The Ferrari 348: A close look at the performance, technical data, features, rival comparison, history and used prices of this classic sports car

from classic to modern

CAR

The Ferrari 348TB

The Ferrari 348 TB sports car, launched in 1989, was the replacement for the Series 328 and 308 which were, for a period of about fourteen years, among the best-selling sports cars produced by Ferrari.

The 348 was offered as a TB Berlinetta coupe and a Targa-style TS variant, where the “T” referred to the fact that the gearbox was positioned transversely.

In line with the nomenclature of its predecessors, the “34” in the car’s name referred to the engine’s displacement, while the “8” indicated the number of cylinders.

The 348 TB represented the first model announced since the death of the Ferrari founder in 1988.

The body design was by Pininfarina and exhibited a clear similarity to the Ferrari Testarossa, especially in relation to the side air intakes and rectangular shaped taillights.

It used a monocoque chassis to which the engine subframe was bolted to make it easier to remove the engine during maintenance. Both were made of steel, as were the body panels.

On earlier models with front radiators, the coolant hoses ran under the cab. Now, with the 348, the oil and coolant coolers were moved to the sides, to make it easier to keep the cab cool.

Consequently, the radiator grille at the front now served no useful purpose other than retaining the traditional image of the front section of the car.

Parts of the suspension were designed so that the ride height could be adjusted to the prevailing conditions.

The interior was well-appointed and included air conditioning, leather seats with adjustable headrests, power windows, and heated outside mirrors.

It had all-around vacuum-assisted ventilated disc brakes linked to ABS, as well as two Bosch Motronic 2.5 engine control units.

On later models the battery was moved to the left front wing to produce better weight distribution.

When production ended in 1995, a total of 2,895 units of the 348 TB had been built.

The Ferrari 348TS

Along with the 348 TB was presented in 1989 the sporty 348 TS, with a Targa top, in which the specification of both was identical.

In 1995, when production ended, 4,230 units of the 348 TS were built.

THE MOTOR

Both variants were powered by a mid-engined, double-overhead-cam V8 unit, with four valves per cylinder, which was previously fitted to the 288 GTO.

It was positioned longitudinally, with a transverse gearbox, which produced a very balanced and stable layout.

It was equipped with a Bosch Motronic unit, which controlled both the fuel injection and the ignition system, a five-bearing crankshaft, and a compression ratio of 10.4:1.

The 348 TB made 300 bhp at 7,000 rpm (with redline at 7,500 rpm) and 229 ft/lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Equipped with a fully synchronized five-speed manual gearbox, it produced a top speed of 171 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds.

It used dry sump lubrication to eliminate oil starvation when driving or cornering hard.

THE COMPETITION

Immediate competition for the Ferrari 348 consisted of: Porsche 964 Carrera, TVR Griffith and Lotus Esprit Sport 300. Ferrari Performance:

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

On the used market, a Ferrari 348 TB sports car in excellent condition sold at auction for nearly $75,000.

On the other hand, a Ferrari 348 TS in good condition would cost $50,000, while a showroom example would cost $85,000.

More classic Ferrari cars.

This marks the end of my review of the Ferrari 348 TB and TS sports car.