I think this would be a lot of fun to drive. Fast enough. You don’t need 700hp 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. It handles well and sounds great. No modern electronics. I’d love to have one if I could afford it.
To this day, the F355 is still one of my favourite Ferraris. It carries over the old school styling of this, while being mechanically so much improved.
355 has fatal flaws to the tune of about 20-35k worth of eventual money needed to fix. Steering on a 355 is assisted and limp feeling. Love the 355 sound tho.
Great vid. And great to see someone who really ‘gets’ the 348. Sure, they’re not as quick as a modern car but they’re a blast to drive which is surely the point of a sports car. They’re also very easy to work on as they’re pretty simple machines. Had my ‘93 TS (which has the suspension and handling updates - they aren’t on the very early cars but not just the ‘94 cars) for a little over 10 years. If you want a fun car with a raw classic Ferrari feel but maybe a bit more punch than the earlier cars go try one out. You might be surprised at just how engaging and fun they are.
More people are starting to appreciate the 348... But don't write off the earlier cars, drive one - make sure it's a well looked after car, they are very sensitive to geometry setup, 92 & 93 cars had alot of the suspension and weight distribution modifications, the 94 cars got the power uplift. I have a '93 Chiaro Blue 348 tb and I love it!
I have a F355 and modern cars like M5 F10, E63 AMG, it's not about the power, it's all about the feeling, if there is no feeling, no horsepower will ever replace that and that's the problem with all modern cars today, they lack soul, i don't care about all bells and whistles and power of modern cars, the feeling is not there and the manufacturers does not have a clue today.
I remember seeing 348tbs in magazines when I was younger. Loved the shape, the side strakes, the interior. Great vlog. Also - would love weather like that on New Year’s day. The UK was a little wetter and colder..
Am I crazy to prefer driving 348 to the 355 .... and I own a Berlinetta as well as a 328 GTS! I never really connected with the F355 which for me is a Ferrari engine in a great body with the steering of my ex R129 SL500 and "weird" suspensions that don't really give you the confidence to push it hard. The 348 is a Caterham with a Ferrari engine and I have fallen in love with it the first time I drove it and fallen out of love of my F355 Berlinetta ever since. Am I the only one to think this. (And just like Matt Farah, I am far more of a Porsche guy than a Ferrari guy ... especially the modern Ferraris with god awful door handles F488/F8 and ridiculously fast for any road in the world!!!)
@@Bigwilliestyle322 It's not bad in a mid-engined car that isn't a bajillion pounds. I had a V8 FC RX7 which was about 2900 pounds and manual rack. It was lovely when moving and only mildly burdensome at
@@corystansbury Makes sense, I have never driven a mid engine car. The modern cars are just so isolated and the limits are so high that you have to be going illegal/dangerous speeds to feel ANYTHING. Driving slow cars fast is more engaging to me. 4-500 horsepower is all you can possible deploy on the street imho
This used to get sooo much hate - I love to see it get some praise. I’ve always been a 355 guy but as I get older and with modern styling I’m kind of preferring 348s now..
Thanks Matt for confirming my thoughts about this car: who cares about numbers/or absolute speed, at the end of the day you are rowing gears in a gated shifter with a lovely flatplane V8 behind you...seriously, what's not to love about this recipe? Also: pop-ups headlights ❤️
Ive owned a 348. It was a really awesome car. Without having any electrical driving tech, it had a great raw driving experience, that i dont think you can get in a 355. With the right exhaust, it sounds almost as good as a 355 too.
In 2021 the 348 gets lots of love and for good reasons. Matt only barely touched on a few. I bought a 91TS a year and a half ago and the grins just keep coming. Opinions are more numerous than even the internet can contain, but with 100% subjectivity in this statement, the 348 is an advancement after the 328, and I love the 328 too! There are also people that love the 348 X times more than there are 348 's available.
All the 348's are good. It's the most kart-like in transitions that I've ever experienced. All the negativity is rumor and overblown fluff. I have an '89, opposite end of the spectrum (I even run the narrow track in the back). Glad you changed your tune from repeating the internet rumors from that one STP you had (I think it was the Donnie Callaway episode).
Great video, thanks for sharing. As a former 348 owner, I thought i should let you know that car does not have the later 316 bhp engine. It has the early 296 bhp engine. You can easily tell just by looking at the plenum chambers - the 316 bhp cars have bigger plenum's with a different fin design on the top.
Good spot and many of the early Spiders didn't have the uprated engines which were 316bhp for the US market, 320 for the European (early cars officially being 296bhp for the US market, 300 for us Europeans). You can easily tell the difference looking at the top of the plenums - 296/300bhp cars have the fins running the length of the plenums, 316/320bhp cars have 2 of the fins running the whole length of the plenums, the other 3 only go half way from the rear of the plenum then angle into the 2 that run the length, so the front half only has 2 fins (hope that makes sense). This car had the same bhp as any earlier 348 as some spiders do, and the same suspension as many '92 and '93 cars and as Matt says, it was great fun to drive. Sort of goes back to what I've been saying in other comments - there isn't this sudden step change where early cars all have problems but late cars (which many recent reviews have found to be great fun) have been fixed. Truth is there was an continual development and they're all a blast.
Nice review, these hv been a sleeper for so long but as more and more ppl revisit them, prices are rising to where 355s used to be. Re yr Built bar ad, you should come live here in France where 2 hour lunch is mandatory 😁
I nearly bought a '93 Serie Special back in the early '00s, but the legendary engine-out services scared me away. When I drove it though, it was fantastic.
The vast majority of changes including changes to improve handling (suspension and weight distribution) were made on the line in about Nov ‘91 so cars registered late ‘92 and ‘93 have them, not just the ‘94 cars. Cars with the battery up front and six bolts on the top of the rear suspension towers rather than 4 have most of the updates.
Btw not criticising Matt for getting that wrong, many people think all the changes that helped handling etc were made right at the end of production for the GTB/GTS and Spider in Europe and ‘94 cars in the US but that wasn’t the case. He’s right the changes were order by LdM, just not quite right on the date those changes were made and so which cars benefitted from them. Great vid though, he clearly gets what a 348 is all about.
@@petei3972 You can also take up the shock response up front on the early ones without lowering the air dam but making her handle a lot better above 200kmh/ 125mph. Otherwise gotta have a firm hand...
@@dm5374 Cheers DM, interesting. Truth is they're all great fun whether older or newer, '89 or '94, any short-comings of the earlier cars in terms of weight distribution and suspension setup can be easily rectified. Modern tyres do a great deal on their own I think. I've had my '93 348 TS up to 150mph quite often and 160mph on occasion (I ran an airfield in the RAF for my last tour of duty so I made the rules which was handy) and she was fine, felt very quick above 150mph with the roof off but she seemed fairly planted. She's set up ever so slightly 'nose down', is this what you mean by taking up the shock response?
I always liked the 348 better than the 355. Yeah the performance is definitely not as good, but I personally LOVE the strakes and the tail lights. The 355 still looks fantastic but it's just a bit bland next to the 348. I just wish everyone was still saying 348s are garbage so that they would stay cheap. Oh, and I also really really like the Mondial.
Your review is really precise and honest, hard to find one like yours these days when everyhing is about standardized parameters, numbers and statistics, people miss what really matters about cars imho, which is the connection to your driving style, the sounds, the vibrations, the engine screams and how the car responds to your commands overall...how it keeps up with the revs when turning and how it responds when you push deep into it, I felt I was driving it too...maybe one day I'll have a 348 too!
Nice review man!! As a 348 owner, I concur with everything!! Its nice to see some real world reviews on the actual driving experience these cars offer......I have driven a very nice 355, and at no time did I feel my 1993 348TB was inferior, or that I wanted to move the 348 along to get a 355, in their own rights they are both fantastic cars, to me the 348 feels less compliant on the road at cruising speeds, but when you're hustling either a 355 or 348, they offer very similar driving experiences. I prefer the 348 steering, but the 355 steering is amazing as far as power steering goes. I like the feedback you get from the 348 steering. Great stuff!!
The 348 is a way better car to actually own - it's far more reliable and easier to service. I happen to think the body is better suited toward the rakes, and the gaping holes on the 355 simply don't work. Even Hoovie says it's his favorite car ever, and he's owned a 355. Well done - enjoy yours!
Had to come back & check this beauty out. I will never forget driving this car. Growing up working as a doorman a friend of mine bought the exact car and let me drive it. It’s crazy to think how far up they’ve brought the HP but this looked so good and was so damn fun for a 20 year old to own. Love this car ! Styling and the size was so slick on the 90’s sports cars.
Looks great in yellow Must be quicker than my 328gts at 320hp v 270hp. Reliably read a 5.5 time 0 to 60 in mine. Seems odd. Will keep my 328. Near enough for me.
a simple port and polish, bored out throttle body, irridum spark plugs, K&N filters, and a full stainless open bowel racing exhaust with a re-map and your at 400BHP, And imo the 348 looks so much better than the 355, I would take the 348 any day, and it steers better
I would never tire of that noise. Call me crazy, but I think these sorts of cars feel just as engaging and exhilarating as the F8. Maybe it's the lack of power steering, the lack of braking power, or the gated manual and heavy clutch, but you have to really work for the speed in these things. 10 miles at 7/10ths in a 348 is going to be considerably more fatiguing than the same distance in an F8. And, unlike in the F8, you actually get to savor the roads instead of being finished before you realize that you started.
I actually think more so than f8 or the likes Depends on the individual but everything you mentioned for me is more so! I love my modern supercars however there is nothing like the old , period.
@@williamcrawford6543 crazy fast doesn’t equate to ultimate fun and sensory overload At least for me Some car buddies I know but then on other hand some like my buddy brooks/drag times lives for speed and numbers , not me I’ve had all the stupid fast turbo cars and such, however they never provided the soul and character of some of my older supercars I’ve had or have and I didn’t enjoy the lack of raw visceral feel noise vibrations and fun Guess just depends on the person which is obvious, speed for me gets boring because it’s lacking so many other satisfying things that you can enjoy in an older manual car going slow or fast
I'd take a 348 over a 355 any day. The last Ferrari to be overseen by Enzo, the last Ferrari to NOT have power steering, way more rev happy and flickable than a Testarossa, way more reliable and easy to maintain than the 355. While it wasn't the fastest in its day, it was still fast - and even today it is fast enough to actually enjoy on modern roads. Easy choice for any realistic potential owner.
0-60 is overrated in 2023 when a KIA GT electric goes faster than a lambo. Now its all about returning back to the manual stick shift, and rumble of an engine.
That sound!! 😍 But Matt - please- a polarizer for your forward facing in-car camera, because in this car the reflection of the vents & dash in the windshield is diabolical.
Matt, just puttin' out the word as it is. Once again. Nothing but respect for your true honesty man! The 348s...the 94s :D are a truely well put together and sorted cars. I am working at a high end bodyshop, just recently we finiahed one of those. Black on tan, and hold up... Around 210000km O_O, man that bitch was aaight... Well kept I guess... But the sound, the shifter, the green house... It is all there...
My brother owns a 348 Tubi. He left it for me to care for for a few years when he worked up north. It's a fun car to drive with not many frills. Cheaper to repair and maintain compared to the 355 or higher up models. You can get into one nowadays for as low as $40K. Stearing is a bit stiff and the gear box isn't super smooth. Not really a good city daily driver, however on the highway it is a joy. Tubi exhaust sounds fantastic when the targa is off.
All 348s are great, they all drive well and have the old school ferrari charm In 1992 (or in late 1991) they changed rear dampers and a piece that connects the suspension to the chassis, they also moved the battery to the front. These changes were made due to the fact that the car was nervous when driven at the limit, and was pretty uncomfortable. The setup was too stiff, and it couldn't absorb bumps like the others, so it was riskier on public street and many tracks. The battery positions was changed to be easier to reach. As car magazine said, you can feel that this car was entirely tested at fiorano, with not that much street tests. I remember a owner too talking about how stiff the default setup is. He previously had a 964, which was a lot less stiff. In fact, ferrari released some datas to re-do the setup, and after this works the car was easier. Also, the right tires make a big difference, and ferrari made confusion. Some cars had pirelli p zero, other bridgestone re 71, and the suggested tires from ferrari were the bridgestone s01 And on cars like this, the tires are usually very old and hard as rocks I remember ivan capelli talking about this car in a 1990 article, he really enjoyed it even though the rear was twitchy and pretty hard to catch when it slides, because the wheelbase is very short, there is a lot of weight at the rear, and the car's reaction were super quick. But this was the con of having a small, agile car, at the time. He also said that to reach its very high potential, you have to be patient, know the car very well and be an experienced driver. This was also confirmed by every magazine. You have to know exactly what you're going to do Steve sutcliffe enjoyed it too, and drove 2 of them. He said that when going fast you can feel the changes done to the rear Harry metcalfe was surprised by how well they drive, and henry catchpole too, he liked it Dario benuzzi said that it is a great step forward from the 328, and that with the 355 they improved just a little bit the handling, and that ferrari focused more on making it easier, less nervous, rather than giving it more grip. He was the ferrari tester at the time, he knows what their goals were At fiorano it was 5 seconds faster than the 328 and a gave a bit more than a second per lap to the testarossa In 1993 the g series came out, with a few tweaks to the chassis, a shorter final drive ratio (they did this in 1990 or in 1993, i can't remeber), a bit more power and a bit less weight Overall it was the favourite/best car to drive, and, according to many magazines, it was the fastest along with the nsx (way easier to drive on the limit, but less exciting. Even though, from an objective stand point, it was the best. It had the best package at a good price). The ferrari had the best steering and the least understeer of the group Try earlier models too, find one in good shape and enjoy it. The changes ferrari made weren't to improve the grip, rather to make it simpler to drive. Every magazine stated that the car was nervous, it suffered snap oversteer and that finding the limit wasn't easy because the car is very planted and rather easy up to a point. Then, you either know very well how to drive this car, or soon or later (more soon) you'll crash. It's like a mr2, but bigger and way more expensive. Both are great but risky toys. You have to know what you're facing against If you really want to, you could change rear suspensions, and feel safer
I sold a very nice Porsche 930 two years ago to buy a '94 348 Spider and never looked back. The Porsche was way fun on boost, but the 348 is fun ALWAYS. Except in parking lots.
Nice car thats done depreciating and glad its a fun drive. If you dont mind a mistress level of maintenance this 348/355 duo are awesome considerations.
my dad had a 348 TB, he got a deal on it because the previous owner decided to trade it for an F40 (only had 200 miles on it)......he didn’t really drive it much over the years but i ended up putting about 3,000 miles on it and I thought it was a great car....didn’t handle nearly as well as a 328 GTB but was much more comfortable/easier to drive. He traded it for a 430 years ago (obviously lightyears better car) but I still miss the 348. It recently sold again for near 6 figures (nearly double what he got for trade in 5 years ago) so they are beginning to appreciate, and rightfully so IMO. NSX is objectively a better car, no denying it......but there is always something to be said for a mid engined, gated Ferrari....even if it’s the “worst” one.
I've absolutely eaten one of these alive in my speed 6 (some kid driving his dad's car probably) but was definitely jealous of how much more fun he was having winding that thing out
Great video to be sure! I'm getting my '91 TB back from the belt service tomorrow... can't wait to take her out on the open autostrada! (I'm in Italy). And... according to the Italian Blue Book (Ruoteclassiche) the TB appreciated 14.8% in pandemic 2020... not complaining!
I have a '91TB as well. It had his belt service last year. Wasn't cheap, but for sure not as bad as people say. Totally love that car, a real blast to drive.
@@eelcoengelaar798 Yes, with no power steering and not much power brake assist, it's an ideal analog interface between the road and you. A joy to drive (less to park)! May I ask you a question? How often do you do the belt service? I do it every 5 years.
I bought the car in 2016 with fresh belts. But the tensioners hadn't been replaced during that service, so I really wanted to have those replaced after no more than 4 years. With fresh tensioners I wouldn't mind to replace the belts after 5 years, but as I remember correctly, the valves have to be adjusted within appr. 10k km's, which means it will be in about 4 years again that the belts will be replaced.
@@eelcoengelaar798 Thanks for the info. I bought mine in 2017, with two years and 400kms on the belts. But as I did not know what exactly had been done during that service, and judging from the mileage I had reason to believe that some economy was used. So, when I had my belt service done, I had the choice of just doing the belts or also just about everything else. I chose the latter even though it was twice as much, but now I know exactly the condition of the car. BTW I just checked the manual and it says (line 7) to check the valve clearances every 20.000 km and "adjust if necessary".
Honestly sizing up to be one of my favourite Ferraris. The lack of power steering, lack of modern assists, usable amount of power but plenty to have fun. I've had enough of 5 and a bit seconds to 60 being deemed not fast, that's definitely plenty quick for the public roads. Currently holding a top position of my realistic owners list!
I owned a yellow 92 348 for 17 years. I loved that car. Gave me extremely little trouble. I finally traded it in 2020 for a manual 360 spider, the car I originally wanted but couldn’t afford at the time. Although I like the 360 overall more than the 348, I must admit, that 348 sounded better than the 360 I traded it for. I did two major services during my ownership. The first was at the car’s 11 year old mark, the second was 9 years after that. The thing ran beautifully the entire time. I never did the clutch and was at 58,000 kilometres when I traded it, with no sign of any diminished clutch performance. If you’re thinking of buying one, find a good one and do it. They are NOT bad Ferrari’s.
@@IIIuminate123 I take it you’re referring to power steering? If so, no it did not. Although it was a bit of a bitch in a parking lot ( you’d have to be rolling to move the wheel) on the road I would not have preferred power steering. All three parameters, the steering, braking and clutch were heavy, but in a nice way. I’d be tired after a long drive. You rarely or never see a woman driving one. I’ve seen several women driving 360s and 430s.
@@johnforeman634 Power steering yes, didnt know the word for it. Appreciate the answer. Really wanna get one in the near future but they pricepoint is pretty high for my liking
That was a box standard car I had one I put the sports pipe on it it was a different beasts extra 20 hp straight through no cats amazing car I’m going to get another
Seems like the perfect dirver's Ferrari. Wish it did not require an engine out service however. But reading a little its like a 355 but with far fewer things to break. That's good.
Always had a thing for the 348, then I drove a few, was told the'94 was the one to get, Oh yeah baby, & yes the way it makes you tingle all over when you drive it hard is awesome,oh I've had electric power steering added to mine, thanks Matt, Rj in Oz
I really liked that dash! I wished you'd have shown it more. It had that 90s look. Flat black and simple. BMWs of the day, maybe 80s, kinda had that look. I really liked it. Don't go for glitzy trim.
So you didn't just stage that on-coming convoy that included an early 90s MR2 Turbo and two NSXs that would have been comparable (if down-market) to the 348 in-period?
"Quite good" started to become questionable when the NSX came out and did essentially the same thing at half the price and a fraction of the operating costs, and also when the 355 and particularly the 360 came out and those were so much better all-around cars than the 348 it started to look like Ferrari had been resting on its laurels. Maybe the NSX gave them the wake-up call they needed.
The paddle shift in the 360’s is shite. It’s basically a manual box with a some actuators to move the shift, so it can be a bit sluggish, and it’s expensive when it goes wrong.
They didn't really rest on their laurels : it was a bad time for Ferrari, drops in sales and absence of Enzo Ferrari. They urged the process of production a bit too much with that brand new model and italy is not Japan as you noticed ;). Honda did rest on its laurels with the evolutions of the NSX. It coult have been something much bigger.
Thanks for posting! Regarding your comment on the transmission being the limiting factor in 0-60 and drag times, what would you speculate the performance would be if you just manifested into it a DCT of modern times such as the PDK?
This car was in a recent music video, "Lost Kings - Oops (I'm Sorry) (Official Video) ft. Ty Dolla $ign, GASHI" They also light a fox body on fire. Haha
Very good review and nice driving videos! All good and bad things mentioned. I'd liked to know if you preferred a F430 spider to a 348 spider which are at the same price level now? How intense is your passion to the more classic Ferrari considering the higher maintenance costs of the 348?
Right up until those newer cars start to get older and things start to break. One of the good things about the older cars like the 348 is the amount you can do yourself. I get my 348 serviced at a main dealer (engine out belt change major costs us maybe 1/4 of what it costs in the States) but look after most other things myself which I probably couldn’t do on a much newer Ferrari. Mates who have 360s and 430s pay just as much in maintenance and that balance is starting to shift in favour of the older cars.
@@petei3972 You are lucky to be able to maintain your own Ferrari. I am too much intellectual to be able to do the same. :-( BTW: All my friends changed to newer models (430-488) and the odd thing is: they all have lower costs for their service. On the other hand you are so right: should there be a real problem with the newer cars the costs could be incredibly high.
Cars like this always get me thinking, I currently have a built E92 M3. (4.4L Stroker, supercharger, brembos, etc). but have been itching for something older. Would I be insane to sell it and buy a 348, 993/964, other 80's/90's machine?
This era where the car lets you drive it to your limit and will give you all it can give that you can handle. A real drivers car. Where as todays cars will let you drive pn what it thinks you can only handle, it decides for you, and most of its feel a very synthetic.. from sound, traction, shifting and driving dynamics. Today is rather considered to be “a car for a driver” vs “a driver’s car”
Who cares about the numbers when a car looks and sounds that good.
Sounds like a lot of Smiles per Gallon!
You can keep all your 0-60 in 3 seconds supercars...gated shifted, screaming naturally aspirated motor, usable ride, good looks...WINNING!
I think this would be a lot of fun to drive. Fast enough. You don’t need 700hp 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. It handles well and sounds great. No modern electronics. I’d love to have one if I could afford it.
With sports pipe on it extra 20 hp 0to 60 3.5 sec
To this day, the F355 is still one of my favourite Ferraris. It carries over the old school styling of this, while being mechanically so much improved.
Same
Looks and sounds great. Modern ferrari turbos lost their heritage. They should do a manual naturally aspirated 500hp car
@@Chris-hw4mq if you’re anywhere outside America go to your local lotus dealer and appreciate the Exige v6 before it goes away next year
355 has fatal flaws to the tune of about 20-35k worth of eventual money needed to fix. Steering on a 355 is assisted and limp feeling. Love the 355 sound tho.
@@stuarthicks2696 I know. It’s like a navy seal with a PhD who also happens to be a heroin addict
"Eww, you have a three-forty-eight?"
"Yeah, bitch......yeah, bitch I do!"
Favorite line from the entirety of The Smoking Tire.
Wasn't that actually from Tuned?
EDIT: Looked it up, it was Smoking Tire. Leaving this comment here in case anyone else got them mixed up.
Great vid. And great to see someone who really ‘gets’ the 348. Sure, they’re not as quick as a modern car but they’re a blast to drive which is surely the point of a sports car. They’re also very easy to work on as they’re pretty simple machines. Had my ‘93 TS (which has the suspension and handling updates - they aren’t on the very early cars but not just the ‘94 cars) for a little over 10 years. If you want a fun car with a raw classic Ferrari feel but maybe a bit more punch than the earlier cars go try one out. You might be surprised at just how engaging and fun they are.
More people are starting to appreciate the 348... But don't write off the earlier cars, drive one - make sure it's a well looked after car, they are very sensitive to geometry setup, 92 & 93 cars had alot of the suspension and weight distribution modifications, the 94 cars got the power uplift. I have a '93 Chiaro Blue 348 tb and I love it!
I have a F355 and modern cars like M5 F10, E63 AMG, it's not about the power, it's all about the feeling, if there is no feeling, no horsepower will ever replace that and that's the problem with all modern cars today, they lack soul, i don't care about all bells and whistles and power of modern cars, the feeling is not there and the manufacturers does not have a clue today.
You sound boring and old. Enjoy being slow.
@@effie4903 You know nothing about exotic cars in real life, stay with your gaming console
@@bgpv4 ok boomer. Enjoy my taillights
I remember seeing 348tbs in magazines when I was younger. Loved the shape, the side strakes, the interior. Great vlog.
Also - would love weather like that on New Year’s day. The UK was a little wetter and colder..
Am I crazy to prefer driving 348 to the 355 .... and I own a Berlinetta as well as a 328 GTS! I never really connected with the F355 which for me is a Ferrari engine in a great body with the steering of my ex R129 SL500 and "weird" suspensions that don't really give you the confidence to push it hard. The 348 is a Caterham with a Ferrari engine and I have fallen in love with it the first time I drove it and fallen out of love of my F355 Berlinetta ever since. Am I the only one to think this. (And just like Matt Farah, I am far more of a Porsche guy than a Ferrari guy ... especially the modern Ferraris with god awful door handles F488/F8 and ridiculously fast for any road in the world!!!)
That looks about 5x as enjoyable as the majority of modern, hyper fast cars he drives. I am getting old...
You and I are of very different opinions.
Agreed, and I have modern Supercar monsters! Lol
If you’re not gonna track a car.... this kind of experience speaks to me. No power steering gives pause
@@Bigwilliestyle322 It's not bad in a mid-engined car that isn't a bajillion pounds. I had a V8 FC RX7 which was about 2900 pounds and manual rack. It was lovely when moving and only mildly burdensome at
@@corystansbury Makes sense, I have never driven a mid engine car. The modern cars are just so isolated and the limits are so high that you have to be going illegal/dangerous speeds to feel ANYTHING. Driving slow cars fast is more engaging to me. 4-500 horsepower is all you can possible deploy on the street imho
Matt starting off 2021 right with a canyon rip in a 348.
where is this at?
These are the one takes I like, useable and fun. Not a number game car.
This used to get sooo much hate - I love to see it get some praise. I’ve always been a 355 guy but as I get older and with modern styling I’m kind of preferring 348s now..
Speed stats on paper do not guarantee how much fun a car is. The best cars are 1. reliable and 2. the ones that make YOU feel good
i have fun with my 84 corvette, paper says its shit.
@@honchoryanc i love the way c4s drive and they are fairly easy to work on 👍
I’ve driven this exact car, it’s a great driving car. Making me want one now!! Damnit
Thanks Matt for confirming my thoughts about this car: who cares about numbers/or absolute speed, at the end of the day you are rowing gears in a gated shifter with a lovely flatplane V8 behind you...seriously, what's not to love about this recipe?
Also: pop-ups headlights ❤️
Ive owned a 348. It was a really awesome car. Without having any electrical driving tech, it had a great raw driving experience, that i dont think you can get in a 355. With the right exhaust, it sounds almost as good as a 355 too.
And above that, the steering is better in the 348 and it is more reliable / easier to maintain.
Yeah but it's a F355.... I'd like to see someone drop a 458 engine in one.
In 2021 the 348 gets lots of love and for good reasons. Matt only barely touched on a few. I bought a 91TS a year and a half ago and the grins just keep coming. Opinions are more numerous than even the internet can contain, but with 100% subjectivity in this statement, the 348 is an advancement after the 328, and I love the 328 too! There are also people that love the 348 X times more than there are 348 's available.
All the 348's are good. It's the most kart-like in transitions that I've ever experienced. All the negativity is rumor and overblown fluff. I have an '89, opposite end of the spectrum (I even run the narrow track in the back). Glad you changed your tune from repeating the internet rumors from that one STP you had (I think it was the Donnie Callaway episode).
Great video, thanks for sharing. As a former 348 owner, I thought i should let you know that car does not have the later 316 bhp engine. It has the early 296 bhp engine. You can easily tell just by looking at the plenum chambers - the 316 bhp cars have bigger plenum's with a different fin design on the top.
Maybe depends on the market. My '91 has 300 bhp, rated in the car papers.
Good spot and many of the early Spiders didn't have the uprated engines which were 316bhp for the US market, 320 for the European (early cars officially being 296bhp for the US market, 300 for us Europeans). You can easily tell the difference looking at the top of the plenums - 296/300bhp cars have the fins running the length of the plenums, 316/320bhp cars have 2 of the fins running the whole length of the plenums, the other 3 only go half way from the rear of the plenum then angle into the 2 that run the length, so the front half only has 2 fins (hope that makes sense). This car had the same bhp as any earlier 348 as some spiders do, and the same suspension as many '92 and '93 cars and as Matt says, it was great fun to drive. Sort of goes back to what I've been saying in other comments - there isn't this sudden step change where early cars all have problems but late cars (which many recent reviews have found to be great fun) have been fixed. Truth is there was an continual development and they're all a blast.
Nice review, these hv been a sleeper for so long but as more and more ppl revisit them, prices are rising to where 355s used to be. Re yr Built bar ad, you should come live here in France where 2 hour lunch is mandatory 😁
I nearly bought a '93 Serie Special back in the early '00s, but the legendary engine-out services scared me away. When I drove it though, it was fantastic.
The vast majority of changes including changes to improve handling (suspension and weight distribution) were made on the line in about Nov ‘91 so cars registered late ‘92 and ‘93 have them, not just the ‘94 cars. Cars with the battery up front and six bolts on the top of the rear suspension towers rather than 4 have most of the updates.
Btw not criticising Matt for getting that wrong, many people think all the changes that helped handling etc were made right at the end of production for the GTB/GTS and Spider in Europe and ‘94 cars in the US but that wasn’t the case. He’s right the changes were order by LdM, just not quite right on the date those changes were made and so which cars benefitted from them. Great vid though, he clearly gets what a 348 is all about.
@@petei3972 You can also take up the shock response up front on the early ones without lowering the air dam but making her handle a lot better above 200kmh/ 125mph. Otherwise gotta have a firm hand...
@@dm5374 Cheers DM, interesting.
Truth is they're all great fun whether older or newer, '89 or '94, any short-comings of the earlier cars in terms of weight distribution and suspension setup can be easily rectified. Modern tyres do a great deal on their own I think. I've had my '93 348 TS up to 150mph quite often and 160mph on occasion (I ran an airfield in the RAF for my last tour of duty so I made the rules which was handy) and she was fine, felt very quick above 150mph with the roof off but she seemed fairly planted. She's set up ever so slightly 'nose down', is this what you mean by taking up the shock response?
Once it gets up to speed it becomes a Ferrari it just takes a bit longer to get there
sounds magnificent too.
@@EncrypticMethods sound is everything. If it doesn't sound good then it really doesn't have a soul
I always liked the 348 better than the 355. Yeah the performance is definitely not as good, but I personally LOVE the strakes and the tail lights. The 355 still looks fantastic but it's just a bit bland next to the 348. I just wish everyone was still saying 348s are garbage so that they would stay cheap.
Oh, and I also really really like the Mondial.
Your review is really precise and honest, hard to find one like yours these days when everyhing is about standardized parameters, numbers and statistics, people miss what really matters about cars imho, which is the connection to your driving style, the sounds, the vibrations, the engine screams and how the car responds to your commands overall...how it keeps up with the revs when turning and how it responds when you push deep into it, I felt I was driving it too...maybe one day I'll have a 348 too!
Someone's Turo about to be poppin 💰💰
Holy shit I enjoyed that! Thank you TheSmokingTire for all you've done. Way to express yourself dude!
Nice review man!! As a 348 owner, I concur with everything!! Its nice to see some real world reviews on the actual driving experience these cars offer......I have driven a very nice 355, and at no time did I feel my 1993 348TB was inferior, or that I wanted to move the 348 along to get a 355, in their own rights they are both fantastic cars, to me the 348 feels less compliant on the road at cruising speeds, but when you're hustling either a 355 or 348, they offer very similar driving experiences. I prefer the 348 steering, but the 355 steering is amazing as far as power steering goes. I like the feedback you get from the 348 steering.
Great stuff!!
The 348 is a way better car to actually own - it's far more reliable and easier to service. I happen to think the body is better suited toward the rakes, and the gaping holes on the 355 simply don't work. Even Hoovie says it's his favorite car ever, and he's owned a 355. Well done - enjoy yours!
@@dl6860 the 348 has more reliability than the 355, less annoying issues!! I need to go for a drive now!!
@@kev-the-windsurfer. definitely! 4 valves per cylinder compared to 5 valves per cylinder is way better for usage and maintenance.
I mean, just LISTEN to that thing. Ignore the past and the present, just enjoy it for what it is. A delightfully beautiful drop-top pony.
My guys dad had one in high school; a black targa. It was the mini testarossa. I was smitten.
Had to come back & check this beauty out. I will never forget driving this car. Growing up working as a doorman a friend of mine bought the exact car and let me drive it. It’s crazy to think how far up they’ve brought the HP but this looked so good and was so damn fun for a 20 year old to own. Love this car ! Styling and the size was so slick on the 90’s sports cars.
Looks great in yellow Must be quicker than my 328gts at 320hp v 270hp. Reliably read a 5.5 time 0 to 60 in mine. Seems odd. Will keep my 328. Near enough for me.
a simple port and polish, bored out throttle body, irridum spark plugs, K&N filters, and a full stainless open bowel racing exhaust with a re-map and your at 400BHP, And imo the 348 looks so much better than the 355, I would take the 348 any day, and it steers better
I would never tire of that noise. Call me crazy, but I think these sorts of cars feel just as engaging and exhilarating as the F8. Maybe it's the lack of power steering, the lack of braking power, or the gated manual and heavy clutch, but you have to really work for the speed in these things. 10 miles at 7/10ths in a 348 is going to be considerably more fatiguing than the same distance in an F8. And, unlike in the F8, you actually get to savor the roads instead of being finished before you realize that you started.
I actually think more so than f8 or the likes
Depends on the individual but everything you mentioned for me is more so!
I love my modern supercars however there is nothing like the old , period.
F8 is crazy fast
@@williamcrawford6543 crazy fast doesn’t equate to ultimate fun and sensory overload
At least for me
Some car buddies I know but then on other hand some like my buddy brooks/drag times lives for speed and numbers , not me
I’ve had all the stupid fast turbo cars and such, however they never provided the soul and character of some of my older supercars I’ve had or have and I didn’t enjoy the lack of raw visceral feel noise vibrations and fun
Guess just depends on the person which is obvious, speed for me gets boring because it’s lacking so many other satisfying things that you can enjoy in an older manual car going slow or fast
@@iLLGT2 go watch Harry's Garage on the f8 thinks it's just too scary fast nice car though
I'd take a 348 over a 355 any day. The last Ferrari to be overseen by Enzo, the last Ferrari to NOT have power steering, way more rev happy and flickable than a Testarossa, way more reliable and easy to maintain than the 355. While it wasn't the fastest in its day, it was still fast - and even today it is fast enough to actually enjoy on modern roads. Easy choice for any realistic potential owner.
0-60 is overrated in 2023 when a KIA GT electric goes faster than a lambo. Now its all about returning back to the manual stick shift, and rumble of an engine.
That sound!! 😍
But Matt - please- a polarizer for your forward facing in-car camera, because in this car the reflection of the vents & dash in the windshield is diabolical.
That's a nice one.
Waiting for off-road review, especially Ram TRX
Matt, just puttin' out the word as it is. Once again. Nothing but respect for your true honesty man! The 348s...the 94s :D are a truely well put together and sorted cars.
I am working at a high end bodyshop, just recently we finiahed one of those. Black on tan, and hold up... Around 210000km O_O, man that bitch was aaight... Well kept I guess... But the sound, the shifter, the green house... It is all there...
My brother owns a 348 Tubi. He left it for me to care for for a few years when he worked up north. It's a fun car to drive with not many frills. Cheaper to repair and maintain compared to the 355 or higher up models. You can get into one nowadays for as low as $40K. Stearing is a bit stiff and the gear box isn't super smooth. Not really a good city daily driver, however on the highway it is a joy. Tubi exhaust sounds fantastic when the targa is off.
3:15 Holy shit the sound of that engine gave me goosebumps
All 348s are great, they all drive well and have the old school ferrari charm
In 1992 (or in late 1991) they changed rear dampers and a piece that connects the suspension to the chassis, they also moved the battery to the front. These changes were made due to the fact that the car was nervous when driven at the limit, and was pretty uncomfortable. The setup was too stiff, and it couldn't absorb bumps like the others, so it was riskier on public street and many tracks. The battery positions was changed to be easier to reach.
As car magazine said, you can feel that this car was entirely tested at fiorano, with not that much street tests. I remember a owner too talking about how stiff the default setup is. He previously had a 964, which was a lot less stiff.
In fact, ferrari released some datas to re-do the setup, and after this works the car was easier. Also, the right tires make a big difference, and ferrari made confusion. Some cars had pirelli p zero, other bridgestone re 71, and the suggested tires from ferrari were the bridgestone s01
And on cars like this, the tires are usually very old and hard as rocks
I remember ivan capelli talking about this car in a 1990 article, he really enjoyed it even though the rear was twitchy and pretty hard to catch when it slides, because the wheelbase is very short, there is a lot of weight at the rear, and the car's reaction were super quick. But this was the con of having a small, agile car, at the time. He also said that to reach its very high potential, you have to be patient, know the car very well and be an experienced driver. This was also confirmed by every magazine. You have to know exactly what you're going to do
Steve sutcliffe enjoyed it too, and drove 2 of them. He said that when going fast you can feel the changes done to the rear
Harry metcalfe was surprised by how well they drive, and henry catchpole too, he liked it
Dario benuzzi said that it is a great step forward from the 328, and that with the 355 they improved just a little bit the handling, and that ferrari focused more on making it easier, less nervous, rather than giving it more grip. He was the ferrari tester at the time, he knows what their goals were
At fiorano it was 5 seconds faster than the 328 and a gave a bit more than a second per lap to the testarossa
In 1993 the g series came out, with a few tweaks to the chassis, a shorter final drive ratio (they did this in 1990 or in 1993, i can't remeber), a bit more power and a bit less weight
Overall it was the favourite/best car to drive, and, according to many magazines, it was the fastest along with the nsx (way easier to drive on the limit, but less exciting. Even though, from an objective stand point, it was the best. It had the best package at a good price). The ferrari had the best steering and the least understeer of the group
Try earlier models too, find one in good shape and enjoy it. The changes ferrari made weren't to improve the grip, rather to make it simpler to drive. Every magazine stated that the car was nervous, it suffered snap oversteer and that finding the limit wasn't easy because the car is very planted and rather easy up to a point. Then, you either know very well how to drive this car, or soon or later (more soon) you'll crash. It's like a mr2, but bigger and way more expensive. Both are great but risky toys. You have to know what you're facing against
If you really want to, you could change rear suspensions, and feel safer
I sold a very nice Porsche 930 two years ago to buy a '94 348 Spider and never looked back. The Porsche was way fun on boost, but the 348 is fun ALWAYS. Except in parking lots.
I did a video of driving one as a daily, those looks & sound make you put up with a lot!
That’s the classic Ferrari sound!
I've got a '91 348ts and for non track not super long distance use, it's more useable fun than my 991 GT3.
Nice car thats done depreciating and glad its a fun drive. If you dont mind a mistress level of maintenance this 348/355 duo are awesome considerations.
Passed on one for 28k years ago. Price trends tend to tell me people aren’t looking over these beauty’s anymore.
my dad had a 348 TB, he got a deal on it because the previous owner decided to trade it for an F40 (only had 200 miles on it)......he didn’t really drive it much over the years but i ended up putting about 3,000 miles on it and I thought it was a great car....didn’t handle nearly as well as a 328 GTB but was much more comfortable/easier to drive. He traded it for a 430 years ago (obviously lightyears better car) but I still miss the 348. It recently sold again for near 6 figures (nearly double what he got for trade in 5 years ago) so they are beginning to appreciate, and rightfully so IMO. NSX is objectively a better car, no denying it......but there is always something to be said for a mid engined, gated Ferrari....even if it’s the “worst” one.
I've absolutely eaten one of these alive in my speed 6 (some kid driving his dad's car probably) but was definitely jealous of how much more fun he was having winding that thing out
Great video to be sure! I'm getting my '91 TB back from the belt service tomorrow... can't wait to take her out on the open autostrada! (I'm in Italy). And... according to the Italian Blue Book (Ruoteclassiche) the TB appreciated 14.8% in pandemic 2020... not complaining!
I have a '91TB as well. It had his belt service last year. Wasn't cheap, but for sure not as bad as people say. Totally love that car, a real blast to drive.
@@eelcoengelaar798 Yes, with no power steering and not much power brake assist, it's an ideal analog interface between the road and you. A joy to drive (less to park)! May I ask you a question? How often do you do the belt service? I do it every 5 years.
I bought the car in 2016 with fresh belts. But the tensioners hadn't been replaced during that service, so I really wanted to have those replaced after no more than 4 years. With fresh tensioners I wouldn't mind to replace the belts after 5 years, but as I remember correctly, the valves have to be adjusted within appr. 10k km's, which means it will be in about 4 years again that the belts will be replaced.
@@eelcoengelaar798 Thanks for the info. I bought mine in 2017, with two years and 400kms on the belts. But as I did not know what exactly had been done during that service, and judging from the mileage I had reason to believe that some economy was used. So, when I had my belt service done, I had the choice of just doing the belts or also just about everything else. I chose the latter even though it was twice as much, but now I know exactly the condition of the car.
BTW I just checked the manual and it says (line 7) to check the valve clearances every 20.000 km and "adjust if necessary".
Old school tst vibes on this video
Matt getting slick with the ads lol. It's all good, I watch them anyway
Honestly sizing up to be one of my favourite Ferraris. The lack of power steering, lack of modern assists, usable amount of power but plenty to have fun. I've had enough of 5 and a bit seconds to 60 being deemed not fast, that's definitely plenty quick for the public roads. Currently holding a top position of my realistic owners list!
I owned a yellow 92 348 for 17 years. I loved that car. Gave me extremely little trouble. I finally traded it in 2020 for a manual 360 spider, the car I originally wanted but couldn’t afford at the time. Although I like the 360 overall more than the 348, I must admit, that 348 sounded better than the 360 I traded it for.
I did two major services during my ownership. The first was at the car’s 11 year old mark, the second was 9 years after that. The thing ran beautifully the entire time. I never did the clutch and was at 58,000 kilometres when I traded it, with no sign of any diminished clutch performance. If you’re thinking of buying one, find a good one and do it. They are NOT bad Ferrari’s.
Did it have a servo? If not is it annoying to drive without?
@@IIIuminate123 I take it you’re referring to power steering? If so, no it did not. Although it was a bit of a bitch in a parking lot ( you’d have to be rolling to move the wheel) on the road I would not have preferred power steering. All three parameters, the steering, braking and clutch were heavy, but in a nice way. I’d be tired after a long drive. You rarely or never see a woman driving one. I’ve seen several women driving 360s and 430s.
@@johnforeman634 Power steering yes, didnt know the word for it. Appreciate the answer. Really wanna get one in the near future but they pricepoint is pretty high for my liking
That was a box standard car I had one I put the sports pipe on it it was a different beasts extra 20 hp straight through no cats amazing car I’m going to get another
Seems like the perfect dirver's Ferrari. Wish it did not require an engine out service however. But reading a little its like a 355 but with far fewer things to break. That's good.
I saw this car on Turo too
Always had a thing for the 348, then I drove a few, was told the'94 was the one to get, Oh yeah baby, & yes the way it makes you tingle all over when you drive it hard is awesome,oh I've had electric power steering added to mine, thanks Matt, Rj in Oz
I love the 348!!
The sound makes everything else irrelevant. Glorious
I don't know what year 348 I drove, but it sounded identical to this and I quite liked it. Still prefer a hard top though.
This is nice, i have a model of this in red from when i was kid. I was in ACH on New Years day too
This one is Upper Big Tujunga but close enough
@@dalefredriks2085 yeah, i went through there too, did like hundred miles driving around
I really liked that dash! I wished you'd have shown it more. It had that 90s look. Flat black and simple. BMWs of the day, maybe 80s, kinda had that look. I really liked it. Don't go for glitzy trim.
Make a video on the LFA if you can find one. Such a unique car.
The 348 hatred is completely unfair. It gets hated for its low power. But its more powerful than the super popular Acura NSX, of the time.
I’m pretty sure the nsx was faster than the 348...
Congratulations on 1 Million
So you didn't just stage that on-coming convoy that included an early 90s MR2 Turbo and two NSXs that would have been comparable (if down-market) to the 348 in-period?
Someone in my school's dad just pulled up with this car, let's just say it got the attention it truly deserves
Lol i literally watched the tuned 348 Challenge vid on purpose earlier today and now this. Shoutout to Zach as always :D
Because i drove a 355 in forza Horizon 4 and painted it yellow :D
Matt singly driving up the value on unloved budget F cars.
I love seeing that speed limit sign of 50. Quickly ignored lol.
I've had my '94 spider for 17 years, it's got almost 70K miles on it. I hope Thaddeus gets one too.
That watch is 🔥
the acceleration numbers are about the same as a GTI of today lol. but the top speed is impressive for that power level!
Lovely review and I love the road, what a beauty! Go the '94 cars whoo-hoo!
"Quite good" started to become questionable when the NSX came out and did essentially the same thing at half the price and a fraction of the operating costs, and also when the 355 and particularly the 360 came out and those were so much better all-around cars than the 348 it started to look like Ferrari had been resting on its laurels. Maybe the NSX gave them the wake-up call they needed.
The paddle shift in the 360’s is shite. It’s basically a manual box with a some actuators to move the shift, so it can be a bit sluggish, and it’s expensive when it goes wrong.
2/3 the price, not quite half
@@Jonathan_Doe_ what does that have to do with the OP? All automated manuals are ass so get the manual
They didn't really rest on their laurels : it was a bad time for Ferrari, drops in sales and absence of Enzo Ferrari. They urged the process of production a bit too much with that brand new model and italy is not Japan as you noticed ;). Honda did rest on its laurels with the evolutions of the NSX. It coult have been something much bigger.
@@Jonathan_Doe_ sounds like ford's powershift if you ask me lol
Overall is a great classic and is underappreciated
348/355 are my favorite ferraris, and the mondial becuase its like the 914 of prancing horses for 986 money
Surely you mean your favorites among the lower tier Ferraris.
You don't like the goats come on
I should've clarified, I mean my favorite of the more attainable cars. Hence the specific porsche comparisons
Great video 🙏🏼
wow! a Hoovie special
Lovely video. Lovely car.
I love this channel
Thanks for posting! Regarding your comment on the transmission being the limiting factor in 0-60 and drag times, what would you speculate the performance would be if you just manifested into it a DCT of modern times such as the PDK?
something close to a 981 cayman S I'm sure.
This car was in a recent music video, "Lost Kings - Oops (I'm Sorry) (Official Video) ft. Ty Dolla $ign, GASHI" They also light a fox body on fire. Haha
I want 1 now
The 348 is better looking than the 328 and the 355. It has the timeless sharp edge 80s look missing from those other designs.
love my 95
The turbo one Matt drove was sweet
Very good review and nice driving videos! All good and bad things mentioned. I'd liked to know if you preferred a F430 spider to a 348 spider which are at the same price level now? How intense is your passion to the more classic Ferrari considering the higher maintenance costs of the 348?
Right up until those newer cars start to get older and things start to break. One of the good things about the older cars like the 348 is the amount you can do yourself. I get my 348 serviced at a main dealer (engine out belt change major costs us maybe 1/4 of what it costs in the States) but look after most other things myself which I probably couldn’t do on a much newer Ferrari. Mates who have 360s and 430s pay just as much in maintenance and that balance is starting to shift in favour of the older cars.
@@petei3972 You are lucky to be able to maintain your own Ferrari. I am too much intellectual to be able to do the same. :-( BTW: All my friends changed to newer models (430-488) and the odd thing is: they all have lower costs for their service. On the other hand you are so right: should there be a real problem with the newer cars the costs could be incredibly high.
A Ferrari that looks and sounds good that won't threaten your licence as fast? Mighty tempting...🤔
Cars like this always get me thinking, I currently have a built E92 M3. (4.4L Stroker, supercharger, brembos, etc). but have been itching for something older. Would I be insane to sell it and buy a 348, 993/964, other 80's/90's machine?
It's not slow for human enjoyment. It's only slow if you compare it to the latest fast cars.
This era where the car lets you drive it to your limit and will give you all it can give that you can handle. A real drivers car.
Where as todays cars will let you drive pn what it thinks you can only handle, it decides for you, and most of its feel a very synthetic.. from sound, traction, shifting and driving dynamics. Today is rather considered to be “a car for a driver” vs “a driver’s car”
Bravo, Matteo! 👏🦾
Imo it’s the nicest looking of the 80s 90s Ferrari
rad as fuck