Any opinions on Ride between 575 and SL55

Can't speak for the 575 but I have taken all of my 3 550's on long drives (LA-SF) and felt absolutely perfect after arriving..... No fatigue whatsoever. In all fairness, I had a sl600 and that was no slouch either....

The Ferraris were more fun for sure though.

 

I can't speak to the MBZ's handling, but if you are looking to 'replicate' the softer ride in the SL55 (and are willing to compromise a bit on handling precision) a 575 without a handling pack (GTC or FHP) should be where to focus. In truth, the stock 575 was considered a bit wallowy at debut (hence the handling pack upgrades shortly thereafter), so many Ferraristi had that corrected.

As to the rest, I can only echo what other people have stated which is that whether you go 550, 575 or 575 with handling packs, they are great long distance touring GTs and you should be very happy with your choice.

ketel

 

Kind of depends on your build. I'm a tall guy 6'4" and for me the 575 is a bit tiring to drive, especially trying to make a graceful exit curbside. Still love it, of course, but my old CL600 that I sold a couple of years back was probably the most comfortable car I've ever driven. Pity about the constant electrical problems

 

Daytonas are the same. It's the sport seats that are not as adjustable.

 

Bob, I am also 6'3" and about 210. Much will depend on your relative torso length but I found the 550/575 window reinforcement to cut into my head room to a point. Love the cars and drivetrain but felt a bit cramped on longer trips. If everything else works for you you might go for a low profile seat rail or having a shop shave the seat cusions to get that extra vertical space. Very elastic motor with addictive torque curve and classic subtle styling, imo. I live in the mountains and find the MB handling wanting....!

 

599 is actually a more comfortable fit for me than the 550 and 575 and (I think) would be much better for long haul touring for a big guy. Despite the comfort factor, I really cannot stand by Benz for the same reasons as riverflyer and also the feeling that the car is designed to self-destruct when over 5 years old. The Daytona seats are definitely adjustable, but I've been having a lot of problems with the electrical adjustments on my 575's driver's seat and also for some reason the trunk release button.

 

I am older too and I have an SL600 and a Superamerica. The SL is more comfortable, the seats are more adjustable, there is less noise (less driver fatigue), the air conditioning is far superior. The SA has a different handling feel, stiffer, firmer, more controllable. If you like the SL and don't mind the differences I mentioned, you will like the 575F1.

I had a 2007 430 Spyder before the SA and it was not comparable to either the SL or the SA at all. Less comfortable, cheaper materials. It was fun to drive around, handled as well as the SA but more driver fatigue then either the SL or the SA, and the 12 cyl engine in the SA/575 is far, far better than the 8 cyl engine in the 430 and I also found the F1 worked better in the SA than in the 430, perhaps due to the additional horses and torque (yes, I know the 430 F! is supposed to have faster shifts).

I think the 575F1 is a very nice car and represents good value at these price levels.

 

Agree, 599 is a much more refined car in every way, but you pay for it and I dont want to be the one holding the keys when the bubble breaks and they lose that inflated $100k in a year!

 

I'm 6'3" ish and drive my 550 from Seattle-Bay Area and back from time to time - non stop except for gas/restroom. Works great. Only wish I had a cruise control. It's not as plush as an SL55, but it's a 12 cyl Ferrari and everything that goes with it!

Compare the above 14 hour trip with me maxing out in 3-4 hours in my 360/430s.

- Tim