Quote:
Originally Posted by javadog
I used to own a couple Ferraris. Decided one day that Ferrari was no longer interested in supplying spare parts for the older cars and saw the writing on the wall. Sold them and never looked back
My observations:
They are not cheap to own but they don't break often. Electronics are staring to be a problem on some of them. They are not DIY friendly, in the manner of a similar 911. Anybody that disagrees with this ought to adjust the valves on the forward bank of a 308 or 328 4-valve motor. Let me know how that goes for you...
A Ferrari of the 70's or 80's feels like a kit car, compared to a 911. They chassis weren't well made. Tossing aside the GTS models, which are so flexible they make a 911 targa feel like a modern F1 car, the things you touch just aren't solid. Grab ahold of the steering wheel and try to move it up and down. You'll note that the dash structure flexes. Turn the wheel while driving and enjoy the fact that the joints used in the steering column, coupled with the uneven angles of the three parts of the column, result in uneven self-centering forces as you turn the wheel. Enjoy the crap driving position and the seats that kill your back in 30 minutes or less. Enjoy bottoming the radiator on every major dip in the road at speed.
Want me to continue?
JR
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I've owned a few, too, over the past 25 years, all 80s V8s.
I agree with everything you've said. Esp. re the steering and steering column! Those 80s V8s have awful steering feel. Slow, trucklike, and just plain unpleasant.
And, like most of the car, flimsy. Ann 80s 911 leather seat can still look new at 100,000 miles with some care. No way those weird painted leather Ferrari seats can do that. I had a pristine example that was perfect in every way, except for the cracking paint/dye on the driver's seat. At 6,000 miles!
They are still, IMO, beautiful to look at. A 308 (esp. a GTB) is still stunning to my eyes. The 328, too, but not quite as much. But the driving experience just doesn't back up the looks.
But they aren't terribly bad to work on, overall. Either carbs or your basic CIS injection system. Most access isn't tooo bad (although the forward valves are tough as you point out). Timing belts are a piece of cake (easier than most cramped FWD Japanese cars).
I hate the way they do a lot of things. The sealing of the cams and the valve covers, etc. doesn't make a lot of sense, and has so many weak points that can cause leaks.
But mechanically, not bad. If you can maintain a 911 IMO you can maintain a 308, and it's not too much different (the 911 is easier, though, and far more durable).
After I sold my first one, I swore never to get one again. I violated that rule over the years. But I sold my last one this year, and this time it's for real. It's out of my system and I don't think I'll ever get on again. I still think they are great looking, and when "well set up" they do have a certain driving charm. I love seeing them at shows or on the road, etc., and if someone wants to let me drive theirs, I'm all for it! But to own one again, not likely.
And they can be fairly reliable and not too expensive to maintain, IF you are a DIY (if you have to hand it into a shop every time, IMO there is no way it's worth it - I've never seen a reasonably priced Ferrari shop).