575 Much, much better than 550???

Can't really tell anything about the diffrence between 550-575.
But about the V12, I think the real beast inside the V12 only shows himself at higher acceleration (atleast with the 575). The V12 of our Superamerica is indeed quite smooth on low levels, but as soon as you push it a bit, it really shows it's power and it becomes really terrifying ^^. Actually on the road, alot of people don't recognize our black Superamerica, it doesn't attract that much attention, but when you let it 'grawl' when you accelerate, all the driver are like: "Wow, what's that." Kinda funny

Best Regards,
Zerto

 

A 1996-1999 U.S spec 550 will be as fast and quick as a 575. (lighter & less restricted than 575s)

2000-2001 550s are as fast, but not as quick as a 575, due to pre-cat exhaust restrictors in-line.

The Euro 550s are as quick as the U.S. Spec 575's for all years. (even lighter than U.S. spec 550s)

4.2 vice 4.7 Zero to 60. Not a huge diff, but noticable.

A 2000-2001 U.S. Spec 550 will get real close with BMC.

 

Don't know the difference between 550 & 575, but I do know the big difference between 550 & 360.

V12 torque is unbelievable. Power is silky smooth which makes it almost unnecessary to shift. Unfortunately, the heft of 550 makes it feel like a boat compared to the 360.

 

The difference you perceived probably has as much to do with the F1 tranny vs the stick. The 575 is really no different to the 550 for the most part - substantially the same chassis, suspension etc. The extra power is offset by the added weight of the bigger engine and the creeping regulations which make newer cars heavier.

The F1 is a really huge difference and the way you drive the car is different from a stick. The F1 is the 575 is simply the best iteration of that tranny in all Ferrari cars. It is best suited to powerful V12's with a wide torque band, rather than the buzzy little V8's in Modena's that have a torque band as wide as Kate Moss from back to front.

 

Whereas the 550/575 are more Oprah-like.

 

I went from a 1999 550 to a 2003 575, both stick shifts. Although the cars drove about the same speed the 575 is mechanically a much more refined car. I could not go back to the 550. Both cars are reliable but the 575 is much better for the long run.

aehaas

 

Agreed, basically Ferrari had 6 years to refine the 550 with the release of the 575, additionally the interior is a major step forward.
That said, a 2001-2002 is also much better built than a 1996 550, with very little difference between a 2002 550 and a 2002 575 IMO.

 

I posted a thread in 04 or early 05 about my reasoning in selling a 550 to buy a 360. Had a lot to do with the mountain roads that surround my home. I love the 550 but for my needs the 360 ios a much better car, much more exciting and a change I have not regretted.

 

On what do base this opinion Stephens ?

I have seen and examined in detail so many earlier cars, put togehter a whole lot better than later cars ?

Argento