456GTM or 550 Maranello?

[3200gt]

Thinking of changeing camps by a few kilometres, but not sure which (456 or a 550) to go for. Whats the ups and downs for each and what to check for, other than the usual?
Anyone already made the choice, which did you go for and why?:confused:

earliest I would consider would be 2000 so disregard anything earlier.

3200gt

[tony h]

550, no question unless you need a 2 +2 . 456 depreciates like a stone and the auto gearbox costs mad money to fix- like £20 k

[tony h]

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12930-1323808,00.html

[tony h]

And of course Kevin, 456 MGT has tons of experience with the 456;

www.pistonheads.com/members/showCar.asp?carId=2053

[3200gt]

Only need a 2+2 for her to get some shopping in, or could get a tow bar fitted and a trailer.

[shadowninja]

Sod all reasoning... this is a heart not head question... 550 looks nicer.

[joelk]

Used to have a 456GT, now got a 550M.

If it's just shopping space you're worried about, the 550 has a big enough boot for most things.

Driving experience is far better in the 550. Better balanced, more agile and quicker. Tubi exhaust should be compulsory.

456 is VERY good. Comfortably fits 2+2, but if that's not the main consideration, I'd go for the 550.

[Mr_C]

this looks like a good 456 GT for any of you looking for one, but i don't know if its a manual or an auto

www.benzbavarian.com/search.cfm

the 355 is lovely aswell.


Paul

[456mgt]

The deciding factor is whether you have children. Many times the only way to get out in your car at all is to take them with you. If not, it's a straight choice of which you prefer. One important factor is that you're more likely to find a manual 550 (all of them) than a manual 456M (1 or 2 in 10); I disliked the 456 auto intensely.

I think Joel had a pre-M car, and to be fair, any 2000 onwards 456 will be an M. The handling and mechanicals are much improved and it's much closer to the 550 than most people think. The reason I know is because I was going to change the 360 for a 550 (wanted a fast 2 seater alongside the 456) and didn't in the end since it felt like driving the same car twice. Even more so when you get it serviced; there were so many 550 items on the invoice when I first had my car serviced that I rang them to check I had the right bill.

Again my opinion, but I don't think either of these choices is an out and out sports car. I think of the 456 as an endorphin car (and the Stradale as an adrenaline car). The world just seems a better place as you sink into the seat of the 456, survey your environment, smell the leather and key that starter. Manu once described it as Ferrari's take on a Bentley, and I think he's right. That even applies to the ergonomics. I always get out of it in a better frame of mine than I got in. Always. To my mind, the 550 is more or less the same deal.

Both cars are bloody fast and bloody expensive to run, so just choose your poison!

[3200gt]

Mr_C said:

this looks like a good 456 GT for any of you looking for one, but i don't know if its a manual or an auto www.benzbavarian.com/search.cfm the 355 is lovely aswell. Paul

somewhat overpriced for a 95 model, and older than I'm looking for, but thanks for the link.

[456mgt]

tony h said:

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12930-1323808,00.html

Surprising amount of toss in that article. For instance they never came with fitted luggage as standard, oil leaks from the cam seals not atypical by any means, just so long as it's not pissing out of there. Doesn't mention the window fix (major ) or leaking shocks either.

[rubystone]

456mgt said:

The deciding factor is whether you have children. Many times the only way to get out in your car at all is to take them with you. If not, it's a straight choice of which you prefer. One important factor is that you're more likely to find a manual 550 (all of them) than a manual 456M (1 or 2 in 10); I disliked the 456 auto intensely. I think Joel had a pre-M car, and to be fair, any 2000 onwards 456 will be an M. The handling and mechanicals are much improved and it's much closer to the 550 than most people think. The reason I know is because I was going to change the 360 for a 550 (wanted a fast 2 seater alongside the 456) and didn't in the end since it felt like driving the same car twice. Even more so when you get it serviced; there were so many 550 items on the invoice when I first had my car serviced that I rang them to check I had the right bill. Again my opinion, but I don't think either of these choices is an out and out sports car. I think of the 456 as an endorphin car (and the Stradale as an adrenaline car). The world just seems a better place as you sink into the seat of the 456, survey your environment, smell the leather and key that starter. Manu once described it as Ferrari's take on a Bentley, and I think he's right. That even applies to the ergonomics. I always get out of it in a better frame of mine than I got in. Always. To my mind, the 550 is more or less the same deal. Both cars are bloody fast and bloody expensive to run, so just choose your poison!

Great summary Kevan, you lucky, lucky man

[3200gt]

Thanks for the info but it can't be as simple as wether Ive got kids or not.(which I dont.)

It'll be used just as a weekend car and continental tourer with a max of approx 3-6K per year.
Some do's you just have to make the right "entrance" too.

I get all the speed thrills I need on motorcycle track days at Brands Hatch. So looking at it from a "grand tourer" view point which is more comfortable over long continental journeys, which is going to get me there and back without constant hiccups and which has better "user friendly" character?

Thanks,

[FezzaO]

Have not actually driven either but I own a 575. Been with it to Vienna and back and could not think of a better car to be in for thid kind of a trip

I would be choosing the 550 over the 456 any day unless I needed the two back seats.

P.S the back seats in the 456 are surprisingly useful - sat in one and was quite comfi. I am only 5'6" so taller adults will not be comfi but its OK for kids or occasional passenger.

[joelk]

Hi there,

Kevin (456GT) was right. My 456 wasn't an M - which I hear is better handling than the older versions. (Not that there were any handling issues with mine)

Re - "which is going to get me there and back without constant hiccups and which has better "user friendly" character?"

I'd say (from personal experience) as long as you pick your car well (with FFSH, well looked after, etc) they're both as good for reliability. Both of mine have been very reliable, with only tiny issues that have been of minor significance (touch wood).

The 550 might get you there fractionally quicker, and I'd say the main difference is that it feels like more of a car you can throw around corners, terrorise and tear up the roads (rather than swoosh along with gracefully and with effortless power at any speed as you might do in the 456).

This is possibly also variable to if you have a tubi style exhaust fitted, which I have on the 550. I test drove one or two which didn't have that - and it just didn't feel right without one - (due to the way the sound connects you the power output - my own scientific view is that there is a direct link into the grinning muscles on my face).

For day to day use, the 456 is more of a car you can use everyday. I used to with mine. I don't feel the same with the 550, which I use mainly now when the roads are quiet (eg: driving at night) or on long trips on weekends - so I can really appreciate what it can do.

I don't have kids (yet) but I do have a dog - so it's really annoying not to be able to take the 550 on weekends away when everyine wants to come with. In this case, I'd say you either have to have a good "practical car" as a back up (as I do now) - or go for the 456. Or live with the obvious fact that the 550 (or any 2 seater) is never going to win on practicallity - but that isn't what you get it for.

Joel