. A 3x8 well tuned and sorted is a fine performing car.

    In general, a P-930 is a very strong accelerating car, and you need to jump way up in horsepower to sense that kind of performance. I'm pretty confident an F-40 would satisfy you, but that's 478 - 525 HP depending on the car, and more dollars. If you want a beautiful sweet handling car with very calm hi speed road manners, 308's are fantastic.

    IMHO: If you want a 3x8, find a car that checks out and you really "Like" it. Best of luck in your hunt.
     
  7. CliffBeer

    CliffBeer Formula 3

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    #7 CliffBeer, Jan 5, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2011
    I guess a Honda CRX si was faster than the base CRX, but both weren't that fast back then and they're even slower today. I wouldn't have very high hopes for the power/acceleration of any of the 3X8 cars, particularly if you're coming from a 911turbo (which definitely does accelerate hard). If you're into p-cars, it's sort of like comparing a 3.0sc to a 3.2carrera. 28hp/18tq is hard to feel on the butt dyno. If you want something with comparable acceleration to your 930 then you're probably looking at a testarossa or 355/360 if you want to stay under $100K.

    Drive a bunch and you'll get a sense for the relative performance. Good luck!
     
  8. skierlawyer

    skierlawyer Formula Junior

    Sep 12, 2010
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    #8 skierlawyer, Jan 5, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thanks for all the replies. I live in Denver, so if anyone has a 3x8 in the area and is willing to give me a ride / let me drive their car that would really be great. I have driven a 355 and it was amazing, but I am looking at 3x8's partly because the maintenance and entry fee are more reasonable but mostly because I LOVE the looks of the 3x8. My 930 is a track ready modded car w 425hp, G50 5spd, 245 and 315 tires, coil overs, ect... I have attended many PCA events and track days. Previously I had a base 3.2 carrera. The carrera was a blast on the street w/ its 220hp. I once read that its more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow. I agree with this to a some extent because I could drive my 3.2 carrera near the limit on local roads, something hard to do with my track ready 930.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  9. skierlawyer

    skierlawyer Formula Junior

    Sep 12, 2010
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    Brian
    Here is a link to the Ad of the car I am considering buying:
    http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/2137234724.html
    Besides getting a PPI at Ferrari of Denver, what else should I do or be aware of?
    What would you pay for this car assuming it checks out?
     
  10. javadog

    javadog Karting

    Dec 27, 2009
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    #10 javadog, Jan 5, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2011
    No, the seller is an idiot and he's trying to sell you what might have been about the slowest 3 series ever made. There is a significant difference between that car and a 328, particularly if the 328 was a GTB. They are hard to find but not impossible. Find one for sale and then buy a plane ticket to go see it.

    A Ferrari of this era won't be as fast as a 930 but, in the right hands and on the right road, you'd be surprised how little difference exists. I've also owned a couple 930's (one of them for 25 years) so I am well versed in what they can do. One day a few years ago a good friend of mine and I went out for a little drive. I was in a 328GTB and he was in a Euro 930 of mine. As long as the speeds were kept under 100, it wasn't hard to keep him behind me.

    Good luck with your search,
    JR
     
  11. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
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    After driving a 425 hp P-car, a 3x8 will seem very underpowered. I can tell you that going from the Corvette Z06, which pushes close to 490 hp, to either my 328 or my old '70 Jaguar XKE is like taking a trip in a time machine. Older cars like that just don't have the power, acceleration, g-forces or other "feel-factors" of more modern, highly powered cars.

    But what they do have is character, style and a very different driving experience than modern cars. I'm sure that most modern cars, those produced in the last 10 years, can outperform just about any 3x8 0 to 60 from a stop light. If that's what you are looking for, beating everyone from the stoplight, you won't be happy with a 3x8. But if you want a great driving experience, driving those wonderful twisty mountain roads, feeling like you own a small piece of automotive history, then by all means, pursue a 3x8.

    It's all about what you want out of a car and then finding the car that will give that to you. Those of us who own these older cars aren't worried about stop light racing or having the fastest car on the track. For that, we have other cars. You don't get a screwdriver from the tool chest when you know you need a hammer.

    p.s. Don't forget, you live up at altitude. Cars need to be tuned for that. Make sure the car you test drive has been properly tuned, otherwise it will feel sluggish and powerless.
     
  12. PhilB

    PhilB Formula 3
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    +1.

    I recently test drove a new Boxster S at the dealer (thinking about adding another car to the garage, not getting rid of the 308), and was momentarily impressed with the power and handling.

    But in my eyes all P-Cars look like farts or jelly beans. I stand back and look at it and just say "ehh".

    I got home and got back into my 308 and just grin when I drive it.

    For power, performance and price, a Corvette or new Camaro SS is your best bet. I like the Camaro SS, I think....the chunky Tonka truck looks remind me of my H3. My buddy has an SS, it is an absolute blast to drive.

    Phil
     
  13. cavallo_nero

    cavallo_nero Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
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    Giovanni Pasquale
    the 308i is a PRIME candidate for a centrifugal supercharger - If i had one, i would spend the 6 grand or so for the supercharger kit, especially at altitude.
    i am putting a new radiator in my car and updating the cooling system, i would gladly give you a ride in the spring time, i live in the foothills up deer creek canyon. i have a 308 GTS 1978 euro car that i fitted with a computerized individual throttle body fuel management system. it rocks!! and i have pulled away from a few of my friends 328's out here.
     
  14. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
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    IMO that new Camaro has totally lost the plot but hey, a difference of opinion is what makes life interesting.

    I prefer the 328 in every way to the 308s and that is why I chose to buy a 328 - the vastly improved cooling system was, by itself, a major improvement. I also think the 328 is a much better looking profile - I never liked the X19 shape of the 308 and didn't care for the 3x8 look until the 328 came out.

    But as has been pointed out, the best way is to look at/drive or at least ride in each model to decide which you prefer.
     
  15. PhilB

    PhilB Formula 3
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    Mike - what does "lost the plot" mean?

    Just curious, I don't understand the context.

    Phil
     
  16. cavallo_nero

    cavallo_nero Formula 3

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    #16 cavallo_nero, Jan 5, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  17. GrayTA

    GrayTA F1 World Champ
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    Says the guy with his car in a recent issue of FORZA!!!!

    :)




    PDG
     
  18. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
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    I learned the phrase "lost the plot" from a good friend in England who I have known for 20 years. I assumed it was an English phrase though I don't know that for sure.

    Basically it means that something that was originally made/written/designed/whatever based on a certain set of parameters has now become something else that was not as originally conceived.

    In this case - and it's totally my opinion, of course - the Camaro , (as well as the Mustang, Barracuda, etc) was a lightweight, relatively small (for the time), simple car that had a fairly high power/weight ratio and (again, for the time) good handling.

    The current Camaro (and Challenger) seem large/heavy in comparison, full of standards/options that have nothing to do with their "heritage." I agree they have the performance but it doesn't set them apart from many available sedans with equal or better performance.

    If some folks showed up at an impromptu car show, several with new Camaros and new Challengers and a guy showed up with a 71 Challenger or a 68 Camaro, nobody would pay any attention to the new ones.
     
  19. shmark

    shmark F1 Rookie

    Oct 31, 2003
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    #19 shmark, Jan 5, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2011
    With a 308, weight is the biggest performance improvement. A euro car of any vintage will keep up with any US car, pick any year you like, and in many cases will completely outrun the US car. Best bang for the buck, relatively speaking, is a 78-79 euro. 80-82 euros will still keep up with stock US cars and are cheaper. Earlier euros and euro QVs will be more money but are considerably faster - worth the difference IMO.

    I've owned and tracked a lot of Porsches and a 3.2 Carrera is a good comparison to the euro 308 with very similar performance. The 911 has better brakes and will power out of a corner much harder, while the 308 is better balanced and will carry more speed through a corner. Ultimately the 911 is a bit faster on the track, but real world they are a close match. Personally I love the sound of both cars, different and both can be spine-tingling. I currently have a 308 but would love to pick up a 911 to sit beside it - both fantastic drivers.
     
  20. johng

    johng Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
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    there is a biiiig difference between a 328 and 205 hp 308. a QV and a 328 are pretty close. just a nudge quicker in the 328. get a euro model if you can: the biggest difference is not the performance (although euros are slightly quicker), but the sound. that extra compression and the cam timing make for a very different exhaust note. putting on a tubi header/muffler on those cars is nothing short of awesome. better than a 355.
     
  21. stev4266

    stev4266 Karting

    Mar 24, 2010
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    Look at entry #16, what could look better than that? A Euro QV gets my vote. Best looking, fastest, and the best sound. But I could be bias.

    84 Euro QV GTB
     
  22. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    The (NON CAT equipped) 1977 in FerrariAds is a Colorado car and fresh from a timing belt service (including degreed cams) by noted technician Dave Helm's shop.

    Go drive that car.

    The guy is selling a 308i because he HAS a 308i......

    It's the bottom of the barrell, powerwise, of the entire 3x8 line......
     
  23. PhilB

    PhilB Formula 3
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    Ahh, like the Matrix film sequels.

    ;)

    No question, these new Pony cars are commodities built for the Xbox generation. But then, that's the time we live in.

    Put a 308, or something older from our favorite marquee, next to a 360/430, and couldn't the same be said to a degree? I mean, since when do carbon fiber door sills make an appreciable difference to performance? And I for one don't like the paddles.


    No doubt about it. And then if you showed up at the same show with your F-car, the crowd would leave the Gen-1 Pony cars and surround your 328.

    The OP doesn't currently own an F-Car - so I'm not advocating giving one up for a new Pony car. He said he is looking for a spirited car to drive that has acceleration comparable to his 930. For 3x8 money, a Nissan Maxima would fit that requirement. But in my opinion a new Camaro or Mustang would be more fun. The Vette would also, but at 2x the price of a Camaro unless you take the pre-owned route. Any of these are better looking than the 370z or Boxster. He said he loved the 3x8 looks, if that's his primary purchase criteria, then he'll have to live with the 3x8 performance.

    Not a bad problem to have though,
    Phil
     
  24. PhilB

    PhilB Formula 3
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    Yes, but there is a benefit to the "i" cars, in my opinion. While I would never significantly mod a carb'd or QV 308, as Giovanni said, I would not hesitate to add an SC or Turbo to an "i" car. Even conservatively you'll end up with 320+ HP with 308 looks for the price of a major.

    Phil
     
  25. GrayTA

    GrayTA F1 World Champ
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    But still better than 99% of any other cars on the road.



    PDG
     

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