Discussion
hi everyone; i am usually on the porsche pages as i a have a 993 which i have owned for the last 3 years, and am now thinking of changing. i orginally thought about trading up to a 993 turbo but i know think that i fancy a change.
i am a big admirer of the shape of the 456 and seems to have practical side to the car with 4 seats which could be used on occasion and a boot, i have been watching the used prices for a while and have also sen the 550 prices start to come in at similar money, in fact i think that similar age cars the 550 seems to be cheaper.
from what i understand the 550 is a better car and if you go 456 route then you should go for the modificato. can anyone who knows something about these cars / owners / dealers help me with this.
best
andy
i am a big admirer of the shape of the 456 and seems to have practical side to the car with 4 seats which could be used on occasion and a boot, i have been watching the used prices for a while and have also sen the 550 prices start to come in at similar money, in fact i think that similar age cars the 550 seems to be cheaper.
from what i understand the 550 is a better car and if you go 456 route then you should go for the modificato. can anyone who knows something about these cars / owners / dealers help me with this.
best
andy
Andy
I've got a 996 and a 456 so can help you here, although both cars are recent purchases. Firstly I have to say there is no comparison between the Porsche and Ferrari. Ferrari is so much more special in every way that it makes each drive an event. I drive the Porsche to work everyday, and its very normal and sensible in traffic and on the motorway. The 456 is too, but its a lot larger in size so its not as nimble.
Now the 456 and 550 are similar but quite different. Both are front engined V12s, but there the similarities end. The 456 is more practical as you mentioned, but the 550 is more "point and squirt" than the 456. Handling is better on the 550 (although the 456 is very good). Really I guess it comes down to if you have kids. I have two kids and so the 456 is perfect. A 550 just would not get used. If kids are not in the equation for the 550.
Trust me, you will not regret the move to Ferrari from Porsche.
I've got a 996 and a 456 so can help you here, although both cars are recent purchases. Firstly I have to say there is no comparison between the Porsche and Ferrari. Ferrari is so much more special in every way that it makes each drive an event. I drive the Porsche to work everyday, and its very normal and sensible in traffic and on the motorway. The 456 is too, but its a lot larger in size so its not as nimble.
Now the 456 and 550 are similar but quite different. Both are front engined V12s, but there the similarities end. The 456 is more practical as you mentioned, but the 550 is more "point and squirt" than the 456. Handling is better on the 550 (although the 456 is very good). Really I guess it comes down to if you have kids. I have two kids and so the 456 is perfect. A 550 just would not get used. If kids are not in the equation for the 550.
Trust me, you will not regret the move to Ferrari from Porsche.
hi, i was in the same predicament,but i went for the 456m. After looking at both i preferred the look of the 456. Talking to ferrari garages/specialists they are very similar to each other in terms of up keep, and maintenence and drive, although many say 456 is very expensive to maintain, as long as its looked after and you dont get the parts from Ferrari dealer you ll be fine.
The only criticism i would give on the 456 are the wheels, they are 17inch and feel bigger is best, however at the end of the day its a Tourer, not a F1 copy.
I opted for the Modificato as it was the upgraded 456 and i preferred the cosmetic changes.
Also with the 456 you have the added value of 4 seats.
Mine is a 456m reg 11/98. I am due to sell my car as i now want a Modena 360. Also I have just spent thousands on my car to get to near perfect mechanical/cosmetic condition, dont want to turn this into shameless plug as its not needed, when ever your ready and want details feel free to drop me a mail or you will see on piston heads/sales over next few weeks. paul.smith@bnpparibas.com, or if you just want to ask any questions on the 456 , good luck-
The only criticism i would give on the 456 are the wheels, they are 17inch and feel bigger is best, however at the end of the day its a Tourer, not a F1 copy.
I opted for the Modificato as it was the upgraded 456 and i preferred the cosmetic changes.
Also with the 456 you have the added value of 4 seats.
Mine is a 456m reg 11/98. I am due to sell my car as i now want a Modena 360. Also I have just spent thousands on my car to get to near perfect mechanical/cosmetic condition, dont want to turn this into shameless plug as its not needed, when ever your ready and want details feel free to drop me a mail or you will see on piston heads/sales over next few weeks. paul.smith@bnpparibas.com, or if you just want to ask any questions on the 456 , good luck-
I've had a 996 and now have a 550.
Downsides are that they are more expensive to run (no surprise). I got mine in December knowing it needed tyres, brakes, servicing and a few other things sorting.
I paid circa £7k below the going rate and reckon so far I've spent that on the car (£2k was for louder back boxes and car cover mind you). The car is currently in garage having developed a fault (think it's some sort of ternsioner on the engine that broke following a trip to the Lakes). They had to take the belts off it so I've decided to replace them (due in April next year anyway = £2k bill soon. Also, there's some corrosion I want sorting - yes they do corrode. I reckon I'll have spent £10k on it by year end, but the car will be totally mint.
Oh, and they like to get through tyres. My rears I replaced 6 months ago are down to the wear indicators! Mind you I do drive it as intended!!
Those are the downsides. The upsides are many. It's an amazing car to drive. It out performs my 996 on every level - handling, braking, acceleration. It turns heads everywhere it goes, and puts a smile on my face every time i look at it, never mind drive it. It's a lovely thing.
My advice is get it inspected as i did and negoatiate on price if it needs sorting because it won't be cheap. I have no regrets even though I didn't expect some of those bills so soon. You only live once and whilst the 996 was a great car, the thought of going back to one doesn't excite me at all.
Downsides are that they are more expensive to run (no surprise). I got mine in December knowing it needed tyres, brakes, servicing and a few other things sorting.
I paid circa £7k below the going rate and reckon so far I've spent that on the car (£2k was for louder back boxes and car cover mind you). The car is currently in garage having developed a fault (think it's some sort of ternsioner on the engine that broke following a trip to the Lakes). They had to take the belts off it so I've decided to replace them (due in April next year anyway = £2k bill soon. Also, there's some corrosion I want sorting - yes they do corrode. I reckon I'll have spent £10k on it by year end, but the car will be totally mint.
Oh, and they like to get through tyres. My rears I replaced 6 months ago are down to the wear indicators! Mind you I do drive it as intended!!
Those are the downsides. The upsides are many. It's an amazing car to drive. It out performs my 996 on every level - handling, braking, acceleration. It turns heads everywhere it goes, and puts a smile on my face every time i look at it, never mind drive it. It's a lovely thing.
My advice is get it inspected as i did and negoatiate on price if it needs sorting because it won't be cheap. I have no regrets even though I didn't expect some of those bills so soon. You only live once and whilst the 996 was a great car, the thought of going back to one doesn't excite me at all.
Hi
There have been numerous posts about 550's on Pistonheads.
Ive had mine for nearly a year and its been a fantastic experience. Only thing I would suggest is make sure you get a battery charger, as if it sits in the garage for long periods the battery does drain. Belts need doing once every 3 years. A lot of people forget that the 550 was meant as the replacement for the Testarossa and as such for a while was Ferrari's flagship car. I beleive that the figures are something like 3,500ish cars made, of which about 500 made it to the UK. Of these approx 10-15% were in Rosso with rest being silvers, blues and greys.
So in the long term I would hope that the red 550's will ultimately become more desirable.
I think you need to budget between 2-3k per year in running costs, and I would recommend Luker Rowe Hibernian for Insurance, and its worth speaking with Simon Furlonger as he can normally source very decent cars and is always competitive price wise.
There have been numerous posts about 550's on Pistonheads.
Ive had mine for nearly a year and its been a fantastic experience. Only thing I would suggest is make sure you get a battery charger, as if it sits in the garage for long periods the battery does drain. Belts need doing once every 3 years. A lot of people forget that the 550 was meant as the replacement for the Testarossa and as such for a while was Ferrari's flagship car. I beleive that the figures are something like 3,500ish cars made, of which about 500 made it to the UK. Of these approx 10-15% were in Rosso with rest being silvers, blues and greys.
So in the long term I would hope that the red 550's will ultimately become more desirable.
I think you need to budget between 2-3k per year in running costs, and I would recommend Luker Rowe Hibernian for Insurance, and its worth speaking with Simon Furlonger as he can normally source very decent cars and is always competitive price wise.
thanks for all the feedback; it would seem that most people are on the same page that i am; i havent kids at the moment but could well have in a couple of years so as a 'keeper'the 456 could work better than a 550.
there would seem to be more 550's about than 456s and although the early 456's are around the £30k mark the later ones seem to do more money than a similar aged 550? is this the case as i cant seem to see any that are cheaper than the 550.
obviously i need to go drive one of each to see which one ticks the box but from an aesthetics and comfort point of view they would seem a step up from the 993...
also i think that i am after a manual; has anyone compared the manual vs the auto....
paul what colours is your 456?
andy
there would seem to be more 550's about than 456s and although the early 456's are around the £30k mark the later ones seem to do more money than a similar aged 550? is this the case as i cant seem to see any that are cheaper than the 550.
obviously i need to go drive one of each to see which one ticks the box but from an aesthetics and comfort point of view they would seem a step up from the 993...
also i think that i am after a manual; has anyone compared the manual vs the auto....
paul what colours is your 456?
andy
I have got a 550 which I got back in Feb - to me they are epic cars and even in silver they draw a reasonable amount of attention. I cannot imagine there will be anything between a 456 and 550 in terms of running costs - which I think will be about £1 per mile plus fuel.
I think the 550 has every chance of becoming a real future classic (evo car of the decade)whereas I would expect the 456 to continue to loose value as the market does not seem to like 4 seater f cars. I should point out I have never driven the 456 and I am not knocking it I just prefer the looks and extra power of the 550.
The only criticism I have of the 550 is that on a standard exhaust it is too quiet but with the exhaust boxes changed it sounds like a v12 f car should. Given that the prices for 550/456 are so similar I would go for a 550 unless you have kids in which a 4 seater may be the way forward.
Whatever you decide you will get a great car.
I think the 550 has every chance of becoming a real future classic (evo car of the decade)whereas I would expect the 456 to continue to loose value as the market does not seem to like 4 seater f cars. I should point out I have never driven the 456 and I am not knocking it I just prefer the looks and extra power of the 550.
The only criticism I have of the 550 is that on a standard exhaust it is too quiet but with the exhaust boxes changed it sounds like a v12 f car should. Given that the prices for 550/456 are so similar I would go for a 550 unless you have kids in which a 4 seater may be the way forward.
Whatever you decide you will get a great car.
Need 4 seats ? Get the 456 ...if you dont then you get to go for the 550 which is more fun, more power adn very nimble for a big car....
456 is nice but it is waht is appears to be - a big V12 4 seater
The 550 is jsut wonderful - it cxan be the V12 cruiser or the hoon of your life ... cabin is better, more ergonomic, beautifully constructed, hanlding is far superior to 456 and IMHO it looks superb too (pop up lights are a bit 80's)
Get the tubi straight pipes and the car sounds like it should as well (speak to Scuderiasytems)
Had to deliberate ages before selling mine to buy a gallardo as it was the best sports car i had owned...it was far harder to part with than my 355 spider as it was bulletproof, fun, fairly practical and great for long journeys with oodles of space.....
But back to the start here - need 4 seats ? 456 - Or already have a 4 seater for the family ? Go for the 550 then ....
456 is nice but it is waht is appears to be - a big V12 4 seater
The 550 is jsut wonderful - it cxan be the V12 cruiser or the hoon of your life ... cabin is better, more ergonomic, beautifully constructed, hanlding is far superior to 456 and IMHO it looks superb too (pop up lights are a bit 80's)
Get the tubi straight pipes and the car sounds like it should as well (speak to Scuderiasytems)
Had to deliberate ages before selling mine to buy a gallardo as it was the best sports car i had owned...it was far harder to part with than my 355 spider as it was bulletproof, fun, fairly practical and great for long journeys with oodles of space.....
But back to the start here - need 4 seats ? 456 - Or already have a 4 seater for the family ? Go for the 550 then ....
i think that the last two posts are where everyone seems to be, so its good to know that the conclusions that i have come too are somewhere near where they should be.
i think that i need to take a couple for a spin and see if that helps; the way i am looking at the 456 is that i dont like to change my cars too much as thats the best way to lose cash so i try and make them keepers, i have a 993 2S which i would hope to keep; i figure that i will probably have kids in the next 2 years so a nice 456 will keep me happy for the next 4-5 years; ideally though i would have the 355 spyder as a fun car the 456 as family car and the van (landrover disco), although i cant help thinking that's a bit ridiculous...
i think that i need to take a couple for a spin and see if that helps; the way i am looking at the 456 is that i dont like to change my cars too much as thats the best way to lose cash so i try and make them keepers, i have a 993 2S which i would hope to keep; i figure that i will probably have kids in the next 2 years so a nice 456 will keep me happy for the next 4-5 years; ideally though i would have the 355 spyder as a fun car the 456 as family car and the van (landrover disco), although i cant help thinking that's a bit ridiculous...
Hi Andy,
Im in no rush with my search. I expect the market to continue sliding the prices of both models, so Im happy to play that waiting game. My thread was about a week before yours and my plan is basically to spend the next 12 months looking at various cars, weighing up the options, seeing the general condition and how the market fares. I want and expect whichever I buy to be a keeper. My ideal spec is TdF blue with tan leather interior and a proper Ferrari manual, a Modificato for a 456 if I go down that road.
Ive toyed with a lot of cars and possibilities over the last 12 months and in the end done none of them and have stayed with my 'Grale. Rather than continue messing about, chopping and changing my mind, etc, Ive decided to just go with one of these 2 and stick to it. I dont really need to sell the 'Grale and I dont really want to, so Ive no reason to rush anything over the next 12 months. Translation: Ive managed to hold off the wife's nagging about telling me to sell the Lancia
Im in no rush with my search. I expect the market to continue sliding the prices of both models, so Im happy to play that waiting game. My thread was about a week before yours and my plan is basically to spend the next 12 months looking at various cars, weighing up the options, seeing the general condition and how the market fares. I want and expect whichever I buy to be a keeper. My ideal spec is TdF blue with tan leather interior and a proper Ferrari manual, a Modificato for a 456 if I go down that road.
Ive toyed with a lot of cars and possibilities over the last 12 months and in the end done none of them and have stayed with my 'Grale. Rather than continue messing about, chopping and changing my mind, etc, Ive decided to just go with one of these 2 and stick to it. I dont really need to sell the 'Grale and I dont really want to, so Ive no reason to rush anything over the next 12 months. Translation: Ive managed to hold off the wife's nagging about telling me to sell the Lancia
Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff