Review: Ferrari 328 GTS (1986-89)

Overview

Released in Australia in June 1986, the Ferrari 328 GTS was a mid-engined coupe with a targa roof; the 328 GTB – which had a conventional, fixed roof – was not officially imported to Australia. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive 328 GTS was powered by a 3.2-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The 3.2-litre Tipo F105CB V8 engine had an alloy block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, four valves per cylinder (‘Quattrovalvole’), Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, Marelli Microplex electronic ignition, wet sump lubrication and a compression ratio of 9.8:1. With an all synchromesh five-speed manual transmission which had a single-plate clutch, the 328 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and had a top speed of 263 km/h.

With its tubular steel chassis, the Ferrari 328 GTS was 4255 mm long, 1730 mm wide, 1128 mm tall and had a 2350 mm long wheelbase; dry weight was 1273 kg. Furthermore, the 328 had independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear suspension with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.

Compared to the Ferrari 308 (which had a smaller, 3.0-litre V8 engine), the 328 could be identified by its more rounded styling, body-coloured bumpers (integral with the valance panels) and larger exhaust radiator louvre. Inside, there were more supportive seats with new upholstery and stitching designs, new switchgear and door panels.

Safety equipment

From mid-1988, the Ferrari 328 was available with ABS brakes as an option. The availability of ABS required changes to the suspension geometry for negative offset, while the alloy wheels were also changed from a flat spoke ‘star’ design to a convex design.

Features

Standard features for the Australian-delivered 328 GTS included 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 VR16 front and 225/50 VR16 rear tyres, air conditioning, leather upholstery, front fog lights, central locking, power mirrors and power windows.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari 328

Recalls: Ferrari 328

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Ferrari 328

Problems and faults: Ferrari 328

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Ferrari 328

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Ferrari 328.

Released in Australia in June 1986, the Ferrari 328 GTS was a mid-engined coupe with a targa roof; the 328 GTB – which had a conventional, fixed roof – was not officially imported to Australia. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive 328 GTS was powered by a 3.2-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission… Read full Ferrari 328 review

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