928 vs 308 driving impressions
 

I finally had the chance to do some back to back driving and comparing of my two cars. The 928 has been down for a timing belt/water pump replacement so I haven't had the chance to drive it much since the 308 arrived. This weekend I've been driving the 928 a lot and I was shocked at how LIGHT the 928 is to drive. When you're doing the timing belt, you have to install the flywheel lock at the clutch slave. Well I put it back together and went for a drive and at first I thought I had messed up the clutch because it went to the floor so easily. It is FAR lighter than the 308 clutch. Together with the much lighter power steering and short throw shifter and it's like driving something from a different planet, completely different feel and pretty much the opposite of what I expected. The 928 controls are all feather-light compared to the 308.

Once on the move, it's a different story. The 308 still has the heavy clutch, long throw shifter and non-assisted heavyweight steering, but add a little speed and it feels like it's dancing on tiptoes, where the 928 sorta hunkers down and has a real bruiser feel to it. Changing direction in the 928 means MASS in capital letters, like you're pushing it around by the nose. The 308 simply pivots. Both cars feel rock solid and stable but it's clear the 928's forte is high speed sweepers and the 308 is more a technical specialist. Strange then, that the controls are exactly the opposite, 308-heavy vs. 928-light.

The clutch still amazes me. I always considered the 928 clutch to be fairly heavy but compared to the 308 it's nothing.

Thanks for sharing you experience.
I have always wondering how was the 308 vs the 928.
Never had the chance to drive one or even ride in one.
You got 2 very special car.

Congradulations. :thumbup::cheers:

Thank you for the post Mark. I've ridden in a 308 Quatrovalve but never driven one and I was curious how it compares to the 928. I agree that the 928 doesn't really shine until the speeds are very high.

Very interesting comparison, Thanks Mark. I've always been a fan of the 308/328, just a timeless beauty.

What model 308 do you have? Any chance to compare maintenance difficulty and parts cost between the two?

I agree. Having owned a 308, the Ferrari clutch doesn't make city driving too much fun. It's just plain heavy. That and the maintenance for the valve jobs was outragious. I think I figured it out one time that I put at least $500 dollars into that car for every 100 miles I drove it.

It's been a while but from what I can remember I feel the 928 feels better on the highway, exactly like a car ment to fly on the autobaun at 150 mphs all day long. The Ferrari I feel would out handle the 928 but not be as good at speed.

Interesting enough, both cars I feel have equal shock value. As 928 owners know, it is not uncommon for folks to stop and ask you about your car. The Ferrari, well everyone knows its a Ferrari, but with the Porsche it's like....wait....what is this.

Here's a good read on the comparison:

http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/...feature15.html

Oh and one more thing, guess I'm a little biased with my license plate :)

Someone took you for a ride and didn't hand you the keys? Not very neighborly, that. :) I've let all my friends drive it (all Porsche and BMW owners) and they all loved it, but a different experience from what they are used to. The steering wheel angle catches most people by surprise, but in a few minutes it feels very natural and you just steer from the bottom. If you're in Atlanta, let me know and you'll get the chance.

It's a 1985 euro GTB quattrovalvole, and it's pretty much like any mid-engined car. Fairly simple space frame chassis, CIS injection, decent access to everything. I haven't really compared parts prices much, but here are a few things from the major service on the 308 - and realize these are shop prices. Hunting on your own would improve things a bit, but not much. Air filter $45, cam seals $150, timing belts $38 each (and there are two of them), tensioner bearing $164 each (and there are two of them), oil pan gasket $50...and the list goes on. Total for just parts on the service was $1,700, but it was a comprehensive service. After this, I'm maintaining it myself.

Boy there's an equation I don't want to do. I will say I've put 1300+ miles on it in two months and I plan on working very hard to keep my cost per mile as low as possible!

Mark thank you for the offer. If I make it down there I will definitely let you know. :thumbup:

I should probably clarify my experience. A good friend of mine in high school inherited a black 308 from his recently passed father. The car was in rough condition cosmetically but mechanically it was really nice. Being 17 I wasn't in a position to ask him if I could drive the car. :nono: I just relished the time sitting in the passenger seat listening to the engine scream behind me. :)

An '85 euro 4-valve, VERY nice! I really like the look of the GTB better too, but seems like it would be more fun to have a GTS and be able to take the roof off.

Parts don't seem that out of line (relatively) and I know the 308/328 are one of the easier Ferrari's to work on. I figure if I can work on a 928, I should be able to do most of the service items on a 308.

I will have one some day... :thumbup:

I have a 928GT and a Ferrari Mondial, which is a bit larger and heavier than the 308, but the same mechanicals, and layout. I agree with the differences in the two cars. The only thing I can add is that the 928 doesn't slow or brake as well as the Ferrari. In the Mondial, I just gently more the brake pedal and we're slowing right away. The 928 seems to need more pedal, and time to get slowed from high speeds.

I like the go-kartiness of the Ferrari, but the 928 is much better for taking a trip, or for freeway cruising.

One thing is certain, that 308 looks AND sounds great going down the road, it screams exotic sounds.
When you passed me that day I might have traded cars with you.

Passed a 308 Saturday, I wouldn't kick one out of the garage. I need an Italian car anyway!

Thanks for the great read ferraristyle

The Dave Chamberlin in that story is our very own "Worf928"

Ask him if he is related to any of the Chamberlins in Canada