Ferrari 328: Too Tall??

[lafcadio]

Morning
I've hired a Ferrari 328 for next weekend for a few days as it's my birthday....just a little concerned that at 6ft 3" it could be a tight fit - that eyeline in particular might be a prob with screen. I asked the chap renting it out and he said it would be 'comfy' but OK - anyone out there who can reassure me or will i just end up crippled??

Thanks.

[ferrarispider]

I had a 328 and i only just fitted. My head was almost touching the roof when it was on, and in fact hit the roof often. I am 6ft. So ya better hope its a sunny day mate, so ya can have the roof of. Also you will find the gear stick anoying becourse it will be sticking in ya leg when in 5th gear. Love the car though
Please let us know how ya get along.



>> Edited by ferrarispider on Sunday 21st May 10:42

[forthright MC]

i passengered in F328GTS's 328 last summer and it was great. i too am about your height, and it was a little tricky to get my legs into the footwell initially, but once you are in a comfortable position they are fine. i wouldn't worry about it they are great little cars.
have fun!

[POORCARDEALER]

I have a GTB and am 6 ft 1 and my head is touching the roof

[Pat H]

Is it a GTB or a GTS?

I am 6'2 and with the roof on my GTS is a bit snug, but not unbearable.

I find that moving the seat forward a notch, then tipping the backrest further back means that I fit better, but it makes the steering wheel a bit of a stretch and the gear lever will foul your leg in fifth.

With the roof off there is (obviously) no problem at all, unless you need to take the roof with you. When it is slotted behind the seats, you need to move them forward a couple of notches, which makes the car practically undriveable for me.

I usually just leave the roof at home and hope it doesn't rain.

If you haven't driven one before, then don't be too put off by the gearbox. It is almost unbearably obstructive until the car is thoroughly warmed up.

I hope you enjoy it.

Let us know how you get on.

[lafcadio]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm used to squeezing into tight cabins - I've driven Esprits, Alfas etc before so hopefully it'll be OK. Useful tip about the roof - it is a GTS so clearly, I'll need to leave that at home if I do go topless. Any other tips about getting the best from it - pitfalls for the unwary etc in terms of actually driving this beautiful motor?

[Pat H]

lafcadio said:

I'm used to squeezing into tight cabins - I've driven Esprits. Any other tips about getting the best from it - pitfalls for the unwary etc in terms of actually driving this beautiful motor?

I used to have an Esprit. If you managed to fit in an Esprit, then a 328 GTS will be a breeze.

Once the gearbox is warm you will find it easier to drive than the Lotus. The gearbox is more positive than an Esprit and you won't constantly be struggling to keep it in the powerband like you do with a Turbo Esprit.

It steers and handles pretty much like an Esprit, but it won't creak and groan like the Lotus and it doesn't sound like an Escort.

You might think it is a bit of a gutless wonder. I was surprised to find that my 260bhp 328 felt no faster than my old 215bhp Esprit, but I think that this is probably deceptive and a lot to do with the Esprit's narrow powerband.

The 328 is pretty low geared and thrives on lots of revs.

Give it plenty of stick