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

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

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by ross, Mar 29, 2004.

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  1. ross

    ross Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 25, 2002
    36,210
    houston/geneva
    Full Name:
    Ross
    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?
     
  2. GTB4NART

    GTB4NART Formula Junior

    Jan 17, 2004
    421
    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?).

     
  3. Dan_London

    Dan_London Karting

    Mar 2, 2004
    90
    Sussex, UK
    Full Name:
    Dan
    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
     
  4. 456 GT

    456 GT Rookie

    May 7, 2004
    5
    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.
     
  5. robinh

    robinh Formula Junior

    Jan 3, 2004
    622
    Cambridgeshire, Engl
    Full Name:
    Robin
    I'd be interested in this guide if you have a copy
     
  6. kenyon

    kenyon F1 Rookie

    Oct 7, 2002
    2,837
    East Yorkshire
    Full Name:
    Justin Kenyon
    I would be interested in the guide as well. I looking to buy a 456GT. See the Uk threads.
     
  7. Dan_London

    Dan_London Karting

    Mar 2, 2004
    90
    Sussex, UK
    Full Name:
    Dan
    Could everyone who wants the guide please PM me your email address.

    Cheers,
    Dan
     
  8. 456mgt

    456mgt Formula Junior

    Mar 24, 2002
    628
    Cambridge UK
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    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
     
  9. PCH

    PCH F1 Rookie

    Apr 7, 2004
    3,007
    "The 456 also has a cool undertray rear spoiler, kind of a fun conversation piece." Doesn't the M have a similar one?
     
  10. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 5, 2002
    23,988
    Portland, Oregon
    Full Name:
    Don
    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.

     
  11. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2002
    31,629
    MA
    Full Name:
    John

    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
     
  12. Auraraptor

    Auraraptor F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Sep 25, 2002
    13,197
    MO
    I want to see pics!?
     
  13. bassiebassie

    bassiebassie Rookie

    Aug 30, 2004
    1
  14. F SPIDER

    F SPIDER F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Jan 30, 2002
    2,873
    NYC, A'dam, W'stock
    Full Name:
    rijk rietveld
    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
     
  15. Scuderia_Ferrari

    Scuderia_Ferrari Formula Junior

    Sep 13, 2004
    749
    Ottawa, Canada
    Full Name:
    Jamie
    Performance wise, no.
     
  16. F SPIDER

    F SPIDER F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Jan 30, 2002
    2,873
    NYC, A'dam, W'stock
    Full Name:
    rijk rietveld
    456 GT,

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

    John Reynolds Rookie

    Sep 8, 2005
    19
    Liverpool UK
    Full Name:
    John Reynolds
    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?
     

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