Ferrari
348
Ferrari
360
Ferrari 348 vs Ferrari 360: 2003 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Ferrari 360 comes out ahead of the Ferrari 348 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
348
Overall
The sentiment among owners and enthusiasts is complex and historically divided. The vehicle is frequently described as an unloved or underrated model that has seen a recent reassessment as prices for more desirable Ferraris have risen. It is acknowledged for offering a relatively affordable entry into mid-engine, gated-manual Ferrari ownership with classic Pininfarina styling cues reminiscent of the Testarossa.
Best version to buy
The 348 TS (Transversale Spider) is noted as the improved variant, with a north-south engine placement that corrected the tragic handling of the original east-west configuration. The "Serie Speciale" limited edition is mentioned as a high-value variant.
Known issues
- ⚠Engine-out timing belt service: required every 5-7 years or 30,000 miles, extremely labor-intensive and costly ($8,000-$15,000 USD), cited as the defining characteristic of ownership. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission reliability concerns: bushings known to work loose, general fragility, described as prone to grenading. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠High maintenance costs: described as a "bottomless money pit" if driven regularly, with average monthly costs reported to exceed a mortgage payment. Parts are expensive and labor is intensive. Frequency: very frequent.
360
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on ownership perspective. The car is universally praised for its emotional, visceral driving experience, high-revving flat-plane crank V8 engine sound, and its status as a more analog, engaging Ferrari compared to later models. It is frequently described as a "toy" that provides immense fun and a raw, exciting feel, with a steering weight and feedback considered "al dente" and perfect for a sports car.
Best version to buy
Manual transmission (Modena) is strongly recommended over the F1 automated manual gearbox for driving engagement, fewer potential issues, and greater long-term durability. The Challenge Stradale (CS) is mentioned as a desirable, more track-focused variant.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high and complex maintenance costs: includes engine-out service for timing belt replacement, clutch service, and other major work. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠F1 automated manual gearbox clutch wear: rapid wear, especially in stop-and-go traffic; requires careful driving (using manual mode, avoiding excessive reversing, putting in neutral at lights) to prolong life; replacement is very expensive…
- ⚠General reliability and age-related failures: includes leather delamination, sticky buttons, fragile paint, disintegrating gaskets, exhaust issues, and unexpected mechanical breakdowns leading to costly tows. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Ferrari 348 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Ferrari 360, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Ferrari 348 are a dealbreaker, the Ferrari 360 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ferrari 348 or the Ferrari 360?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Ferrari 348 than the Ferrari 360. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Ferrari 348 or the Ferrari 360?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Ferrari 348 is classed as a Targa, the Ferrari 360 as a Coupe, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ferrari 348 or the Ferrari 360?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ferrari 348 or the Ferrari 360?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.