Just curios why there is such a price difference on the resale of the 456 vs. the 550. Other than apparent looks and the 2+2 feature, is it the same engine/performance compared to the 550. I noticed that the value of the 456 is about 60% of the value of the 550. Any info on this. Thanks.
Yes, I realize looks can be a determining factor, and that is also subjective. But more importanly, how do they differ in performance.
Yup. Ashley Judd vs. Wynonna Judd. (that said, while I love the looks of the 550/575, I want to get a 456M GT for the 2+2 practicality)
Unless you get on a track, you won't notice much difference in speed (unless you drive them back to back). Performance of 456M is excellent IMO.
How much real price difference is there between same year 456Ms and 550s? Not 40%, I'm thinking (especially for 6-speed 456Ms)? More like 20-25%? Actually, the difference is remarkably small, compared with previous models. A BB, for instance, is around 3x the price of a comparable year 400. Same for the Lusso vs. 250GTE and the Daytona vs. 365GT 2+2.
The 550 handles like a dream and has a very stiff chassis. The 456 flexes at the front and is therefore not so accurate in handling terms, and feels (is) heavier and softer in the bends. The 550 has 485HP, the 456 has 442HP. The 550 engine has titanium conrods and forged pistons. The engine in the 550 is placed further back towards the driver, for better weight distribution. The 550 goes to 100mph from standstill in 9.8s, the 456 needs at least 10.8s. the 456 is a great long distance tourer, the 550 while still being magnificent on long distances also offers that extra edge in performance and handling. Styling considerations apart, I think these arguments summarize why the residuals are so different.
At current prices the 456 is a bargain and I am watching the market closely to jump in. Will it really go the same way as the 400 series? I would also add that maintenance and repair costs of the 456 frighten off many people. Replacement hoods (bonnets) at $15,000 or so. A Lexus is a much safer option. For those of us who have been learning DIY 550 mechanics, the 456 should be within our scope. Nothing wrong with the shape even if it doesnt smile like the front end of a 550. I am fortunate enough to already have a 550. Anyway keep putting down the 456 so I can pick one up cheap, Ron
Also 456 is generally less well put together then 550s and has had numerous and well documents niggling faults... windows issues etc. It seems there is generally a Ferrari 2+2 curse... 400i and 412i being one of the less loved ferraris. Is that fair ? I do not think so. If you can bear some italian reliability and have a bit of cash to spare, a 456M is a great bargain with loads of character.
Well, based on Maranello's post there can be a considerable performance difference in both engine power as well as handling. There is obviously two schools of thought on this thread in regards to performance. Some of you are saying there is no difference and some are saying there is a big difference. I have never drive a 456 but I do occasionly drive my friends 550 and I think it has a tremendous amount of power and torque compared to my 355. I orginally posted this question because I am looking for a second Fcar in addition to my 355 and I see the market is very soft on the 456. Although I would prefer the 550 from a looks stand point, I do not want to spend the extra 30-40k premium I see them asking for a 550 vs a 456. From my research a 1997 456 can be had for about 70k and a comparable 550 is closer to 110k.
Anybody have the lap time for the 456 or 456M around the Fiorano track? That would be a useful yardstick to compare with 550. Then start lightening the 456 with Tubis and X-pipes. Add BMC CDA filters, Barchetta wheels, Get a reprogrammed pair of engine ECUs (Eurotek), modified suspension springs plus ECU (handling pack), etc. ... we could even have a new thread "our project 456". Regards, Ron
Does anyone know how many configurations the 456 came in ie: 456gt 456m, and what are the differences.
There are really three variations on the 456: 456GT, 1997 456GT (maybe it should be called "456GT S2") and 456M. There is really not that much difference between the cars, aside from the general fact that newer is better and probably various minor, invisible, improvements were made over the years. The 456M has different front end styling (no reverse hood scoops), different interior styling (round vents instead of square ones), no adjustable rear spoiler, OBD-II, remote unlocking, and *possibly* traction control. Many of the 456Ms were automatics. The 97 456GT has identical styling to the earlier 456GTs, but has OBD-II and remote unlocking. Personally, I think it's the sleeper car in the bunch. Manual transmission cars are very rare. Are you finding that you can get a 97 456GT with a 6-speed for $70k? That seems unlikely to me. Automatic, sure, but 6-speed seems unlikely.
Thanks, that is great information. I have not looked that hard yet, but what I have seen, almost all are automatics. Since I am not in a rush, I would love to find a black and tan with 6 speed manual.
Just to add to Don's post: The 98s are the same as the 97s. 1999 was the first model year of the M. I have never driven a 550 but I doubt that the power and handling alone justify a 40% premium. Everyone I know who has driven both say that the 456 is close to the 550 on both counts. The 456 isn't that much longer than the 550 and it certainly isn't a pig on the track. As far as I am concerned, the 456 is simply the best Ferrari arbitrage opportunity around. And if I'm wrong, and they depreciate to 400 levels, I'll just buy another one. The 6-speed is definitely more expensive and much harder to find than the automatic. I lucked into mine (thanks to F-Chat) after only a couple of months but I expected to be looking for 6-9 months longer. As Werner Pfister said to me, "I hope you aren't picky about colors." The 456 and 550 are pretty similar, so I doubt that the quality differences are substantial. The notorious 456 issues - windows and seat motors, plus shocks and motor mounts for older cars - should be easy to spot in a PPI. I bought my car from a dealer (Wide World of Cars), so I got a comprehensive warranty that WWoC honored without question. It's just a great car.
Try one then. The price difference is 100% justified. The 550 feels a TOTALLY different car to the 456. The stiffer front end structure, the higher torsional rigidity, the improved suspension set-up and the fact that the engine sits much further back (thus reducing the polar moment of inertia of the front end) are factors that combined transform the 550 into a TOTALLY different beast to the 456. I know one of the guys who worked on the chassis/handling development of both 456 and 550, and he totally agrees that the 550 was a major step forward.
I'm sure you're correct, when driving at the limit, but how much difference is that really going to make on the road? People I know with extensive seat time in both have told me that, generally, they don't notice a lot of difference. On the track may be a different story.
I agree with you on that one. I only drive my 550 when there is the opportunity to have fun - twisty mountain roads in Switzerland, or on the rolling hills of Tuscany, these are my favorite playgrounds. For me highway speed is almost meaningless - why should I care if an idiot in a German super-sedan wants to pass me at 150 mph on a straight line? Everyone can do that. For this reason I value handling and driving fun above everything else, but that's my personal view. I agree that in normal US driving conditions you wouldn't notice the advantages of the 550. However, you come from Oregon - there are some fantastic twisty roads in your back country which are second only to some of Colorado's or Montana's most isolated mountain roads. I think in Oregon you WOULD notice the difference!
What about from a torque perspective, is the 550 have more punch on the bottom end. If that is the case than I would think you would notice that difference around town.
What does it ACTUALLY take to fix the windows.... I can re-engineer a seat motor. although, it sounds like there might be a significant comparison to a Maserati Coupe with the 456... especially the earlier ones.
We do have great roads in Oregon, but we have those darn bicyclists all over the place clogging everything up!
YMMV, but my car, with the window fix, has been fine. No leaks, just a little wind noise on the driver's side. And, I live in a rainy climate, so I'd know if there were leaks. As for the Maserati, a couple of years ago when I was having some problems with my 456, I seriously considered trading it in on a Maserati... seriously until I drove one. The Maser is nice, don't get me wrong, and the shape has grown on me quite a bit, although IMO it doesn't hold a candle to the 456. But... the 456 feels like a $200k car, which it was when new. It looks and feels like no expense whatsoever was spared to make the best GT car in the world. And I think that the consensus is that circa 1995, the 456 WAS the best GT car in the world, and not that far behind the best GT cars in the world in 2006! The downside of the 456 is that since no expense was spared in building it, you don't get to spare any expense in keeping it running properly. But all things considered, at least IMO, it's worth it.
but what does the window fix COST? the V12 alone makes a compelling case for the 456, but for someone looking for a quasi-practical most-days-driver... can it stack-up well enough. I've not driven either car, but the CHANCE of having to hack up the reputed 5-grand to fix a window would make it a very difficult choice, indeed. especially since the Masers have been "relatively" quirk-free. the 2+2 cars attract a lot of "ferrari for ferrari-sake" buyers... nothing wrong with that. they are not only cheaper, but easier for the S.O. to pallette when kids are involved in the equasion somewhere. I'd get a 456 or 612 over a 550/575 anyday (looks alone)... but is there a compelling case for the ferrari-powered maser over the 456 just based on reliability and practicality? for those of us who have to be somewhat responsible with money. I would love to drive them, and as you said, it may be completely clear once I have that opportunity. but the number of ferrari owners in Nebraska is a bit slim... and the Maserati's are even more uncommon. oh well.... some day. gotta get back to work so I CAN afford one at some point.
My window fix, done in 2002, was around $9k, not including the cost of shipping the car-- my local dealer couldn't do it. However, at the time, Ferrari NA was covering the fix under warranty, even for cars way out of warranty like my 95. They are not doing that any longer. I have been told the window fix parts kits are no longer available, but I don't know if that's true. The fact of the matter is that you shouldn't buy a 456 unless the window fix has already been done. Given that it was free for several years, there is no excuse for not having it. The only sticky area is that I believe some very late 456Ms had it incorporated at the factory, while earlier 456Ms still needed the fix.
