348 -v- Noble M12
Discussion
I've trawled through both Ferrari and Noble gassing stations, and still can't make up my mind. The problem is this, my heart wants a 348 (Verdi have a lovely black one at present). However my head says go for a 2002 M12 Noble - quite a few around. As having owned a Lotus Esprit for a few years I'm aware of how maintainance costs can spiral. I know the Noble's performance would eclipse the 348's and it's a much younger car, but I get the impression from owners that the M12 could cost a lot more in the long run. Any views, head or heart???
totally different cars but from research I would suggest running costs won't be that different (albeit verdi running costs on the Fezza and Plans motorsport on the Noble - noting where you live)
Do you intend to track the car?
The 348 is still a must have car to me but now I do enough track days to start thinking a Noble might be a better bet. Its tough to draw myself away though - I never had a photo of a Noble on my wall as a teenager...
Do you intend to track the car?
The 348 is still a must have car to me but now I do enough track days to start thinking a Noble might be a better bet. Its tough to draw myself away though - I never had a photo of a Noble on my wall as a teenager...
Servicing won't really be an issue as my friend is a qualified Ferrari mechanic who's gone independant (£35 an hour). I've done a few track days - dedicated Club Lotus ones, if I had a Ferrari I don't think I'd put it on a track unless it was organised by an owners club. I'd be more keen on thrashing a Noble around a circuit. Saying that after experiencing bad brake fade at 100mph at Quarry corner last year - Castle Combe, I don't know if I'd go back on a circuit. (People thought i was as daft as a brush driving from N.Ireland to Castle Combe, do a track day, and drive back.) Not exactly Gumball stuff, but still qite tiring!
I guess what I am asking is, what do you want out of the car? If you want to track it and huge performance, the Noble is likely to be the winner. If you want a small amount of practicality, a beautiful looking car with good capability and a boyhood dream realised, the 348 comes home. That is what I concluded anyhow. But then as a non-owner, I'm perhaps not best placed to comment. I have, however, looked into both pretty thoroughly and driven a 348 and had a few passenger experiences in Nobles (still awaiting a drive when one comes in at my chosen dealer - apprentice, get on the case mate 
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aha, those with experience rather than a big mouth are along to help out. 
That is one stunning car angelis. The 355 wheels bring it up to date.
Still not sure on these 355 style rear sections on the 348. There was one at a PH meet at VW a few years back and did look quite good, but not sure where the line needs to be drawn for originality/trying to be a 355.
That is one stunning car angelis. The 355 wheels bring it up to date.
Still not sure on these 355 style rear sections on the 348. There was one at a PH meet at VW a few years back and did look quite good, but not sure where the line needs to be drawn for originality/trying to be a 355.
ferrarispider said:
In fact that should be the other way round regarding "still not sure on these 355 rear sections on the 348". Becourse the 348 came be for the 355. So the phrase should have been, "still not sure on these 348 rear sections on the 355"
eh? I am lost!
I meant the 355 twin circular lights that you can "convert" the slatted rear of the 348 to a cleaner line of the 355. Can't find a link for a pic. Ah, here we go,
www.garedcars.com/Default2.htm
>> Edited by shnozz on Friday 13th January 10:09
shnozz said:
Still not sure on these 355 style rear sections on the 348. There was one at a PH meet at VW a few years back and did look quite good, but not sure where the line needs to be drawn for originality/trying to be a 355.
The 348 rear is probably the weakest part of the car. I much prefer the round lights of the 355. I've condsidered changing it, but changed my mind. Besides, imagine the amount of p1ss take I'd get from ferrarispyder.
The best rear mod was done by Andyh. He managed to craft a challenge grill on to the rear and that looks much better than the car above.
>> Edited by angelis on Friday 13th January 11:13
It depends what you mean by weak design, from a design perspective it is an important aspect of the car as it integrates the design mirroring the doors. I agree it's unfashionable now. I think in years to come this will be appreciated more and more as it makes the car more agressive looking than the 355 - which, in it's entirity is a prettier car hands down, but which is more "Ferrari" - ? Answer both - but stylistically different. If you change a 348 to a 355 rear then IMO you're ruining the whole look of the car. But hey I'm a silly twit who likes originality. lol
Lagerlout said:
I think in years to come this will be appreciated more and more as it makes the car more agressive looking than the 355 - which, in it's entirity is a prettier car hands down, but which is more "Ferrari" - ? Answer both - but stylistically different. If you change a 348 to a 355 rear then IMO you're ruining the whole look of the car. But hey I'm a silly twit who likes originality. lol
Very true. And look at the period the car spanned - between Testarossa and 355. That can be seen through the design of the car that it was between these eras, no bad thing if you ask me.
angelis said:
[quote=shnozz]The best rear mod was done by Andyh. He managed to craft a challenge grill on to the rear and that looks much better than the car above.
I seem to recall the one at VW being a challenge grill actually. May be the same chap from a VW meet about 2 - 3 years ago.
deepblue said:
That is a sweet 348! What kind of money would a set of 355 alloys cost, can't see any for sale on the net. I think I would keep the original rear - more agressive. Oh, I can feel a big purchase coming up!
>> Edited by deepblue on Friday 13th January 15:18
A mate of mine has just got some 360 alloys for his 348. You can pick up 355 alloys for around £800 - £1000. I got mine as part of the purchase and I still ave the 348 standard alloys as well in case a future buyer wants them.
Mine's also got 15mm spacers all round. However, as you can see from my above pic, on a heavy turn the tyre can hit the wheel arch. A couple of weeks ago I managed to dent the wheel arch.
If you get a 348 though, the following are mandatory
: Tubi exhaust
Aluminimum pedals
Spacers all round (15mm F/R or 15mm F & 25mm R)
Alloy gear knob.
You're looking at around £2,500 for the above.
>> Edited by angelis on Friday 13th January 18:23
shnozz said:Now if you would have said that in the first place, then you would have not been lost
In fact that should be the other way round regarding "still not sure on these 355 rear sections on the 348". Becourse the 348 came be for the 355. So the phrase should have been, "still not sure on these 348 rear sections on the 355"
eh? I am lost!
I meant the 355 twin circular lights that you can "convert" the slatted rear of the 348 to a cleaner line of the 355. Can't find a link for a pic. Ah, here we go,
www.garedcars.com/Default2.htm
>> Edited by shnozz on Friday 13th January 10:09
I responded directly to what you wrote. >> Edited by ferrarispider on Friday 13th January 20:56
>> Edited by ferrarispider on Friday 13th January 20:57
Thanks Angelis
Here it is guys i think its realy funnyThe car (mine) is a 355 but Angelis photoshoped the 348 lights on to it. http://img459.imageshack.us/my.php?image=chaa348rear
>> Edited by ferrarispider on Friday 13th January 22:07
Here it is guys i think its realy funnyThe car (mine) is a 355 but Angelis photoshoped the 348 lights on to it. http://img459.imageshack.us/my.php?image=chaa348rear 
>> Edited by ferrarispider on Friday 13th January 22:07
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