Quattrovalvole 308 GTS models commonly post low-to-mid-6 second 0-60 times in road tests.

Early two-valve 308 GTS cars usually sit in the high-6 to low-7 second 0-60 band.

Tires, tune and regional specification can shift vintage 0-60 times by several tenths of a second.

Quick answer: typical 0-60 times for the Ferrari 308 GTS and Quattrovalvole

Short summary for buyers and enthusiasts, ferrari 308 gts quattrovalvole

Short answer: expect high-6 to low-7 second 0-60 mph times for early two-valve 308 GTS models, and low-to-mid-6 second runs for the Quattrovalvole 4-valve variants, depending on model year and specification. This range comes from period road tests and specialist model summaries, which consistently place two-valve cars slower than QV examples under comparable conditions Car and Driver archived test.

One-line takeaway: if you are evaluating a listing or comparing models, use the mid-6 to low-7 second band for two-valve cars and the low-to-mid-6 second band for QV cars as a realistic baseline rather than an exact guarantee.

Where published numbers come from

Published 0-60 numbers are drawn from a mix of contemporary magazine road tests, manufacturer specification pages, and later valuation or model summaries, each using different measurement protocols and sample cars. Archived road tests remain the clearest primary data point for period performance measurements Car and Driver archived test.

Model context: what the 308 GTS and Quattrovalvole are and why it matters for 0-60

Model years, body and engine layout

The Ferrari 308 GTS is a mid-engined, V8 roadster produced from the late 1970s into the mid 1980s, and it was offered in both two-valve and later four-valve per cylinder Quattrovalvole forms. Factory specifications and model overviews provide the baseline for displacement, power outputs and production windows, which in turn explain why later variants generally accelerate quicker Ferrari 308 GTS model overview.

For practical purposes when you read a listing, the body style label GTS tells you it is the Targa-top roadster variant. That matters because weight, aerodynamic trim and original equipment tires for roadster examples can differ slightly from coupe or GTB variants, and those differences feed into sprint numbers.

What Quattrovalvole (QV) changed mechanically

Quattrovalvole denotes a four-valve-per-cylinder head update that improved breathing and raised peak power compared with the earlier two-valve cylinder head. The net effect was modest but measurable improvements in midrange torque and top-end power, which typically translate into quicker 0-60 runs in road tests for QV cars Quattrovalvole specifications and performance. You can also see period and later performance listings in automobile archives Automobile Catalog performance data.

Those mechanical changes are why you should treat two-valve and QV 308s as distinct when judging quoted acceleration numbers; the hardware change is real, and it shows up in independent tests and model summaries.

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How 0-60 times are measured and why published figures vary

Test methods used by magazines and manufacturers

Magazines typically run multiple test passes under controlled conditions and report an averaged or best-run 0-60 time, while manufacturer claims may come from idealised test rigs or controlled dyno conditions. Differences in measurement equipment, launch technique and reporting conventions explain part of the gap between sources. Archived magazine runs are useful because they report the actual test context and conditions Car and Driver archived test.

Common sources of variation between runs and publications

Independent tests show variation of several tenths of a second for the same model and year, which is normal for period cars where sample condition and testing protocols diverged between publications Road & Track comparison notes.

When comparing numbers, look for whether the test was done at sea level, with warm tires, with the car in original tune, and whether the gearbox and gearing were stock. Those variables commonly explain why two reputable sources report slightly different 0-60 figures.

Performance in practice: early two-valve 308 GTS (late 1970s to early 1980s)

Published 0-60 ranges from period road tests

For early two-valve 308 GTS models, the best-supported published 0-60 times cluster in the high-6 to low-7 second range in contemporary road tests and later valuation summaries, which is the sensible baseline to use when a listing cites a factory or period test number Car and Driver archived test.

These published runs are actual test measurements rather than marketing claims, but they still reflect the sample car condition, tires and whether the engine is carburetted or has later injection conversions. If a seller lists a 0-60 number for an early 308, verify the specific test source and the car configuration before relying on it.

How US-spec and carburetted examples commonly differ

US-market cars and early carburetted examples are commonly measurably slower than European-spec or later QV cars, often by a few tenths to as much as around half a second, because emissions equipment, different intake tuning and sometimes detuned cam profiles reduce available power in the relevant rev band Hagerty model profile.

For buyers this means a quoted 0-60 should be read against the car's spec sheet: US emissions equipment or carburettors versus later injection or QV heads will change the expected sprint performance.

Performance in practice: 308 GTS Quattrovalvole - what the 4-valve update changed

Reported 0-60 improvements in road tests

Quattrovalvole 308 GTS models generally post quicker 0-60 times than the earlier two-valve cars, most commonly landing in the low-to-mid-6 second range in independent tests and model summaries, reflecting the higher peak power and improved breathing from the four-valve head Quattrovalvole specifications and performance. Contemporary and later write ups also appear in enthusiast coverage Hemmings on the 308 QV. You can review current listings for comparison on MPH, for example 308 GTS Quattrovalvole listings.

Because the mechanical change improves cylinder filling and raises power at the top end, the effect shows up in short sprints where the car can use the wider power band. However, test conditions can still produce overlap with two-valve numbers when a two-valve car is in exceptional tune or a QV car is hampered by tires or altitude.

Why the QV often posts low-to-mid-6 second runs

The QV's improved breathing and slightly higher published peak power improve midrange response and acceleration, particularly through the first two gearshifts in a 0-60 run. Road tests and comparative summaries typically attribute the quicker times to that hardware change rather than to major chassis or gearbox differences Road & Track comparison notes.

Still, when assessing a quoted time, confirm whether the cited run was for a European-spec, properly tuned QV, as emissions and regional differences can narrow the gap.

Key real-world factors that can change a vintage 308's 0-60

Tire condition and compound, gearing and weight

Tires are one of the single largest variables for 0-60 testing: compound, age, pressure and temperature all affect launch traction and the first few tenths of acceleration. Weight, aftermarket wheels and gearing changes also shift sprint numbers in predictable directions Motor Trend technical article.

Small changes such as underinflated or worn tires may add several tenths to a 0-60 run, while sticky modern tires on a well-sorted car can improve times compared with original equipment tires.

Quick pre-purchase performance checklist for a vintage 308

Tires
Engine tune
Transmission
Spec variant
VIN verification
Emissions equipment

Use during a test drive

Engine tune, carburettor vs fuel injection, altitude and emissions settings

Engine tune and induction type are critical: carburetted late 1970s engines can be sensitive to jetting and altitude, while later injection and QV heads tend to cope better and deliver more consistent power across conditions. Altitude and emissions settings can both reduce measured power and therefore slow 0-60 times in real-world testing Hagerty model profile.

Practical buyer checklist items include verifying the car's induction type, asking for recent dyno or road-test evidence if available, and confirming tire condition and gearing before trusting a quoted sprint time.

Comparing the 308 GTS QV with the later 328 GTS and other successors

How the 328 improved sprint performance

The Ferrari 328 GTS, the 308's successor, typically posts mid-6 second 0-60 times in independent testing, making it generally a touch quicker than the 308 QV. This improvement is mainly due to higher usable power and driveline refinements that improved acceleration in everyday driving scenarios Road & Track comparison notes. You can also browse recent market listings for the 328 GTS 328 GTS listings.

That means when a listing compares a 308 to a 328 using 0-60 as an argument, treat the 328's mid-6 band as the realistic difference in sprint performance rather than a dramatic leap in capability.

Where the 308 still stands in driver feel and market context

Despite being a touch slower on paper, the 308 retains strong driver engagement, classic steering feel and a market position that many collectors prize for its period character. Use sprint numbers as one evaluation axis among many when reviewing value or desirability.

If you want to trade a small amount of straight-line performance for a specific era or look, the 308 holds its own; for pure sprint performance the 328 is the cleaner choice.

Practical scenarios: using 0-60 figures when buying or comparing listings

How to read a listing that cites a 0-60 time

When a listing cites a 0-60 time, check the specification line first: confirm whether the car is a two-valve or Quattrovalvole example, whether it is a US-spec vehicle, and whether the seller notes any modifications or recent engine work. Those items materially change what the quoted number means Hagerty model profile.

Ask for the source of the quoted time: was it from an archived magazine test, a modern test run, a dealer claim, or a dyno chart? Each source carries a different level of evidentiary weight.

Car Inventory

Realistic expectations for a test drive or dealer demonstration

For a test drive or dealer demonstration, set realistic expectations: a well-maintained two-valve 308 will commonly feel slower off the line than a QV, and a US-spec car often displays slightly reduced midrange. Ask the dealer to confirm tires, tune and whether the car is presented in original specification when they invite you to test the car.

When comparing listings on a marketplace, prioritise cars with documented recent tests or dyno figures and clear notation of induction type and regional specification. For a direct look at live inventory and examples, see MPH Ferrari 308 results MPH Ferrari 308 results.

Common testing mistakes, final takeaways and next steps

Top pitfalls to avoid when citing 0-60 numbers

Three common mistakes are overreliance on a single test without context, ignoring specification differences such as two-valve versus QV or US versus European spec, and assuming modern tires or modifications do not affect the quoted number. Archived tests and consolidated model profiles help avoid these errors Car and Driver archived test.

Final takeaway: use the high-6 to low-7 range for two-valve 308 GTS models and the low-to-mid-6 range for Quattrovalvole cars as a practical baseline, then verify the car's specific configuration, tires and test history when evaluating a listing.

Further reading and primary sources to consult are archived road tests, official model pages, and specialist valuation guides when you need confirmatory evidence before negotiating or bidding on a classic 308.

What's the 0-60 time for a 308 GTS?

Expect high-6 to low-7 seconds for early two-valve 308 GTS models, and low-to-mid-6 seconds for the Quattrovalvole 4-valve variants, with actual results depending on condition, tires, tune and specification.

What is the typical 0-60 time for an early two-valve Ferrari 308 GTS?

Early two-valve 308 GTS models typically run 0-60 mph in the high-6 to low-7 second range, depending on condition, tires and regional specification.

How much faster is a 308 GTS Quattrovalvole compared with a two-valve 308?

The Quattrovalvole 4-valve update commonly reduces 0-60 times into the low-to-mid-6 second range versus the two-valve baseline, though results overlap depending on test conditions.

Should I trust a single quoted 0-60 time in a listing?

Not without context; verify the source of the time, the car's spec, tires and tune, and prefer archived road tests or recent measured runs over unsupported claims.

If you are shopping for a 308 GTS, treat published 0-60 numbers as useful context, not a single point of truth. Verify the car's spec, condition and any available test evidence before relying on a quoted sprint time. For listing comparisons and targeted searches, use marketplace filters to confirm variant and equipment, and prefer cars with documented recent tests or dyno reports.

What's the 0-60 time for a 308 GTS? A clear guide

July 24, 2026 5:55 PM