1984 Ferrari 308 or 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

G8 all the way!

If I am looking for a weekend fun car and have a pretty fat bank account to back me up it'll be the 308 all the way.
 
Otherwise I'll take the G8 GT in that exact same color thank you very much.

G8; I would take the 308 exactly once just to see what it is like. But I am more practical than romantic, so give me modern comfort and power over mere style.
 
 - and man does that photo make the Ferrari look like a tiny toy!

I was thinking the same thing. I didn't realize how small the 308 really was.

g8. saw it at naias. and it appears to be another high quality gm product. Looks better in real life then the pictures.

G8 of course. I see nothing "thrilling" about a 24 year old Ferrari. 24 years is a long time and the Ferrari is past its prime.

when will we see a road test on the G8? People are tired of waiting although I'm sure this is embargo related.

No 6MT on the G8 (as of now) FTL (for the loss). :(

None of the above. M3 please.
 
Given the choice between the two though, it depends what you need. If hauling more than 1 other person around or doing more practical (read: mundane) things is on the list, I'd take the Pontiac. The Ferrari would win only if I knew I just could play around with it and didn't have to depend on its reliability.
 
Edit: Or, reading the G35 clutch update, G35 over the Pontiac and Ferrari, and M3 over them all.

simple solution: 2 car garage :)

If I didn't need back seats or a trunk, it'd be the 308. I love old cars and manual transmissions, so the choice would be pretty easy for me. I know the 308 isn't much better than a Civic Si in terms of performance, but for those who love old cars, there's more to it than just numbers.

jrm90,
 
in spite of its size I think the G8 GT's performance is going to be close to that of the last gen M3. We will know once the March magazines hit the stands but I suspect 0-60 will be about 5.4, braking will be in the 160 ft range and skidpad will be around .85gs. I'll take the G8 and its large trunk and backseat and warranty for the same price as a used M3.

I was totally saying to myself the G8 GT (because it's new, exotic, and I'm wondering how it'll be) until a commentor reminded me that it's an automatic transmission. Anathema.
 
I'm still curious about all sorts of things about the G8. But to me it's a refined muscle-car/sports sedan...and that deserves a properly weighted, gritty manual transmission.
 
Personally, if I had the choice between this, the Ferrari, or the M3...I'd choose the M3. But I'm a nut.
 
Bravo edmunds on getting a G8 GT in the LT fleet practically at the time of launch. I'm a little concerned though about the announcement...does this mean edmunds will be procuring it from Pontiac and not through dealers? Or has edmunds secured a spot on the dealer list for immediate delivery?
 
This will be a wonderful car to set the comments section afire :)
 
Joe

Joe, that's not our G8.

I'd help if we had driving impressions of the G8 before we could answer such a question. However, as someone who doesn't see the point of the Ferrari, I'd easily default to the G8. Why don't you guys get a '86 Chevy Caprice Classic coupe next. I loved that car.

I would in all honesty, be happy with what was left over. The G8, the M3 or the Ferrari all have something great to offer.
 
I think chavis10 has a great idea. But instead of the Caprice, let's get an 87 Buick GNX or GN. One in good condition, with low miles. I would love to hear about that one. I always wanted one of those, but circumstances just didn't allow it. Obviously it would have to be black.

That doorstop line was classic.
 
Anyway, if the G8 had a six speed, I'd say the G8 by a mile. As it doesn't, I'm almost inclined to say I'll take the bus.

So you're truly contemplating whether to take the Ferrari or a Pontiac? Is it April 1st or am I missing something?
 
It's like asking someone if they want to vacation on the Maldives Islands or in Florida!! Or if they like Champaign or Dasani water! How about a Rolex or a Timex??? I guess for you spoiled EDMUNDS people, bored of driving all sorts of fun cars on a daily basis this could actually be a question BUT for any other auto enthusiast, this would never become a question!!!
 
Give me the key’s to F E R R A R I ! ! ! !

"Give me the key’s to F E R R A R I ! ! ! !"
 
Do you want the repair bills along with the key?

Sweet! I'm thrilled that you got the Pontiac to test - should be a great read for the next year.

Not really a question...308 hand's down. I realize the repair bills, but I would rather pay for those than the G8's.

I'd take the G8. I love the 308, I love Ferrari..but the G8 just has something about it. The G8 will be a winner, no question.

Before I read the other comments, I would go with the G8. It looks really nice and its 362 horsepower sounds great! Plus (knock on wood) it will probably be more reliable than the Ferrari.

Kick the ferrari to the curb. The G8 is sharp. The ferrari looks like a clown mobile in that photo.
 
Glad to see Pontiac getting some face time as a LT car. Outside of some quailty issues with their interiors and a package that does not always live up to the "we build excitement" slogan from the 90's, I've always been a closet fan of Pontiac.

"does this mean edmunds will be procuring it from Pontiac and not through dealers? Or has edmunds secured a spot on the dealer list for immediate delivery?"
 
Unless that is an edited picture, they already have it.

No question for me. G8 GT all the way, and kudos on getting in that molten orange color. Even if this were a three way choice with the M3 included, I'd go G8.
 
As for the Ferrari, its cool to look at, nice to show off and probably fun to drive but if its going to be troublesome then no thanks.
 
Some of you may have missed this but there's already a Holden Commodore road test on Inside Line. The performance figures are really awesome.
 
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=120615

If you had a Yugo vs. the G8, I would pick the Yugo. No clutch -- no sale from me.

In 20 years, the Ferrari will still be a classic and the G8 will be an old Pontiac getting parted out in a junkyard.

i'll take the G8 anytime, thank you. but just not in the red....its bad luck, well, at least, to me. hooray for getting a g8 in the fleet! DONT GET RED!!!!!!! :)

I have always wanted to drive a Ferrari Magnum made it cool...Pontiac been there done that

Life is too short to drive a pontiac.

An everyday car... the Pontiac
A weekend car... the Italian please
I live for the weekends.

The Power Steering, Modern radio and accesories do it for me. I'd like to get thrown back in my seat, and the G8 will do that much easier and more forcfully thank the 308. The 308 gets attention and looks faster than it is. the G8 won't get as much from people who don't know cars but then at anytime, the G8 will smoke almost any other car.
 
oh, and "1487"... the Dodge Ram stopped in 160 ft during Inside Line's test of it, any sedan will beat that, especially a proformance one. It probably has huge brake discs. Your other specs seem pretty acurate to me however.

oaky okay teenager coming trough.. i havent read most of them but i am guessing they all say FERRARI but given that its very old ... i know its a classic .. its gonna coast some money to run.. where the G8 will go faster and with possible w. enough tuning look and impress people just as much so... what would an 18 year old.. soon to be Industrial designer pick? the G8! hey go figure..

isend2c I think he might have meant 160 ft from 70mph, or that 160ft is a typo. Either way the G8 is bound to have excellent brakes, the Commodore stopped in only 117 feet.
 
ne1butu it's a shame that only 2/7 days are weekends right?
 
Instead of comparing the Kia Sedona to the Ferrari I vote a G8 vs. 308 comparison, let's see if the editors still love Ferrari.

First thing I'd do if I had a 308 - try to sell it.
First thing I'd do if I had a G8 - drive it. I hope this cars delivers on its promises, it already looks the part.

Forget that tired ferrari. Lets see a G8 vs M3 comparison. Daytona 500 is right about that Holden being an animal. I'll bet that G8 dog's the M3 in a comparison.

Glad to see a G8 coming to the Long Term Fleet! I love the way the look and can't wait to hear about mpg, reliability, and other great stuff, awesome choice!

G8 GT. I totally understand the appeal of having an old, fun weekend car, but the dependability, convenience, comfort, and performance of a modern car are just too appealing. Pity about the lack of a manual transmission. Hope they include one in the Alpha-based G6 replacement and in next year's G8. I'm so excited you're getting a G8. I'm really interested in this car and can't wait for the reviews to come out. After watching Jeremy Clarkson test the Vauxhall version, I just about ran out to my Pontiac dealer to put down a deposit.

Well, I want to be like my hero with his mustache, Hawaiian Shirt and the Detroit Tigers Hat, heck yes I want the 308. Magnum PI in a Pontiac? What type of PI do you think he is? Jimmy Rockford?

I am very pleased to see that Edmunds has a G8 GT for their Long Term Fleet.
 
My only car right now is a current body style Corvette Coupe.
Using this for a Daily Driver, commuter, & grocery-getter as well as a fun weekend car and long distance cruiser has been an interesting experience.
 
But I would not want that Ferrari for my only car.
 
And the G8 GT ** MAY ** be my next Sport Sedan.
 
I look forward to the reports & comments. . .
 
- Ray
Volunteer Test Driver ????

The 308 or a Pontiac. Why is this even a question? I'll take the 308, Thanks!

Why? Would some one want an Italian hand made mid engine Ferrari that has & will stand the test of time….. When you could drive a Pontiac with a 6 year note & live in a Double wide mobile home, watch lots of NASCAR, eat fast foods every other day & call your self an Automobile Expert...

"When you could drive a Pontiac with a 6 year note & live in a Double wide mobile home, watch lots of NASCAR, eat fast foods every other day & call your self an Automobile Expert..."
 
That's a pretty ignorant comment but typical of an import loving individual who bases one's worth on the brand of car they drive. If the G8 was a BMW it would be OK but since its a Pontiac you want to insult those who would own one. Most people driving a $33k car don't live in a mobile home. Regardless of what brand of import you have you don't strike me as someone I would respect or admire. You sound as ignorant as those you are trying to insult.
 
I do love all the folks here to decide to like or hate a car strictly based on the badge. Instead of talking about the G8 itself people are deriding the Pontiac brand. If you want to turn a brand around you make better cars and that is what Pontiac is doing.

Obviously over time your testers have cosen to drive something else home, rather than a 1984 vehicle that has yet to rack up enough miles to graduate from the long term fleet. Perhaps because like most exotics it may be pretty on the outside but unreliable under the hood.
 
Now, give your staff a real choice like the ones we have to make when purchasing, G8 vs. Charger, Accord, ALtima/Maxima, Camry/Avalon.
 
Oh, I get it now. After trying to find a value of a 1984 308 on your own website you must have given up and decided to keep the Ferrari. BTW, it's worth way more than a G8.

edmunds should get a used ZR-1 since they are into old performance cars. I would also recommend a used CTS-V.

1487 - You know, for someone I tend to pick on you :)
 
A quote from you: "If you want to turn a brand around you make better cars and that is what Pontiac is doing."
 
Shouldn't that be "...that is what Pontiac is trying to do."
 
The Solstice was not a bad effort, and it raised the brand's profile among the public, but it's been unsuccessful due to a terrible launch campaign, an un-inspired engine, a transmission taken from the GM truck division (with correspondingly terrible gear ratios for the roadster), and nightmarish interior ergonomics. The G5...I won't comment on a rebadged Cobalt simply to give Pontiac a small car. The G6...well, it's not even mentioned anymore in online comparisons of family sedans. It certainly helped Pontiac overall, but simply in the fact that it wasn't instantly outdated and poorly created. Decent car.
 
And now the G8. A rebadged Holden...not a bad thing. A genuine hardcore V8, a snoz only it's mother could love, but it looks like they have everything else about right (except for the auto-only trans option). It's got pistonheads heads' turning towards pontiac, always a good thing.
 
But they haven't turned the brand around yet. Not by a mile. But they are trying.
 
I think you meant to say trying :)
 
Joe

Being the horsepower monger that I am, I'll pick the G8. Brand new and with a warranty are nice side benefits too.

308 for me. Especially if the G8 is auto only. Big lumbering sedan with a slush box vs. an aged Italian exotic is not much of a comparison. Both have significant cons.

"But they haven't turned the brand around yet. Not by a mile. But they are trying. "
 
Never said they turned the brand around. I said they are making better cars and thats the way you change perceptions of the brand. The solstice isnt a failure and your comments about it's engine(s) dont line up with reality. The base engine is appropriate for a base engine and the turbo engine is great for its class. The interior is a little cheap but the car accomplishes it's mission. I dont remember the car having a terrible launch, I remember it being advertised on the Apprentice before it was available and many people getting upset because they wanted it right away. Thats not a terrible launch though.
 
The Torrent will go away in a year or two, the Vibe has been redesigned and the G6 has done pretty well in spite of fact the media has given it the cold shoulder. g5 doesnt really do much for Pontiac but apparently dealers wanted a car in that price range to sell.

Neither. The 308 is just too old for my tastes and the G8 screams "4-door GTO" to me. I hated the GTO's bland styling and the G8 is just as boring to me, with scoops, vents, and other holes to attempt to make things interesting. Great that it has a big V8 and a supposedly polished interior... wait, didn't the GTO have that too?
  
I hope the LT test turns my initial impressions around.

I'm in an interesting position to comment on this one. My friend from the gym back home has two Ferrarii (or Ferraris, however you want it), an '84 308 quattrovalvole and an 88 Testarossa (for the record, my personal favorite Ferrari just because I'm also a red head). They're both rubbish. Both awful, but especially the 308. It's crap. It's not fast, it breaks all the time. It's even a little fugly. Same goes for the Testarossa except, oh yeah, it's fast and breaks all the time. Good thing the Doc's a Doctor.
The G8 on the other hand, being the same as a VE Commodore is a hoot, says my buddy lately of Australia. His dad has one. Balls to the wall. Last weekend I was at Daytona for the Rolex 24 Hours and I have to say (Pontiac had one on display) the rest of their range might be a joke right now compared to other automakers, but that G8 is a world-beater. All it needs is LS2 from the 05-06 GTO (which I'll hopefully soon be purchasing)and a proper three-pedal floor arrangement, which the Pontiac boys said was on the way for the next model year. Trouble is, if the EPA regs too much stiffer, there may not be any "next model year," for what's a brilliant car, at least in this country. And with it goes most all driving fun left to someone who will never, ever, ever own a front wheel drive car. (Real) v8s forever!
 
Sorry it got preachy, but for all the skeptics, the G8 is the ticket. It's great. It'll sell. It deserves it. I'm just as much a bimmerphile as the next cat (look at my screen name, yes that's e36, I've got a sedan M3 in addition to a smidge of rationality). The 308 is crap. Inside, outside. Whatever. Anyone who's really driven in it knows it. That is, unless you're being payed to drive it like the edmunds.com staff, in which case I'm sure I could find nice things about it, too. Like the badge it has. Because that's all it's got.

rkoe36,
 
You are in trouble now. What you speak is heresy around these parts. It's a PONTIAC! Did you miss that part?

i'd take a g8 with a slushboxx any day of the week. end of story.
 
Oh and i hate Nascar and BMWs don't excite me. neither do manual transmissions. yuck.
 
i can hear it starting already. "topheezy don't you know that "real" enthusiasts hate front wheel drive cars and will only drive manual tranmissions?"

The G8 is not a Pontiac any more than a Cayenne is a Porsche. We live in the day of the global architecture, people. The Zeta platform (it's GM product, end of story) is where it's at for large sedans. I dare say that only a BMW 5er can surpass it, and certainly not on value. As I said, it needs a clutch pedal and another 40 horses like the 6 liter that came before it. Then it's A-ok. Now, it's merely the best thing going for $30 k if you have a family and don't have your head shoved up you-know-where.

woah woah woah wait just a second. none of this "head shoved up your you-know-where" garbage. we all like cars here otherwise we wouldn't be here. this doesn't need to turn into a flame war. i'm allowed to hate bimmers just as much as you're allowed to hate front drive.

it is funny how those who like manuals act as if a car has no merit without a manual. for better or worse manuals just arent popular these days, especially on large cars like the G8. There aren't many (if any) EPA full size cars with manual transmissions these days. I hope the G8 gets one, but if it does the take rate will be low.
 
I don't watch NASCAR either BTW so I guess that makes me to sophisticated to like a Pontiac.

Neither. I'll take an '07 G35 automatic with 15k miles on it, thank you.

Quit rubbing it, Scott. I'd choose neither. I'd bum the keys to your old man's Camaro.

A manual transmission should be an option on a car with such seriously sporting intentions, and for a car that was ORIGINALLY SAID to be offering a manual transmission in the U.S. (later retracted). The car is built with a 6-speed.
 
U.S. tends to prefer auto boxes on most cars (Mini is one exception, a few others are out there). Doesn't mean the manual trans is dead. I don't feel like the car is a dud without one, but it loses a tremendous amount of interest to me. A good manual trans is as important to me as good steering feel. I've driven 140 HP economy cars that felt amazing because of their steering feel and driving position...and I've driven the same type of car that was a dud. A good 5/6 speed does the same thing to me. I'll still look with interest at the G8 when I see it, but won't consider owning it unless they start pumping 'em out with 5 or 6 speeds.
 
1487 - The Solstice is a failure because the launch campaign was terrible (the apprentice was one part of that failure, but the delayed launch left this RWD convertible coming out in the winter months as opposed to the spring...). Now, less than 2 years later, they have long lot-times at dealerships. Signifying a car that does not sell well.
 
You speak well of the engine? I happen to own an eco-tec engine, and I can say that it's bulletproof. That's about the only good thing going for it. It's a model for vibration, noise, harshness, and a dislike of being revved. It is not harmonious in it's sounds (though the solstice's exhaust has helped that some). It is the opposite of what a roadster's engine should be. It is connected to a 5-speed unit taken from GM's truck division. Sturdy as all get out. But not that pleasurable to shift, and the gear ratios are an abomination for the powerband of the car. The exact opposite of what a roadster should have. The interior has no ergonomics. The cupholder folds down BEHIND the driver's elbow (why even have one?). There is no room to store anything (map pockets, anyone?). And the trunk, with top down, is an embarassment to the word. Boot accurately describes what it can fit. A boot. One. Not two.
 
All of this would be meaningless if it was a competitive product...but it loses out to the established and superior product of the Miata MX-5 in all of those areas and more....and the Miata can be had cheaper, and has a sterling reliability record, greater gas mileage, and more comfort. Of course, it looks like a blow-up doll of a car compared to the curvaceous beauty of the Solstice....but, as any couple will tell you, looks only help you get in the door. It's what's underneath that makes you hold on tight.
 
The Vibe is being revamped...great. Will Toyota provide a better powertrain this time around, instead of the vapid 1.8 liter "bag-o-squirrels" and the time-stands-still shifting of the 4-speed automatic?
 
The G6 got the cold shoulder because it was the family sedan no one card about. It was a new product that didn't surpass it's competitors in any recognizable manner and didn't have an established name. The G5...well, like you said....it was a product of DEALER's asking for a small car to sell. Not the public. Not market demand. Car salesmen.
 
Now the G8 comes to the U.S.....Lutz betrays thousands of enthusiasts by telling them it'll get a 6-speed and then renegging. But nonetheless, it is still everything Pontiac should be. Driving excitement. Big-arse engine in a RWD sedan with serious sporting intent.
 
When was the last time any of us associated the word Pontiac with Driving Excitement? When the Solstice GXP was announced? Well, I'm excited. Just give me my 6-speed.
 
Joe

What is up with the anti-NASCAR comments, dont bash the sport because you can't appreciate it, and the fact that it doesnt have cars with badges Ferrari or McLaren Mercedes. It reminds of all the anti G8 people who think of it as a lowly Pontiac and prefer the Ferrari just for its badge. If the G8 had a BMW or Audi badge I wonder what the comments would be like then?

What you fail to understand is that brands like Ferrari, BMW and Audi are appreciated not because they are just merely seen as costly cars, but because there is ACTUAL SUBSTANCE to their cars. That's how you earn a reputation. BMW and Ferrari have earned it. What reputation does Pontiac have? They are soulless and drive like crap. There is no substance. The cars attempted to be sold based on nostalgia and other meaningless factors.
 
Now if something like the Astra ever trickles into the Pontiac line-up, I'll start to change my tune.
 
All that said, I totally agree that badges are, to an extent, sales gimmicks. Just like model years. Hey, an NSX was a Honda in every other part of the world, right?

Well, I chose a 330CI with 90k over a 2005 GTO with 11k after driving both for a few days.
 
400 horsepower or not, the GTO just didn't impress once you got past the spec sheet. Atrocious handling, poor visibility, bland styling.
 
Don't get me wrong, the G8 seems much better than the GTO - more practical, better looking (not good-looking, *better* looking), newer platform, but I think the old M3 in the test fleet would wipe the floor with it in a comparison test.
 
I'd pick the G8 over that Ferrari, though, because with the 308 I think I'd need to grow a mustache.

Edmunds -
Q:
When will you be publishing test numbers & detailed impressions of this G8?
- Ray

The Price is what you pay & Value is what you get…
  
Example: 101 here.... 1984 Sports Car to Sports Car
  
This is what a 1984 205 Hp Corvette is worth today .. What do you think the G-8 is worth in 24 years.. ?
  
 1984 Corvette:
 
Color: Red
Mileage: 42,000
Condition: Average
Zip: Westchester, NY
   
 Dealer Retail
      
      
Base Price $1,047 $1,735 $2,881
      
Optional Equipment $13 $55 $140
      
Color Adjustment $0 $0 $0
      
Regional Adjustment $-61 $-100 $-166
      
Mileage Adjustment $761 $761 $761
      
Condition Adjustment $-309 $-504 $-823
      
        Total $1,451 $1,947 $2,793

It'll be worth peanuts in 24 years.

Peanut shells, you mean.

at least with the old vette and a 24 year old g8, you'd be paying what its worth.
 
a 24 year old ferrari, your paying 23k more just to have the name.
 
so if you like burning money on a label go ahead.

"A manual transmission should be an option on a car with such seriously sporting intentions, and for a car that was ORIGINALLY SAID to be offering a manual transmission in the U.S. (later retracted). The car is built with a 6-speed. "
 
GM never said the manual isnt coming. Get the facts straight. They said at the start that it would have late availability and then they said it wont be available in the 2008 model year. Thats all they said.
 
No time to respond to everything else you said but the ecotec has been refined several times over its lifespan in in the current C&D issue they say the Malibu's engine is one of the most hushed in the comparison test. And yet its powered by an ecotec. The solstice hasnt been a failure, they only planned to sell 20k a year in the first place. it started out hot as many niche cars do and interest faded as many of those who wanted one got one. Thats the way it goes for this type of car. Same applies to vehicles like the TT, they are hot for a year or two and then fade because they are such niche products. BTW, the kappa roadsters have outsold the Miata thus far so someone likes them even if you do not.
 
the G6 has actually sold well and has outsold cars like the Fusion and Sonata. I would say the GP GXp and GTO offered some driving excitement in addition to the Solstic GXP. The G6 GTP/GXP isnt too bad either from a performance perspective. Manuals appeal to magazine writers and a SMALL portion of the public. Most people dont want them and thats why they are increasingly rare.

Unreal. I almost fell off my chair here at Sea-Tac reading this. Where are all the car guys?!
  
One thoughtful comment: "In 20 years, the Ferrari will still be a classic and the G8 will be an old Pontiac getting parted out in a junkyard."
  
At least one guy gets it. If life is all about service costs, then yeah, go for the Pontiac. Heaven forbid someone leaves you a Ferrari Daytona someday... you could service a fleet of Honda Civics for what an old piece of junk like that would cost.
  
Guys are already paying close to six figures for the remaining great fibreglass 308 ('76 models in the U.S.)
  
Enjoy your Pontiac. I'm on the wrong site.

This is easy. The G8 is most definitely the better daily driver. The 308 gets the nod for the weekend, though!!!

Hmm. I guess everyone on this board is under the age of 20, because in 1982 the 308 was said to be the best sports car in the world by Road and track. Do people critique 250 GTO's because new M3's are as fast? The pontiac is a common, everyday car that is very powerful. The 308 is an exotic that will have long lasting appeal, regardless of reliability. You dont buy a ferrari and complain that the day to day costs are too much. If you spend 25000 on a ferrari, you are not going to get a great example...
 
Either way, i guess some of you need to start emailing all those at the Barret jackson, because some of them bought old mustangs, vettes and camaros that are slower then my 535.
If you need someone to explain to you why ferrari is more then just a name, well, i guess you just arent much of an entusiast after all. this isnt to say you cant dislike them, i have many friends who love their porsches. But, to dismiss them as a 'badge' is flat out ignorant. Watch just 10 minutes of allen decadeney's (sp?) victory of design on ferraris and you will understand just a sliver of why ferraris are the most sought after cars of ALL time. Hel just look at the auction prices for them...

I was born in '81, but I was a slow bloomer. I didn't learn to read until Preschool, which would have been around '85. I'd imagine "Ferrari" was one of my first words, though.

Ferrari 308 or 2008 Pontiac G8 GT? Ferrari.
 
Camery/Accord or G8?
G8.

if you were to compare it right you have to compare it the 84 ferrari 308 with the 84 corvette,
the g8 is an obvious choice based on todays specifications, hp and gas miledge wise, but imo I still like the 308 2 words, Magnum Pi!
But personally I don't like buying american

If this was 1985 I would go with the FErrari. Today, its just an old exotic with dated styling and poor quality.

It’s astonishing that most of Edmunds readers have selected the Pontiac. The open market has chosen the Ferrari. 308’s have appreciated 15% in the last 6 months.
  
1984 Ferrari 308 gts qv - Nada average retail $43,000
  
Pontiac G8 gt - Msrp $29,000

It is a little stupid to ask what you want to choose just like that, 1984 Ferrari or a 2008 Pontiac. The Ferrari is 24 years older.
If you want to compare, show us your 1984 Pontiac option and then lets talk.
  
1984 Pontiac Fiero Sport Coupe ... hehe..
  
You should rather ask if we want to choose the Ferrari F430 or the pontiac GT/high end japanese/xxxxx

The character and magic of the 308 every time, hands-down.
 
Even with the bills....you only live once.

Good post:
  
"It’s astonishing that most of Edmunds readers have selected the Pontiac. The open market has chosen the Ferrari. 308’s have appreciated 15% in the last 6 months..."
  
Now, the Dino/Ferrari 246 is slower than the 308, has only six cylinders and won't handle as well as a 308.
  
Would readers here take that car over a Pontiac G8?

prodrive, the numbers you posted for an 84 vette, i'm guessing provided by edmunds, are so way off it's not even funny. WAY off.
  
As for the choice between the two cars, it's an absurd comparison. That being said, I'd take the Ferrari over the Pontiac any day of the week. How many chances does anyone ever get to own a Ferrari? Sure, the 308 is a slouch compared to today's standards, but I guarantee you I'd have more fun in that 24 year old Ferrari than I'd ever have in that new Pontiac.

"prodrive, the numbers you posted for an 84 vette, i'm guessing provided by edmunds, are so way off it's not even funny. WAY off".
 
Edmunds has this 84 vette listed as $2,759 Retail price !!! Wholesale price is around $1,200. Look for your self (1984 Vette, Red,Good Cond, 42,000 Miles)
 
"edmunds, are so way off it's not even funny. WAY off".
 
Your right its not Funny,its Sad ....

uh, did someone forget to take the red car out for a spin? It has been awhile since there was any blog posted. If your too busy with all those OTHER cars, let me or any other of the ferrari fans know and I'm sure one of us can test it out.

This is a really interesting debate from my point of view, as I own a 2007 Holden Commodore SS (aka Pontiac G8 GT) and I've always wanted a Ferrari 308 since I got one as my first toy car when I was a kid.
 
I'm stunned to read that my car is probably faster than the 308, although I really shouldn't be. 24 years is a long time in the car business. But if my car is faster, and at least in Australia a good used 308 costs more than a new Commodore SS, plus the Ferrari maintenance costs...it's hard to see the point of owning the Ferrari other than for the sheer pleasure of being able to look at it and admire the lines.
 
(Incidentally, it's disappointing to read that you guys aren't getting the manual G8 - I've driven both the manual and the auto, and while the auto is nice, the manual really makes the car. So that's what I bought).

"(Incidentally, it's disappointing to read that you guys aren't getting the manual G8 - I've driven both the manual and the auto, and while the auto is nice, the manual really makes the car. So that's what I bought)."
 
No manual trans. available ( yet ) in the US G8 GT.
 
Rumors = in the GXP for 2009.
With an LS3.
We shall see....
 
- Ray
Still awaiting Edmunds report(s) on their long term experience...

The Edmunds Test is up:
 
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=124876/pageId=136042#

Easy decision. If I wanted to have fun driving, I'd take the 308. If I just wanted a comfortable car to get me from point A to point B, I'd take the Pontiac. I own an '85 308 GTS myself and it never stops being a thrill to drive. My mundane car is a 2005 BMW 330i ZHP which is actually a pretty nice little car. The BMW is comfortable for buzzing around town in but it is never an event or an experience. Everytime I fire up the Ferrari (and I drive it every day in the summer just for fun!), it is an event that puts a big smile on my face. It's a fantastic car that's all heart and soul. It's all about passion with the Ferrari.
 
Paul