| Author | Message | ||
| Dean (Deanger)
New member Username: Deanger Post Number: 7 Registered: 2-2003 |
Is there any indication over time where the prices of the 575 and the 550 will converge. In otherwords, sure they are far apart now, but in 5 years what do we think the difference will be? Also, I searched the archives and have yet to find more than a scant post or two of the differences (driving) so feel free to keep them coming  | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 766 Registered: 12-2001 |
Interesting, concerning your comments about the track, Alex. I acknowledge the virtue of the paddles there, but I guess i think of the both the 550 and 575 as way big, fat and with far too much unnecessary stuff to be a real contender, there. EVO magazine just published a track test that included a Subaru WRX, 575 and regular 911, and the results were in in that (ascending) order. I'd be the first to admit that i have little real track experience, and scared the •••• out of myself with the 550 on a track, in part because i felt the car was soo big and heavy. I am not disagreeing with your choice, but was trying to be (uncharacteristically ) practical about the expenditure of dollars vs. car. You know my view. Regards. | ||
| Gene Agatep (Gagatep)
Member Username: Gagatep Post Number: 267 Registered: 8-2002 |
575 = $230K = doh! (homer simpson) | ||
| Alex Papas (Alexpapas)
New member Username: Alexpapas Post Number: 6 Registered: 2-2003 |
I have a 575M F1 and the major diference on the street in city traffic is the ease of driving. The F1 is better suited to the big horsepower and wider torque band of the 575M than the 360 and the car simply feels much more "competent" than the 550. It's difficult to quantify in words, and yes the price difference is huge, but I obviously think it's worth it (I shelled out the dough!!) As for it not being a track car, I think it will work very on the track, being able to keep both hands on the wheel while controlling all the HP and torque. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 765 Registered: 12-2001 |
Christopher: Not to be contrary, but i think you missed my point. I would assume that there are performance differences between the cars. My point is only that the 575 is, at least presently, a retail priced car, in the neighborhood of 230k US dollars, whereas a good, used, late 550 is half of that. I know it seems absurd to talk about value in the context of a Ferrari, but in answer to the question which one makes the most sense, you'd have to be pretty hungry for the paddle shift, or for that extra ounce or two of performance ( or find the subtle aesthetic differences to be significant) to justify paying twice as much. Frankly, neither is a track car, and on the street, i doubt that the differences in performance justify the price. Nu? | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 660 Registered: 2-2002 |
GOD - that 575M in black with the 19" modulars looks STUNNING. Either that or a Giallo 360 Spider is my next car..... That 575M looks LOVELY... | ||
| Christopher Byrne (Scuderia512)
New member Username: Scuderia512 Post Number: 10 Registered: 2-2003 |
I do not agree with you there, they are not the same wheels as on a Barchatta. I feel there is a slight performance issue when opting for a larger rim. There are many more difference other than the wheels which account for the difference in price. | ||
| Jonas Petersen (Karsten335)
Junior Member Username: Karsten335 Post Number: 227 Registered: 11-2002 |
You can see it from the back too. The tail lights are a little more highlighted in the sides. If you look close, you can see the difference. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 764 Registered: 12-2001 |
The wheels are really a matter of taste. My 97 had the plain wheels which, to my eyes, look better on the car than the 3 piece ones, which are a little "busy". They also leaked (FNA replaced all four on the barchetta). Whichever you prefer, are they worth the astounding cost difference between the cars today? | ||
| Christopher Byrne (Scuderia512)
New member Username: Scuderia512 Post Number: 9 Registered: 2-2003 |
The 19" modular wheels for the 575 are a must | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Junior Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 90 Registered: 12-2002 |
The top is 575M with 19" Modular wheels and the bottom is 550 You have to see them from the front and interior. Otherwise, they look the same. I will take either of them or both   | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3759 Registered: 12-2000 |
550...  575...  | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3758 Registered: 12-2000 |
In the dealer last week the big visual difference I can see is the front lights. Can't remember which is which, I think the 550 had 2 rounds and a square vs. all three rounds on the 575. I'll double check. Of course that doesn't really make a difference in the car overall, just trying to find the best way to identify the difference. | ||
| Mark Freeman (Mrpc12)
Junior Member Username: Mrpc12 Post Number: 139 Registered: 11-2001 |
Yes, it's Tubi'd and timing belted too. | ||
| stephen r chong (Ethans_dad)
Junior Member Username: Ethans_dad Post Number: 165 Registered: 3-2002 |
Dean, Mark joined us last weekend for the early Bay area FChat gathering and I must say that his 550 is stunning. If your considering a Rosso Corsa car, you should do yourself a favor and fly on up for a look. It's immaculate. If I'm not mistaken, it's Tubi'd too ; ) | ||
| Mark Freeman (Mrpc12)
Junior Member Username: Mrpc12 Post Number: 138 Registered: 11-2001 |
Dean: I've got a 98 550 for sale and next week I'm going to have my favorite stereo shop take out the expensive stereo gear I installed and put back the stock units. Then I'm going to be dropping the asking price to $115K. If you are interested in buying a 550 I think it's a very good deal. Email me if you are interested. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 763 Registered: 12-2001 |
But is it a hundred thousand dollar difference? | ||
| Christopher Byrne (Scuderia512)
New member Username: Scuderia512 Post Number: 8 Registered: 2-2003 |
I own a 550 and find there to be a world of difference when driving the 575 compared to the 550. I have driven it both with the paddels and in the manual. These difference are evident in both. It is for this reason why I have opted to upgrade to a 575, however, a patient man i must be. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 762 Registered: 12-2001 |
I've had 2 550s, among other F cars. I wouldn't waste the money on a 575, particularly given the low cost of 550's, unless you have a hard-on for the paddles. Frankly, i have more fun with the stick, if you know what i mean, and given that the 550-75 is a pretty heavy, GT type car, i believe you'll find the conventional shifter to make the experience more involving. Of course, there are those that swear by the paddles, and who am i to argue? But, keep in mind, even a test drive or two will not necessarily decide that issue for you in the long run. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Member Username: Doody Post Number: 823 Registered: 11-2001 |
the 550s were generally solid throughout the production range. there were a few recalls on the older models, but they were certainly fixed. not like the 355s where there were some notable mechanical changes post the 1995 MY. of course buying the first MY of any new car is always a risky endeavor to some degree (true for every make). but seven years later, one could assume the car has/had been fettled out. the 575 has an upgraded instrument cluster with more electronic stuff like the 360s. i prefer the 550 cluster, but i'm biased. the 575 has a broader air damn mouth and a broader intake on the hood to feed the beefier engine. other than that, i think the changes are virtually nil beyond the F1 tranny option. perhaps someone with a 575 can comment further. i went from a 996 C2 Cab and a 996TT to a 355 Spider and 550. happy to answer any questions you might have on comparisons, etc. doody. | ||
| Dean (Deanger)
New member Username: Deanger Post Number: 3 Registered: 2-2003 |
Just in case you all thought you didn't have an influence over this P-car owner, I am now expanding my options list to 360,575 OR 550. Ask me the differences in a Porsche, I know them cold, but I am still warming up to Ferrari. Besides the modes HP increase and the F1 option, what are the differences between the 575 and 550? Also -- Is there a year beyond which I shouldn't consider a 550? Is a 99 better than a 98 in any build issues? Thanks! |