550 vs. 575 | FerrariChat

550 vs. 575

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by Bart, Nov 30, 2003.

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  1. Bart

    Bart Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2003
    1,522
    Orange County, Calif
    Full Name:
    Bart
    Since the 575 has been out for some time now, I was wondering what is the different between my 550 and the 575? I have not driven a 575 so I cannot comment.
     
  2. ETW

    ETW Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    577
    MA
    Do you mean performance or looks?
     
  3. shelbee

    shelbee Guest

    I am quite disspointed when I test drove the 575M either 6 speed or F1 because of the floatiness of the car. As I said at the earlier posting, the 575M feels like driving the "Lincoln car" I feel that the car float too much. This is due to skyhook suspension that they put it in on the 575M. I thought it will stiffen up on sport mode but not too much.

    Performance wise, not much difference (factory claimed 485HP vs 515HP) but remember that the car (575M) is heavier too.

    Someone said by adding fiorano handling package will stiffen the car, true, but the break will squeak like crazy (even at 60 mph).

    The only solution is to "tune up" the ECU and will make the car feels more to the ground like 550.

    I would not mind though getting the 575M if the price is right, now is still above 200k.

    If I have to choose between 6 speed over F1, I will choose 6 speed. Feels more like 550. (For sure 360 I prefer F1, for more responsiveness)

    Cosmetic wise, I like interior of 575M rather than 550 but I would not mind having fog lights, give a nice classic Ferrari look. But having xenon light like on 575M will make the front bumper "cleaner" eliminating the fog lights.

    I love the 19" Modular wheels though. It fits either on the 550 or 575M
     
  4. 410SA

    410SA F1 Veteran

    Nov 2, 2003
    8,511
    West Coast
    Full Name:
    A
    The big difference for me is the the F1. It's what I waited for and I'm pleased I did. The 575 F1 is way better than my 360 and much smoother than than our Mas, which has updated 03 clutch and software. The 575 has so much torque that the tranny works with no effort at low speeds, unlike the 360 which gets really jerky at low revs.

    I love the positioning of the rev counter and the fit and finish is much better than the 550's I have known.

    I don't know if the price difference is justified and think that if you can pick up a lightly used 550 under $150K it's a steal
     
  5. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    Alex: when you're in CA, whereabouts? PM me.

    --Dan
     
  6. mw575

    mw575 F1 Rookie

    May 30, 2001
    2,924
    Lake Oswego,Or
    Full Name:
    Martin J Weiner,M.D.
    Dr.S,
    What is this "floating" business? My 575 does poorly at sea as I'm sure the 550 does.
     
  7. ze_shark

    ze_shark Formula 3

    Jul 13, 2003
    1,274
    Switzerland (NW)
    I did not have the chance to drive both cars back to back, but the 575 did not give me the impression to be any softer than the 550 in the normal suspension config.

    I however saw big differences between 550s, some being more floaty than others, both at slow and higher speeds. Difficult to tell the reason. I believe it's neither tires nor tired shock absorbers, but do not have any good explanation
     
  8. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    Martin: As you may be unaware, through the addition of Skyhook, Ferrari has also added the Unnecessary Hothead Ballast System. You are given this regardless of whether you have the Fiorano Water-tight Package, which will cause rudder squeekiness regardless of speed.

    --Dan
     
  9. mw575

    mw575 F1 Rookie

    May 30, 2001
    2,924
    Lake Oswego,Or
    Full Name:
    Martin J Weiner,M.D.
    thanks,Dan
    That clears up the problem of impeller failure I'm having,with my 575, in rough seas.
     
  10. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 25, 2003
    3,750
    Alaska
    Full Name:
    Mule
    At Ferrari of Denver, about $100,000. ($140,000 for a 1999 550 and $240,000 for a new 575M).
     
  11. shelbee

    shelbee Guest

    Marty,

    floating does not mean the car in the water but feeling like being in "Lincoln car""
     
  12. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    Martin: glad to be of help. If you haven't seen it, there's a TSB about the rudder-mounts and possible vibration at high seas. Check your dealer for details.

    --Dan
     
  13. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 20, 2003
    51,459
    SFPD
    Full Name:
    Dirty Harry
    shelbee, there's no need to be, er... stern. heh
     
  14. Doody

    Doody F1 Veteran

    Nov 16, 2001
    6,099
    MA USA
    Full Name:
    Mr. Doody
    stern?

    stern!?!?!?!?

    THIS is why we need moderators here!

    will somebody with mod powers PLEASE throw wax overboard? ;)

    doody!
     
  15. Sfumato

    Sfumato F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    10,194
    Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey, Wales
    Full Name:
    Angus Podgorney
    I used to have wax on my overboard, but it kept sliding off.

    Having driven both 550/575's...they really are different in some ways. Damping @ low speeds is softer, steering feels"different". My old 550 had FHP, was much busier ride than a 575 or non fhp 550. Regular 550 seems more buttoned down than 575. I like F1 box in the car, I agree it is best iteration of the mechanism since inception, but the 575 was not enough to entice me out of the 550. The 550 IMHO is a bit more chiseled than the blunt front end of the 575, and the smile is gone. The headlights on the 575 seem to make the front end look "bigger", and the squared off lower intake drops the curves of the rest of the car. And the '04 badge is pointless...
    CAn't wait for the rebody...alloy, bigger engine, and hopefully styled like the Rosso. Still, has to be awfully god to pry my mitts off the 550.
    FWIW, your mileage may vary, I may be full of crap...
    Lee
     
  16. MarkPDX

    MarkPDX F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Apr 21, 2003
    15,111
    Gulf Coast
    [allanfiedler]

    The Lamborghini is faster

    [/allanfiedler]
     
  17. mw575

    mw575 F1 Rookie

    May 30, 2001
    2,924
    Lake Oswego,Or
    Full Name:
    Martin J Weiner,M.D.
    Dr.S,
    DUH!
    Yup,that 575 really feels like a Lincoln! Must get rid of that POS and get me a 550!
     
  18. StoryBook

    StoryBook F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 1, 2003
    4,304
    PNW
    Full Name:
    MPL
    I love the way it "floats" down the expressway.....................at 165 miles per hour!!:)
     
  19. mw575

    mw575 F1 Rookie

    May 30, 2001
    2,924
    Lake Oswego,Or
    Full Name:
    Martin J Weiner,M.D.
    Kuzi,
    Take it out of 3rd gear!
     
  20. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    Martin: do you think Kuzi would ever make it TO third gear? :D

    --Dan
     
  21. shelbee

    shelbee Guest


    At least we are still friends
     
  22. StoryBook

    StoryBook F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 1, 2003
    4,304
    PNW
    Full Name:
    MPL
    All in good fun Dr. S!
    Hey will miss ya at the Christmas Party.........maybe I'll see you at DH party on the 13th?
     
  23. Nibblesworth

    Nibblesworth Formula 3
    BANNED

    Nov 29, 2002
    1,756
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    BillyBoy
    Hey guys - I drive a 1990 Lincoln Town Car with air-bag suspensions.

    Stop hatin'. ;)
     
  24. shelbee

    shelbee Guest

    Don't worry then, You don't miss out driving either MW575's or Kuzi's 575M :)
     
  25. mw575

    mw575 F1 Rookie

    May 30, 2001
    2,924
    Lake Oswego,Or
    Full Name:
    Martin J Weiner,M.D.
    Kuzi,
    The last post by Dr.S is WAR!!!!!!
    I am drawing up a war plan.Will e mail it to you.I believe a sneak attack at twilight is appropiate. More will be revealed!
     

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