308 or 328 which year is the best to buy

Best year for piece of mind motoring...1983-85 308 QV
Best year for most power...1977-1979/80 (because of carb)
Best model aesthetically...1985 Euro QV GTB

I'm certain that this post of mine will be ridiculed, but at least I put my 2 cents in.

 

I have a 1989 328GTB-euro spec, and couldn't be happier.......good luck with your search.

 

308 = early NON CAT (prior to 1978) carbed example, Euro dry sump or 'glass 1976 only...

328 = last year, will be the newest, lowest miles and have ABS braking, final suspension design.

In between, the 308QV has a lot of fans, a GTB will be rare in the US.
One now, very nice, on eBay in Jackson MS.

Happy shopping!

 

If you've no preference between the 308 vs. 328 then get a 328. A little more power and most of the glitches had been worked through at that point.

 

I agree. I preferred the interior and exterior appearance of the 308 and wanted piece of mind (which is relative, of course) so I went for an '84 QV. But my understanding is that all the systems are little better functioning on the 328 and of course it does have a bit more power.

 

This.

89 328 or 76-77 308. GTB preferable for exclusivity.

For a driver, anything past 83.

 

If you are in California, avoid the caburetors. They can pass smog, but it is awfully hard. That leaves you with QV or 328. I prefer the 328, the last year.

 

To me, the 308 series is the last Ferrari with a true vintage feel. I have an 83 QV and love it. There might be mechanical and performance improvements in a 328 but the interior does little for me. Also....308 has more legroom. But it is really the vintage "feel" that resonates with me.

 

The question for the ages returns

 

Hey Haig,

Funny seeing you over here! I decided to do the same (add an 8 cylinder to the stable) and just purchased a 77 GTB. Went for the vintage carbs on purpose. It is being delivered from CA to me here in MD tomorrow! Thread and pics will follow on delivery! I was told by many that carbs in CA is a tough road so consider that in your decision. Personally I just liked the details on the 308 better than the 328 so I only had to decide between carbs and the QV - vintage or most reliable. I guess I am a sucker for more tinkering...

Good luck in your search!

Curtis

 

I think you'll get a lot of support for your choices. Altho I think I'd quobble about the '78 & higher having as much power as a well sorted out QV. In addition to loving it's styling, I prefer the QV because it's the last model that I'm confident that I could service myself. The 328's rubber covered controls are showing their age & so far no replacements have come onto the market. Probably the best of both worlds would be a QV with a 328 drivetrain.

BTW, you should search for things like 328 and QV, this discussion has come up a couple of times/year for the last 13 or 14 years that fchat has been in existance.

 

I think the euro 83 308 QV is the sweet spot of the 308s beauty and driving and interior wise. I am an open top guy so a GTS. The euro 83 GTS has the asthetics paint wise of the earlier 308s with body colored vents, blacked out A pillars and around the louvers on the quarter windows and the roof, it has the nicer later interior, lighter clutch pedal setup compared to the carb cars, better QV engine, more power than US counterparts, probably easier starting and maintaining tune over the carb 308s. Investment wise is a different story, the choice goes to the early glass 308 GTBs....it seems to have potential. Then maybe someday a pre 78 carb car might get legs. I doubt any 308 with a cat on it originally goes anywhere significant value wise.

 

all are good...
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There's good background in the buyers guide at the top of the section

 

1984 QV GTB. Why? Because it's mine YMMV

Many good responses here.

 

Nice clean car

 

If daily driving and reliability is your main concern, get a 328. I have had three of each and 328s are easier to live with. Cooling, electrical, and ignition systems are all better. The small premium you would pay for an early 328 vs a QV will be worth it. For pure charisma,a 76-77 GTB can't be topped but nice ones are tough to find and will be needier.

Dave

 

Boxer Trim on one that late is very rare!!

They were matching the 512bbi, which ceased production in 1984.
After that the Boxer Trim was not seen...

Looks nice.

The Euro in Jackson MS would be faster, maybe...but has a couple of paint repair issues to sort out..(trunk damage from cell antenna, rear roof spoiler should be black)..but no dealer mark up, private seller.

That car you are looking at was an Fchatters IIRC.

 

1. Never an issue in my 328.
2. Smooth? I don't think so for both 308 and 328. Probably not any different from the TRs.

As Hardtop said, if you want reliability, go for the 328 (regardless of year).

 

Most important is going to be personal preference. Carb sound or FI reliability? 308 looks or 328 looks? 308 more "vintage" or 328 more "refined and evolved"? Low mileage or more of a driver and don't worry about it? Personally, I went for an '87 328... evolution, power and reliability, no crude abs and low mileage - showroom fresh. Couldn't be happier. A smile every mile. Good luck, you can't really go wrong … they are all great its just what resonates with you.
Best,
Neil