Trade 911 for 308 - am I crazy?

Lewis Ledyard · 01-26-2006, 06:41 PM

On a (very) good day, I might be able to sell my 1988 911 cab that has a 3.6 conversion and all sorts of top-shelf goodies for something close to what a nice Ferrari 308 qv could be bought for. Maybe it's just a by-product of being in college when Magnum PI was on TV, but I really like the looks of the 308. Would it be a really bad move to sell the 911 and buy a 308? I have never driven a Ferrari, so I am not sure how much fun they are. I know that my 911 has better acceleration than any 308 or 328, but I have another car that is much quicker than my 911 that satisfies my 0-80 mph need for speed, so I am just looking for something that is fun to drive. I am also 6'4" tall, so I am not sure that I would even fit in a 308. However, before I go any further, I just wanted to check to see if anyone out there who has driven (or better yet owned) both cars has any thoughts on the 911 vs. 308 debate.

Thanks

EuroShark · 01-26-2006, 07:01 PM

Get the 308

You have owned the 911 and now it's time to own that ferrari that you've always lusted after... actually who hasn't wanted one?

niner11 · 01-26-2006, 07:05 PM

Sounds pretty cool. Of course WE need pics to continue this discussion.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

How tall are you? Try a 308 for size. I'm 6' and felt very cramped. I liked how the 911 fit better.

ZLP · ZLP's Garage

Wasn't there just a thread on this subject?

Tyson Schmidt · 01-26-2006, 07:09 PM

One drive is all it would take.

A well-sorted 2.4E will hand it it's ass.

If you just want a car to putt arouind in and look cool, go for it. They handle like a bigger, heavier 914, which is a good thing. And they are a beautiful design. But don't expect to be blown away in the performance department, especially compared to a 3.6 powered 911.

Compared to other Ferraris, they are not bad to fix if they are taken care of. Timing belts and such are easy. With the right exhaust, they sound pretty wicked. But as it's making all those beatiful noises, soccer moms in new mini-vans will be walking away from you. (not that they're that slow, but new cars are getting seriously fast. Even the base models)

So think it over for a while, and take a few for test drives to decide.

Lewis Ledyard · 01-26-2006, 07:27 PM

Wow - 6 posts in about 10 minutes! Thanks guys. One thing that I did not mention is that the car (in my state) would be emissions exempt. I am not sure if there are any mods that can be made to boost performance without sacrificing reliability. Most Ferrari owners seem to keep their cars pretty stock.

speedracer · 01-26-2006, 07:41 PM

I think wayne did a write up a while back comparing his 308 to a 911 try doing a search....

yelcab1 · 01-26-2006, 07:42 PM

Go ahead and get the 308, drive it for a while, you'll want your Porsche back. I did.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 01-26-2006, 07:54 PM

308's are slow.

ianc · 01-26-2006, 08:16 PM

Get thee gone Satan!

ianc

EuroShark · 01-26-2006, 08:19 PM

I think it's more about it being an exotic ferrari than anything. For the price i'm sure you can buy a much faster and better car all around, but it won't be a ferrari.

anh911 · 01-26-2006, 08:35 PM

Many Ferrari owners do keep their cars stck but a 308 can be had cheap enough to make it fun to modify. In europe they are very popular track day cars. The early2 valve FI cars are real dogs. The QVs can be made into a fast car but expensive unless you can do the work yourself. Another under appreciated model is the Mondial of which the T is a real sleeper. To drive one fast takes practise but is great fun. Comparing a 911 to a 308 directly is a mistake and only makes sense if your opinion of a car is based solely on numbers - they are very different animalsm both very worth having if you get the right one. IMO

http://www.ferrariclub.com/faq/308_buy.html

Eagledriver · 01-26-2006, 08:50 PM

I got a ride in the targa version at Buttonwillow a few years ago. Serious cowl shake. IMO it's not suitable for the track. A coupe version is probably fine.

-Andy

Nickatnyt · 01-26-2006, 11:39 PM

Hell I am 5'9" and it seemed I was looking right at the top of the windshield with the top off on the 308 I tried out. Kinda weird having to put your left foot offset to the right as well. They look cool but that is about it IMO.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

ask yourself...do i really want to grow a mustache?

ChemMan · ChemMan's Garage

I believe there is an engine out service every 15,000 or 30,000 miles. Cant remember which. I know it is pretty costly. I am not sure where you are, but Motorwerks in Commerce Township, MI would probably have the best price at least in this area. The head mechanic at the Ferrari dealership in Novi recently joined Motorwerks. I believe the qv is most desirable of the 308's. I also grew up in Magnum PI era. I try hard not to look at the 308 because deep down I still really want one. I have to resist the urge to grow a mustache, wear those colorful shirts and call my friends Higgy and TC...............I want a 308, again.
Mike

tonythetarga · 01-27-2006, 04:14 AM

I love the look of the 308's and for that matter most Ferrari's. I debated buying one a few years back and, while I love them, I decided not to own one. I spoke with a Ferrari racer and owner of several other Ferrari street cars who said with Porsche, there are many, many aftermarket manufacturers of parts and upgrades. For Ferrari, you are pretty much stuck with buying factory parts at factory prices.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

How big are your feet? mine are 12's and found it was easy to press two pedals at once. ;(

GrantG · GrantG's Garage

I'm 5'11" with a long torso and my head protruded over the rollbar in a GTS (Targa) with the roof removed. Never wouldn't made it with the roof installed...