Discussion
Believe the engine and drivetrain are largely the same. Many of the bits are the shared, which I guess you'd expect, as they don't want to engineer each new model from the ground up. The only specific issue I can recall over 550s is something with the early wheels getting stress fractures? Manu, Ajay or Frostie would know more.
A P or R reg 456 won't have ASR whereas all 550's and 456's from roughly S plate onwards do ('M' modification).
I drove a 355 back to back with a 550 a few years ago at Maranello and thought the 550 was outstanding and much quicker than the 355 when you can't be bothered to try too hard. However, needing the rear space, I thought about a 456 but eventually bought a 3200 instead.
I think the 550's are much easier to sell on but the 456 looks prettier. Depends on whether you need rear seats?
I drove a 355 back to back with a 550 a few years ago at Maranello and thought the 550 was outstanding and much quicker than the 355 when you can't be bothered to try too hard. However, needing the rear space, I thought about a 456 but eventually bought a 3200 instead.
I think the 550's are much easier to sell on but the 456 looks prettier. Depends on whether you need rear seats?
550 is a chunk more powerful and V12 has a different firing order and cams which radically changes the engine characteristics, making it significantly faster than a 456.
I think a good 456 at 50k is a better buy than a slightly tired 550 at 65k but you pay your money and take your chances.
Both will be residually ok, although with new 456 replacement looking like a dog it might help the values of the existing car.
I had a 456 and it was great, but more of a GT in truth and the interior doesnt feel that special. A 996 carrera does it better if you want a 4 seat GT that also does the sports car bit, and doesnt cost 6-7K a year to service and warranty!!
Bennno
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