550 or 575

[bigbadandy76]

I am looking at a 550 or 575 and would appreciate any advice or comments on what in particular to look for.

The 2 cars I am looking at are at www.sladesgarage.com in Buckinghamshire - a red 550 @ £80k and a blue 575 F1 for £70k. I would appreciate any comments on the prices as well although they seem to be comparable with others per the classifieds.

I intend to do around 3-5000 miles per year and would be looking to keep for at least 3 years.

[TISPKJ]

Hi, others will be along shortly I am sure but to my mind it largely depends if you want manual or F1 gearbox.
I have never driven either but am reliably informed they are very different, the 550 is a more firm more sports car type car than the 575 which I understand is a softer car, that said if you opt for the handling pack cars they then become more alike.

[911Thrasher]

Personally for me, the car had to have bucket seats, as I intend to use it every once in a blue moon on track

And truthfully I found the 575 interior a nicer place to be than the 550...

So that's really how I went on my purchase.

After, I had the budget for the best...so went on a hunt for the ultra rare HGTC.

As always, buy the best for your money: it'll save you in the long run..better a well maintained car with high miles than a garage queen and all dry pipes IMO.

I've had a few Ferraris, and reliability was never a problem as long as regularly maintained and run.

Enjoy

Note: I'm sure the manual gang will be there soon to try to convince you to buy the last manual...I had a Stradale before, the F1 is no where as bad as many people would like it to be - it was good enough for me to use it daily in Central London!

Note note: if 575 it must have Fiorano pack...if finance allow HGTC is even better.

Edited by 911Thrasher on Friday 24th October 21:21

[johnnyreggae]

911Thrasher said:

if 575 it must have Fiorano pack

Nonsense - it depends on your use pattern - for at least 90 % of users FHP is not necessary

[cgt2]

Owned both (in manual form) - very little difference between them in driving terms (regular 550 vs FHP Manual 575). 550 more retro interior, not as well made as 575 but more charming. Both are wonderful, you cannot really make a bad choice.

[roygarth]

johnnyreggae said:

911Thrasher said:

if 575 it must have Fiorano pack

Nonsense - it depends on your use pattern - for at least 90 % of users FHP is not necessary

I have my 550 set to Sport most of the time i.e. for caning around A/B roads. I set it to Normal for Motorway cruising.

Is a non-FHP 575 set to Sport equivalent to a 550 set to Normal? If so I would not want one as I find that is too wallowy for caning around.

Apart from the above if you want auto you have to buy 575. If you want manual you have to but 550 - or shell out minimum £110k for 575 manual.

The interiors are so similar you will not make choice based on that.

[550M]

TISPKJ said:

Hi, others will be along shortly I am sure but to my mind it largely depends if you want manual or F1 gearbox.

That's about the top and bottom of it. Whichever way you go, you'll love it!

[phib]

I looked at both if these cars before buying my 550, both really lovely but IMHO the red 550 is better condition than the 575.

They are both lovely to drive, but I would suggest driving both, I also think it comes down to if you want a manual or auto.

The only reason I didn't go for the 575 was because the f1 wasn't my cup of tea and the last one I looked at had just had £3.5k spent on f1 sensors etc etc

Just my 2p worth

Phib

[clarkei]

I have enjoyed both. I just love the 575 with the F1 box and the car just feels that bit more modern. However, there is something special about the gear shift gate. Does not make for fast changes but you don't need to hurry in a 550. 550's go like fury in any gear. As for handling I doubt too many of us ever explore the limits.

[roygarth]

clarkei said:

As for handling I doubt too many of us ever explore the limits.

We all explore the limits - to a greater or lesser extent! I'm probably erring towards the latter, but still find that the 'wallowy' nature of my 550 in 'normal' mode disconcerting.

[phib]

I havent even found the sport button !!! Ha Ha

Phib

[mon the fish]

I bought a 550 earlier this year because I wanted a manual, and I prefer the slightly more old-fashioned looks (inside and out) of the 550.

I got Tim Walker to do a PPI on mine, money well spent IMO. His buying guide is well worth a read:
http://www.walkersport.co.uk/550-buying-coming-soo...

[MogulBoy]

I started out looking for a discrete 550 in Pozzi Blu or Argento but ended up with a gorgeous late 575M F1 in Rosso Corsa as I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to pick up this particular car after having looked at a few examples of both models. When you finally find 'your' car, it should speak to you and you won't /shouldn't be able to resist...

Looks are of course a matter of personal taste but as much as I love the 550's front bumper, I have always loved the late 575M/Superamerica "250-style" chrome grille - esp. when paired with the 19" modulars.

I didn't expect to fall in love the F1 transmission but there's lots to love about it, esp. when in sport mode. You must drive-it-like-a-manual though (and not think of it as an automatic, which it isn't). e.g. When it's in neutral, the car will roll which can raise your heart rate a little when manoeuvring on an unfamiliar slope!

My car has FHP but I would join those who would say that the springs are a tad harsh for what I see as the cars primary role - that of the thoroughbred grand tourer, but I'm sure that this set-up will come into its own when on the right roads and conditions permit..

Watching that Matra V12 video on here has sealed it for me - I must take it to Monza for a couple of circolazione turistica sessions ASAP!

Edited by MogulBoy on Tuesday 28th October 07:31

[Bluebottle911]

Given that they are both described as "stunning car in wonderful condition", i.e. in the seller's estimation two cars in identical condition, it is interesting to note that the 550 is priced at £10K more than the 575, even though the 550 has done 10,000 miles more than the 575.

[bertie]

When I was looking I drove both and preferred the 575, it's just more modern and has a number of detail improvements over the 550, not surprising really, Ferrari invested a lot of time, money and effort in the development.

Having said that, both the 550 and 575 I drove were manuals, if the 575 was an F1 I'd probably have gone 550.
I think the rarity of manual 575s bodes well for future values, only 69 RHD world wide.

In the end I bought a manual 575 with FHP, modular wheels, Daytona seats in TDF blue with tan and I bloody love it!