550/575 vs. 4C?

I know - completely different kinds of cars - but I'm torn between a 550/575 and an Alfa 4C. On the one hand, we have the traditional V12 Berlinetta, on the other, the flappy-paddle turbo track car. Whatever I get, it won't be a garage queen, but I don't plan to track it. I guess I'm trying to balance 'smiles per mile', vs. cost of ownership. My head is telling me the 4C would be more fun, and less expensive to run, but my heart wants a 'traditional' Ferrari. What to do? Thoughts/opinions are welcome!

Thanks!

Niv

 

Not comparable in any way. One gt cruising comfortable car and other hard core sports car. Are you going to road tip with another person and luggage? Canyon carve empty roads by yourself? Not even similar pricing.

Btw, im torn between ariel atom and tail fin Eldorado. Which should I get? Lol

 

for track work - 4C no question. the 550's are great cars but a tad heavy for the track.

 

he said hes not planning on tracking

 

Well then, that's the answer.

 

These kinds of threads always amaze me. Why on earth would you solicit opinions from unknown people from the web on a major purchase.

Go drive them both and write the check for the one you want. Period. End of story.

 

Those cars are so different that you should just find a nice owner of each and ride/drive.

Unless you have tons of disposable cash, exotic cars are a very emotional purchase and you really ought to shoot for the one you have always admired. It sounds like the 550/575 may be that car for you, because it has been around and chances are you have admired it since the day it was released.

You can always get a 4C later.

 

550/575 are (future) classics.
4C can not be compared, a better comparison would be the 8C.
But do not forget, 550/575 are GT cars, made for long, fast journeys and the 4C/8C are more like pure sports cars.

 

+1!!

 

Pricing is way off too. A year ago they would have been pretty close.

Have you considered a 360?

 

Make sure you fit in the 4C. Lovely car. I am too tall at 6'-1". My eye level is above the glass window edge.

The 550 is amazing.

Robb

 

Thanks all for the hints. In fact, I did drive a 360 about a year ago. It was 'very' harsh in town, not all that exciting on the freeway - but on the backroads ~ one of the most amazing automotive experiences of my life. It's an ancient cliche - but a 360 seems to be telling you 'drive me hard' in a situation like that.

Alas, I've gotten to the age where I've 'been there, done that' with sports cars - so I'm going to start looking for a nice 550.

 

550/575 will go up in value and 4c will most likely dive down. since you are not tracking I would get the Ferrari. no question

 

The 4C is very harsh especially if you think the 360 ride was harsh. Good luck with the search

 

I can't decide if I like Monet or Picasso better. Thoughts?
If you think the 360 was harsh then I'd rule out the 4c.

 

I was at an Italian car show recently (last month). Among the 70+ Italian cars there, were 2 4Cs.

Beautiful cars, attracting lots of attention.

However, at the end of the show, when they started up the engines, and were preparing to leave, I was amazed at the sound - not in a good way. At startup and idle, the 4Cs sounded like tractor engines. Horrible noise. I didn't hear them rev, or accellerate as they left the show - perhaps at full throttle they sound good. However, at idle, they sounded like a 1950 John Deere.

Sid

P.S - I like Monet better than Picasso. And before anyone asks - I like Mozart better than Bach.

 

I would never been torn between the two. I can understand wanting to own both of them, though.

Drive them, and make up your own mind.


Onno

 

well... a nice 550 is $150k ++++..... 575 around $100k and a 4c is $60k ?

 

I saw one leave a show recently (though didn't hear it idle) and she didn't sound too sweet under acceleration either IMO. (I guess what you might expect from a turbo 4?).

Of these choices I would definitely go with a 550 but that's just me.

 

Of course, you can not compare the 2 engines, a 4 cylinder vs a 12. Hamburger vs Fillet Mignon.
The 8C is more comparable.

 

At startup and idle, the 4Cs sounded like tractor engines. Horrible noise. I didn't hear them rev, or accellerate as they left the show - perhaps at full throttle they sound good. However, at idle, they sounded like a 1950 John Deere.



I have a 4C, and I have exactly the same reaction - at idle they sound like a tractor. At higher RPM they sound great, but you have to put up with the idling sound. As much as I dislike the tractor sound, I am willing to tolerate it for the incredible fun I get from the car.

 

If you get the 4C and you see a 550 at a red light what will you think? Buying any sports car is about passion, not logic, get what you love and have no regrets. Having said that it doesn't mean you shouldn't do your research before buying any used Ferrari so you know what you need to keep her.

 

To gain perspective.

 

+575M
I own a 2004 575M and a 1998 355 F1 GTS. They are my sixth and third Ferrari.

I checked out the Alfa 4C and bought a 2005 Honda S2000 for under $20K. The Honda is a better driver IMHO. I have owned MGs, Triumphs, a Jensen-Healey, two Fiat Spiders, a few Porsches, and an Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. The Honda delivers everything those cars inspired.

The Alfa 4C would be a good once a month car like an Ariel Atom.

My 575M is a keeper for me. It is a true GT car that I daily drive, and wouldn't blink at a cross country trip.

If you are willing to ante up for a really well sorted 550 or 575M you won't look back if that's the type of car your looking for.

The added bonus is the 550 and 575M are appreciating currently.