550 Maranello vs. Ford GT

The 2005-2006 Ford GT engine is one of Ford's numerous "modular" family of engines, which mostly means they can all be manufactured using largely common tooling. The aluminum engine block was based on the cast iron 5.4L "Triton" F150 truck engine but was strengthened and the modified to work with a dry sump oiling system. Bore and stroke are the same and, as noted, it is "under square" (bore dimension less than stroke dimension). The heads are improved higher-flowing versions of those used on the 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra SVT. It redlines at 6500 RPM but is capable of 7K+. These are great motors, extremely stout...guys that run GTs @ 300+ mph in the Texas Mile competition get 2000+ hp out of these engines reliably with NO mods to the cross-bolted 6-bolt main bottom end.

Undersquare engines aren't necessarily low revvers...I have a 2013 Boss 302 Mustang w/ a slightly under square 5.0L V8 that zings right up to its factory 7500RPM redline, and is good for 8K+ with stiffer valve springs.

Comparing a Ford GT vs a 550 is pretty useless IMO. Two different animals, different driving experiences. Both superb in their own way. Love my 550 and I'd love to have a GT, too!

 

Ok I appologize for my incorrect words. When I had the opportunity many years ago to test a GT40, that engine looked like a copy of a Mercury 600SCI. But Ford is a different block than GM of course. They just sound and look extremely like each other.

 

Love the GT. I'm a huge fan of the 550 also, one of my favourite Ferraris. Tough decision. Either one you make you'll be happy with I imagine. Good luck with the decision!

 

Someone above mentioned the 550 “too comfortable” .
The trouble with the 550 is A) the lack of sound from the stock exhaust and B) it is so effortlessly perfect and fast, that it does not present any drama, and you have exceeded most speed limits in 2nd gear. The car is soooo capable that there are few places to push the car and see it’s true capability. The 550 is the Rolls Royce of race cars. A true gentlemen’s GT.

 

Straight trade I'd probably take the GT...but for nearly another 100k I'd stick with the 550 personally.

 

Good for you, I'm envious, always liked the GT.

 

Congratulations
Strangely enough i saw this on my local high street yesterday.
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Greatest commercial ever, for any product!



My take is this. I really loved it when it came out, and I still do. But what I said to myself at the time, and would say again today, is there are many Ferraris on my wish list I would like to own before I spent that kind of money on a Ford GT. A 512 BB comes to mind.

I have also noticed the asking prices on Ford GT's are all over the map. I assume they are trading in the $225 to $275 range, even though some on AutoTrader are listed over $400,000.

 

The '05-'06 Ford GT market values ultra-low mileage cars most...the cars with, in some cases, single- or double-digit miles on them. Those are the ones going for ridiculous asking prices. Of course, if you buy one you essentially can't drive it lest you add miles -- GASP!! -- and thereby lower its value. And so most Ford GTs -- IMO, one of the best, most exciting super cars ever made by any manufacturer -- are nothing more than garage queens. What a waste!

Not too different from Ferraris, no? Buyers value low mileage above all else on the hopes they'll make money, or at least not lose money, when they go to sell it. In the meantime they can't/don't drive it for the same reason.

In essence these cars are reduced to a mere financial transaction, with almost no value placed on the experience of actually driving and enjoying a wonderful, special car as the central part of the ownership experience. Such a weird, ridiculous dynamic that makes no sense at all to me.

 

Congrats! I’ve always like the Ford GT and would love one someday. They have a great presence. Post pics of the pair

 

Very interesting post for me since it mentions 2 of the trifecta of cars that are 123 in my wish list for a now-2 year purchase window.

1. Scuderia (Now)
2. Boxer BBi (12 months)
3. Ford GT (2 years)

The biggest issue with a Boxer is low on power, and is in a different stratosphere in terms of maintenance. Of course it has the classic feel the others don't.

OP, congrats on your purchase.....please post pictures and details.

 

The 550 is one of the greatest (and under rated) cars ever.

Edit: the GT is a super cool car though.

 

Great looking pair!

 

I actually find the 550 to be more beautiful!

 

I agree. Love my 550 for it's understated elegance, the GT does have a brutal beauty. I wish I could afford both, but I hardly have time to drive the 550 as much as I should.