Service issues: 308GT4 vs. Mondial

For the most part, I agree with your assessment above. Both should be fine. With regard to tinkering, you are probably right, although, truth be told, once the carbs are set, there really isn't much tinkering to do there either. The electonics of the mondial can be considered both a blessing and a curse. As an example, my other car is a 91 Alfa 164, which is fuel injected, electronics galore. It is my daily driver, and very very reliable. However, lately, I've been having this issue with my brake lights not working. Replaced 2 Brake ECU units. Finally, on a hunch after talking to a few of my friends, it turns out the fault was with the bulbs I had used in the 3rd brake light, which were drawing too much current, and causing the error with the Brake ECU. Replaced bulbs, and it fixed the problem. Only the Italians can design such crazy electronic systems.

Aside from the occasional electronics issue, which really are fairly rare in a well taken care of car (Tip- buy some Deoxit, or Stabilant-22 and use liberally on all electronic connections), I don't see the electronics as really being too much of an issue, and can make for a very reliable car.

In the end, I would probably suggest to buy which ever car you can get a hold of that is a well cared for example. Either car will be fun.

One other comment: Rust. May be more of a problem in an older GT4, since I think the Italians finally discovered rust protection in the early 80's. So, if you are leaning towards a GT4, watch out for rust.

Hope this helps.

Dom

 

I have a euro spec 308GT4, and I have driven a Mondial. Truthfully, for my taste, I liked driving the GT4 more than the Mondial. But I like the older designs.

Most of the GT4's I looked at did have rust issues, some more than others. I finally found one that was in a bubble and had no rust. Mechanically, the car is pretty basic with minimum electrics (and simple to fix if there is an issue).
Mechanically..... carbs, bearings belts, seals etc. are straight forward replacements when that becomes necessary.

On the personal side, look for a good local Ferrari mechanic first..... then ask for their input.

Good luck with your search.

 

Yes - the Mondials started with the significant anti-rust program in th M8s, about 5-6 years after Porsche.

Mondials are fairly big and heavy when compared to GT4s, and a bit more refined. Depending on what you want, the Weber carb's GT/4s are a bit more edgy, while the more refined M8 could be used more easily everyday. An M8 has a lot more room inside, for me especially headroom is an issue.

An GT/4 is more DIY friendly, but a M8 is not that bad.

 

It sounds as if you have a pretty good handle on it. Unless you have a prefence for older/DIY, newer/FI/larger back seat, either model will serve you well. Examples of either come in anywhere from bad to excellant condition. That is were you have to be choosey. We will be expecting a "I just got my first Ferrari!" thread, with pictures.

 

I have no experience working on a GT4, but because it is older it would logically be more simple to work on than the next generation. If you enjoy tracking down electrical gremlins, the Mondial is a great choice. Otherwise, there isn't much to mechanically tinker with on one. After driving, I have spent the most time with my car on cosmetic issues.

 

Its been my feeling (from my semi-calibrated ass), that the GT4 feels a little more sporting and the Mondial coupes are more "touring" in their setup. But they are both fun to drive.

 

ferrari started using galvanized steel on their U.S. spec cars in january, 1984.

joe

 

and it has been a real pleasure to drive and own. No troubles here at all with electrical or otherwise. The 3.2 is also less expensive to maintain. We have two young boys and the extra seating comes in very handy. I do agree that it is more of a touring car, but it does love the back roads as well. I highly reccomend them.
- Ron

 

I've have owned x2 gt4s and x3 Mondials 8/qv/3.2 and I must say I loved them all.
I've been camping in all of them,but I must admit the gt4 has more cred than
Mondials.
It all boils down to what you want out of the car,because the gt4 will hold its value more than the Mondial,but I think the gt4 would be cheaper to run in the long run as the Mondials have an issue with their electrics/fuze box etc.
But what ever you chose they are both great cars.