is the 456m really so much better than the 456?

i know most of the body and other differences between the 2, but do all the modifications really make it so much of a better car? and if so, is the price difference correct or more a function of build year than quality?

 

I like the interior of the 456m better but I like the exterior styling of the 456 better. The engine is basically the same, a newer Bosch motronic system for the 456m - don't know if it's actually better in any way. It really comes down to budget and aesthetics. I chose the 456 because I really wanted Verde Silverstone on tan. In hindsight, I like the front end treatment on the 456 better than the 456m. The 456 also has a cool undertray rear spoiler, kind of a fun conversation piece. As far as build quality, the 456m is no doubt slightly better. The windows on early cars were prone to sealing problems and the complex hood design on the 456s were not all laid up perfectly straight (thus the switch to the simpler to make hood?).

 

Regarding the door windows - before buying my car I had a long chat with Joe Macari (F specialists in Wandsworth) about the issue. He told me not to put too much faith in the factory upgrade shipped with the 456Ms as he regularly gets M cars in with gaps as bad as the older cars. It just seems to be a fact of 456 ownership that you have to have the windows adjusted every year or two.

I chose a 456 over a 456M as I really prefer the look of the earlier car, both interior and exterior. Mine's a 97R, so I reckon it must have been one of the last of the pre-M cars registered.

For price comparison I just took a look on Autotrader and the cheapest M car is £52,995 - very similar spec to mine only it's a 98R and has done 5K more miles. Mine cost £45K a few weeks back so the difference is about £8-10K.

Ross - I can email you a 456 buyers guide from a magazine if you're in the market for one.

Cheers,
Dan

 

Dan i would be grateful if you could send me the Buyers Guide you mentioned. A bit late as i have already bitten the bullet and bought a '96 GT, which i have only managed to do 250 miles in so far; waiting for some decent weather.

 

I'd be interested in this guide if you have a copy

 

I would be interested in the guide as well. I looking to buy a 456GT. See the Uk threads.

 

Could everyone who wants the guide please PM me your email address.

Cheers,
Dan

 

I'm told the handling was improved for the M, through suspension and damping changes, but have no experience of a pre-M in exteremis to compare it with. I'm happy to contribute my M to our own road test; I'd trust a real-world comparison far more than any magazine article.

Kevin

 

"The 456 also has a cool undertray rear spoiler, kind of a fun conversation piece." Doesn't the M have a similar one?

 

On the 456GT, the rear spoiler (under the rear of the car) moves downward above about 75 mph. The 456M does not have this feature.

 

Dan

I would be interested in the 456 buyers' guide. Your storage for PMs is full- must be receiving a lot of requests!

Email is [email protected]

Thanks

John

 

I want to see pics!?

 

Can you send me a buyers guide too>?

Bas:

[email protected]

Thanks very much!

 

I like the interior of the 456 better than the M, but could have gone both ways. However, I insisted on a black interior and a six speed. This limited my choices dramatically. So, I found a titanium/black 98 456 GT 6 speed and will take delivery in a week. Can't wait

 

Performance wise, no.

 

456 GT,

It's wonderful that you made the dive. Please post some pictures from your car.

 

456 novice (1 month). Just replaced the front pads, the sensor fell off when removing the old pads, is seems to be soldered to the actual pad? Any ideas?