Ferrari
348
Ferrari
412
Ferrari 348 vs Ferrari 412: 1993 Comparison
The short answer
The Ferrari 348 offers fuel economy, while the Ferrari 412 excels at power instead. Choose the Ferrari 348 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Ferrari 412 if power matters more for your needs. 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.
412
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and primarily based on historical or collector perspectives rather than contemporary daily ownership. The vehicle is acknowledged as a unique V12-powered grand tourer that offers a distinct ownership proposition compared to other Ferraris of its era. It is described as a car one can take on a road trip, suggesting a degree of practicality and comfort for a Ferrari.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a best model year or trim. Community feedback references the model line broadly (400/412).
Known issues
- ⚠Deferred maintenance: vehicles often have 20+ years of neglected upkeep, requiring comprehensive and costly refurbishment. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Platform/design flaws: references to "severe limits" with the gearbox and suspension design, contributing to poor aerodynamic performance and mechanical issues. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Reliability concerns: the engine and overall project are described as having inherent reliability problems, characterizing the car as a "clusterfuck of unfinished concepts." Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Ferrari 348 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Ferrari 412, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Ferrari 348 are a dealbreaker, the Ferrari 412 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ferrari 348 or the Ferrari 412?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Ferrari 348 than the Ferrari 412. 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 412?
The Ferrari 412 seats more passengers than the Ferrari 348 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Ferrari 348 is classed as a Targa, the Ferrari 412 as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ferrari 348 or the Ferrari 412?
The Ferrari 348 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.7 L/100km combined versus 18.2 L/100km for the Ferrari 412, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ferrari 348 or the Ferrari 412?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Ferrari 348 than the Ferrari 412. See the known issues comparison above.