Ferrari 308

[PSk]

Interesting what you all say.

Many years ago at my very first race meeting I drove my fathers dead standard MGB GT ... and I passed a 1750GTV and was mortified because I of course thought MG's were slow old things.

I later raced an modified Alfa Sud and was held up by a 308GTB, driven by a chicken.

I also raced a very quick spaceframe club car and got held up by an also very quick and modified 308GTB.

As for the timing belt comments ... just the same as a Alfa 75, 164, etc. ... do it yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pete

[oraziosatta]

My two cents: I have had a '77 308GTB since the early 80's and it has been a lot of fun and extremely reliable. It is quite similar to the several Alfas I have had, four of which I still own. I do all of my own maintenance and it not that difficult. The engine sounds as it does, of course, because it has a flat crank, like a Cosworth. Interestingly, it is the easiest car I have ever changed a clutch on-remove the left wheel, the fiberglass fender liner, and there it is-no trans to remove. I have had a couple of other Ferraris, and to me, they are just big Alfas. The early cars are more fun because of the Webers, and the '80 and '81 cars are not very fast, but are still great cars in my opinion. Awfully hard to beat a good 105 Alfa though. Dave Strus, Kokomo, Indiana.

[1,6 HF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbaum And while the Testarossa sure is lovely, it is not a 250SWB...

[Super1600]

OR was it a Toyota Supra and so hence the comment re the Tokyo Ferrari ??

Richard's comments for me hit it on the nail as do though a few others, while we may lust after a Ferrari, the reality of driving one perhaps is not so different from driving our Alfas. The real difference being that it is probably much easier to live with an Alfa. I accept Dave Strauss's views since he has obviously had one for a long period of time and hence can comment from experience. Thats fine, but I must admit a 308 is not at the top of my dream garage list.

However, I havnt even driven a Ferrari let alone owned one. Would I like to, of course, is this likely - ah nope. But that is ok so long as I have my Alfas and classic Fiat (124 sport) to drive and own. I am perfectly happy with these.

[Yves]

Hi @ all,

what surprises me is the fact that some of you wrote about the "poor" performance... that's strange it weights a bit more than an Alfa GTV (105)
an has twice the horsepower...

One of the reasons which made my interest in the 308 was its weight, and its reliability!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbaum Yves, check out C&SC 8/09 on cheap Ferraris, including 308 and C&SC 8/08 for a nice in depth review of everything 308 (In comparison to a Lotus Esprit Turbo). Some highlights: On engine sound: More gear whine than engine noise . Higher up the rev range, the induction noise of the Webers kicks in - That probably prompted the previous comments of "not sounding like a Ferrari" Heavy clutch, usual 2nd gear issue Acceleration not the car's forte - more due to weight than lack of hp Seamless power, not peaky at all Surprisingly easy and forgiving to drive Surprisingly good driving position for an Italian, slightly heavy steering Direct but tiny amount of play in the steering Exceptional handling, totally planted - Sweeps through curves undisturbed by bumps Tiny amount of understeer Huge turning cicle (40ft) Hope this helps - now I want to confirm personally what they write. Mike

[davbert]

my gtv is about 2300lbs 150-160hp

a early usa spec carb 308 is roughly 3200-3100 200hp (dynoed estimated crank hp)

euro carb 308 3100-2900 230hp

ferrari's claim of 255hp of the early euro cars dosent really dyno that much as people have been finding out.

there a significant difference in performance between a usa and euro spec cars due to the weight and power differences. an early euro gtb also had a dry sump if you were to track them.

ive driven 308s, 348, 355 and a 360. each successive model are a giant leap over the predecessor in terms of performance. but i think the 308 are the prettiest and most charismatic followed by the 355. 360's are fantastic drivers with much better handling but feels a lot less eccentric to me so i prefer the older cars.

best of luck in your quest.

[modena782002]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super1600 Its a funny thing, but as much as I do love Ferrari's I doubt I will never own one, even if I could afford to buy one... ...the Fiat Dino coupe or spider in either 2.0 or 2.4L. That would be my choice...

[mbk]

I own a 308 1985 QV, I work on my Ferrari, and I drive my Ferrari. So I can tell you from mechanics to drivability the Ferrari 308 QV is a very good car. I can only speak of the 1985 model for that is the one I own and it has been a very good car. If I have to get something repaired, then yes parts are not cheap and labor about 120.00 an hour. Shocks are 400 .00 each whereas Alfa shocks are 77.00 each. Tune up is 3500.00 to 4000.00 if done by a private garage and it has to be done every 5 years. But thats the cost of owning a Ferrari --- common sense fails sometimes --by that I mean if there are a limited number of cars then there are a limited number of parts -----why would a company invest in many parts when the demand is not there so set-up is costly and with basic math --- the more you build the less the cost. But in Ferrari there is not enough demand to keep cost down. I have a Ferrari, I drive a Ferrari, and I pay for a Ferrari -- but it is a Ferrari and that my friend in and of itself is unique ---- not everyone can own a Ferrari----Own one and drive one there is nothing like a beautiful woman the cost is there but so is the passion---

[Super1600]

Yep Nick I so agree with your choice, for you have your Ferrari spyder (albeit of humbler Fiat origins) but the design, the engine and simple the aura of it spell Ferrari to me. I too could so enjoy one.

There recently was a 2.4 coupe (restoration project) for sale out here in Aus on Ebay for around the $10K mark. The problem being once restored it would have been around a $25-30K car. There is a certain coupe I know that has been for sale since 2002 for between $30-40K and it still hasn't sold and it has problems. Out here in Aus we have so few Fiat Dinos to choose from, so importing them from the US or Europe is the best option. But alas I simply don't have the means to do so at this time.

The only other Ferrari that is relatively affordable to buy (again not necessarily maintain) is the 356/400GT. These V12 but mostly auto Ferraris seem to range between $15K -60K, depending on condition. A number of cars have recently entered Aus from Japan and other places at the lower end of the price spectrum. I suppose one could always have a Fiat 130 coupe as a substitute but they are not quite in the same league (though nice). I know about these as my brother has 3 1/2 Fiat 130 coupes.

355,360s etc for such cars you are talking well over $200K for these out here and hence simply unaffordable to the average punter. Maseratis possibly offer a cheaper alternative, but they too are very expensive to maintain. A Lamborghini Urraco is also a possible option and from what I am told can be maintained by a knowledgeable home mechanic, though I suspect spare parts prices are likely to be expensive.

As I previously indicated I have never seen a 308 GTS or B for less than $65K out here in Aus and to me that still is an aweful lot of money for a car which is only going to get occasional use. Still if you have the means, thats cool, for they do look good.

[mbaum]

Not sure if the perceived lack of horsepower is such a big deal on the 308, especially if you fancy an early fiberglass car. Those are now over 30 years old and, from the comments of owners here, definitely lovely cars to drive and, in my opinion, even lovelier to look at.

However, if I absolutely would want to spend $60k on a "modern day" F, my choice would be a 456 with 12 cylinders upfront. I absolutely agree though that I much rather put the money in a pristine Dino Spider 2.4 - with a hardtop, non-red, preferably in orange or blue - Now that's a car ...

Yeah, the TR pic, Ed. I was only being polite :-)

[silverspider]

Yeah, the TR pic, Ed. I was only being polite :-)[/quote]

I see. Next you'll try and suggest that my Countach is a fake as well...........

[1,6 HF]

That's a truly stunning car--very high power-to-taste ratio...

[mbaum]

Sorry to disappoint again - Yes it is a Lambo, but not a Countach - It is a shrunk LM002 (Gotta wash it with colors, not the whites).

[HeavyMetalAlfa]

MBK, that was well written. Well said, and true.

[gumumsa]

I accept with information: i think my 105 gtv was quite a bit more involving to drive than the last 3 carb 308's ive driven. much more lively and tossable than the stock 308's and maybe just as quick in acceleration by the seat of the pants feel.

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