Ferrari 328: Which Version to Choose and Why
The Ferrari 328 catalogue contains two entries with the exact same version name, 3.2 MT, and both belong to the model’s only generation, produced from 1985 to 1989 as a Coupe. Their engine, transmission, drive system, chassis specification and fuel-tank capacity are identical.
The Ferrari 328 catalogue contains two entries with the exact same version name, 3.2 MT, and both belong to the model’s only generation, produced from 1985 to 1989 as a Coupe. Their engine, transmission, drive system, chassis specification and fuel-tank capacity are identical. The meaningful buying choice comes down to performance and kerb weight: one 3.2 MT weighs 1,263 kg, reaches 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and has a 267 km/h top speed, while the other weighs 1,273 kg, takes 5.9 seconds and reaches 263 km/h. On the supplied figures, the lighter entry is the stronger performance choice; the heavier one offers no stated mechanical or equipment advantage.
Ferrari 328 generations and version choice
The Ferrari 328 has 1 generation in the catalogue. It ran from 1985 to 1989, used a Coupe body and includes 2 versions. Both are named 3.2 MT, so the name alone cannot identify the desired car. Power cannot distinguish them either because each produces 270 hp (199 kW). The clearest identifiers are their kerb weights and performance figures: 3.2 MT — 1,263 kg and 5.5 seconds to 100 km/h, or 3.2 MT — 1,273 kg and 5.9 seconds to 100 km/h.
There is no second generation to compare and no separate restyling listed in the supplied data. Consequently, a buyer is not choosing between different generations, body styles or production periods. The comparison remains entirely within the single 1985–1989 Coupe generation.
Ferrari 328 engine and specs comparison
The two 3.2 MT entries share the same naturally aspirated gasoline specification. Each has a 3,186 cc Gasoline engine with 8 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, 4 valves per cylinder and No boost. Output is 270 hp at 7,000 rpm and 304 Nm at 5,500 rpm, delivered through a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD.
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 MT — 1,263 kg | 270 hp (199 kW) at 7,000 rpm | 304 Nm at 5,500 rpm | 3,186 cc | Gasoline | 8 | V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3.2 MT — 1,273 kg | 270 hp (199 kW) at 7,000 rpm | 304 Nm at 5,500 rpm | 3,186 cc | Gasoline | 8 | V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
Both entries also have a 9.8 compression ratio and an 83 × 73.6 mm bore and stroke. Their listed power density is approximately 84.7 hp per litre, while torque density is approximately 95.4 Nm per litre. Because these calculated values are identical, neither version has an engine-output advantage.
The fuel-supply system for both versions is Central injection (single-point or single- point). Engine location is not measured, and the specific fuel grade is not measured.
Ferrari 328 performance, acceleration and mpg
Performance is the main numerical difference between the two entries. The 1,263 kg 3.2 MT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and reaches 267 km/h. The 1,273 kg 3.2 MT completes the same acceleration run in 5.9 seconds and has a 263 km/h maximum speed.
That makes the lighter 3.2 MT exactly 0.4 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 4 km/h faster at maximum speed. It is also 10 kg lighter. With equal power, its calculated weight-to-power figure is approximately 4.68 kg per hp, compared with approximately 4.71 kg per hp for the heavier entry. Expressed the other way, the lighter version provides approximately 213.8 hp per tonne, while the heavier version provides approximately 212.1 hp per tonne.
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 MT — 1,263 kg | 5.5 s | 267 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3.2 MT — 1,273 kg | 5.9 s | 263 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
Fuel economy, mpg and fuel-consumption figures are not measured for either 3.2 MT. CO₂ emissions are also not measured, and the environmental class is not measured. The equal 74-litre tanks therefore cannot be used to calculate or compare driving range from the supplied data.
Ferrari 328 dimensions, weight and chassis specs
The supplied catalogue data does not include exterior length, width or height, so those dimensions are not measured for both versions. Wheel sizes are also not measured. Gross weight is not measured for either entry.
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 MT — quicker entry | 1,263 kg | not measured | 120 mm | 74 litres | not measured |
| 3.2 MT — heavier entry | 1,273 kg | not measured | 120 mm | 74 litres | not measured |
There is no listed ground-clearance or fuel-capacity difference: both 3.2 MT entries have 120 mm of ground clearance and a 74-litre tank. Both use Independent, spring front suspension and Independent, spring rear suspension. Each has Ventilated disc front brakes and Disc rear brakes.
Ferrari 328 reliability and problems
Reliability records, problem reports, maintenance intervals and repair data are not measured in the supplied catalogue information. The available specifications therefore do not support a claim that either 3.2 MT is more reliable.
The data does show that the two entries share the same engine output, torque, displacement, cylinder configuration, injection system, compression ratio, gearbox, drive, suspension and brakes. Those similarities narrow the specification comparison, but they do not establish identical condition or reliability for individual cars.
Which Ferrari 328 version should you buy?
Choose the 3.2 MT with a 1,263 kg kerb weight if performance is the priority. It matches the other entry’s 270 hp, 304 Nm, 3,186 cc Gasoline engine, 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD, yet it is 10 kg lighter, 0.4 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, and 4 km/h faster at the top end. Its calculated weight-to-power ratio is also slightly better.
The 3.2 MT with a 1,273 kg kerb weight may still be considered when individual vehicle condition or other non-catalogue factors matter, but the supplied numbers reveal no specification benefit that offsets its extra 10 kg. Its engine and chassis figures are the same, while its acceleration and maximum speed are lower.
No price data is provided, so it is impossible to calculate what any extra purchase cost buys. Based strictly on the catalogue figures, the 1,263 kg 3.2 MT is the version to choose: it delivers the better measured performance without sacrificing listed power, torque, tank capacity, ground clearance, drivetrain or braking specification.