Lost my 550 to a flood a few years ago and purchased a 599. Miss the gated six speed. The paddles are working well, but not for a child of the 60s. Thoughts on trading since the prices are very similar for nice cars which my 599 certainly is since Brian Crall keeps it that way. Advice or thoughts on the move are graciously solicited. Have a 2006 F430 gated spyder that we use often to the exclusion of the 599 which just sits. All are red/tan. Thanks, Jack
Nothing wrong with going back to a 550. Granted, the 599 is more powerful and has more modern features, but there is something special in the simplicity of the 550. I've owned my 1998 550 for almost 10 years now. Still love it as much as the day I bought it. .
I bought a 599 new in '07 and still own it. It is a paddle shifter car and I put the capristo exhaust on it . I love it. It is a rocket and sounds so good.
Having had both, I can say the 599 is more modern, extremely fast and and the F1 transmission is quick and slams the shifts home. The 550 is far more delicate, smaller and lighter on its feet. Overall, a more intimate drive. I didn't miss the 6-speed when I went to the 599, but did miss the tactile feel the 550 exudes. Further, living in the NE, I found the 550 to be a more convenient and comfortable daily driver, primarily due to its smaller size and open cockpit.
Not so obvious answer: they're very different, moving from to the other is a massive change. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the 599 isn't a "spiritual successor" to the 550. Their characters are not duplicative, they are complimentary. With regard to your question, you obviously know the merits of both, having owned both. What I will say is based on a post I wrote the other day around modern Ferrari (Porsche, Lamborghini, etc) and how they shape your perception of certain cars you revisit after a while. The 550 is a standout in this thought. The changing context of what exotics, supercars (whatever you want to call them) represent really impacts the way you see and feel about cars that have been around for a while. In contrast to a 599, the 550 is exactly what Frank posted above. It's a wildly classic experience (in the pop culture sense, before I get attacked for saying that ) and satisfies your experiential and historic passions if the 550 aligns with your "car guy profile" (which it obviously does). I can also go on about the merits of the 599, which I absolutely love and adore. But considering you're asking about a move to another 550, I think that in today's crazy world, a car with modern reliability (easy services), tactile analog experience (compared to anything new today - the changed context!), and price point (not a $500K car), the 550 represents the intersection of enjoyment, usability, enthusiasm, cool, and captures the je ne sais quoi that new cars simply don't. Can't go wrong either way. -Joe
This is a bit on the fringe, but there are shops doing F1 to MT conversions for 599. I'm sure the process is not cheap, but it is doable.
Any information on the results of the conversions on the 599 to MT? Saw the developing conversion that is posted, but not the result obtained or a fairly reliable price range. There also were a lot of comments in the past about the drivability of the 599 MT due to the very quick and apparently difficult problem of engine speed v drivetrain. Comments about the 599 not being meant to be MT were, of course, met with comments about driver abilities...
I agree with what has been said above for the most part, having had both, but it is nice not having to worry about the cam belt and all that entails in the 550. My 550 was a manual, which I prefer in general, but I can't say I enjoyed the "gait" that much with the metallic contact in spirited driving. So I guess I would keep the 599 if I were in your shoes, or go for something entirely different if you are not going to drive it much.
There's no question a F550 feels more mechanical than an F599. Particularly, that big ol' gated shifter. There ain't nuthin' better. There's no question a F599 would run circles around a F550 on the track. Only question is do you drive on track? There's no question a F550 looks better than a F599. Too bad, but it's true. There's also no question in my mind that a California looks better than a F550. But, you can't get a stick on a California. Your F430 is a sports car. Your F599 is a GT. Different stokes. At one point in time, I owned a F550, a 330 GTC, and a Challenge Stradale. Of the three, I'd take the Stradale in a heartbeat. It is a purede sports car. But the F550 would not be far behind. Realistically, I'd take your MT F430 in a heartbeat.
agreed .. the 550 is the last Ferrari I would sell.. just has a different feel the newer F1 cars.. and still has the torque of a V12 ...
I do miss my 550 but the power difference and shifting speed is nice...glad I walked away from my 550 and not riding in an ambulance... I suppose any V12 is my preference...or all...
In march 2010 i bought my 550 In August 2015 i bought my 599 Now, owning both cars for almost 2 years, i'm honest that it's very very hard to say what car i do prefer. 550 The external of the 550 looks better, more elegant, more timeless, the design is like a well aged fruit. The 550 smells better inside, the leather has the typical Ferrari smell. Driving the 550 has a relaxing effect. Driving the 550 on winding back country roads, also fast driven, is ideal for coming down after a hard working day. 599 The interior of the 599 looks much nicer (especially my Daytona seats), the quality feels higher. Driving the 599 has a stimulating effect. Driving the 599 sharpens the senses, it's like a kick in the a.. I believe, but i'm not 100% sure, i would prefer the 550 if i have to decide between both. Thankfully i can own and drive both. So i'm able to take the car which is the best for the moment, relaxing or stimulating. Daniel
Already have the MT430 Spyder. Already have the 08 599. Sounds like the right result is to add the missing 550. Just can't seem to find the 2001 right 550 in red/tan... All of the advice and comments are greatly appreciated as well as information on the 2001 550 that I am wishing for.
Congrats! I've never driven a 599...but I will say that I originally bought my Maranello to flip. Now it's my favourite car and don't see it leaving the stable anytime soon...if at all. It's the perfect blend of modern engineering and old world Ferrari in my opinion.
