550/575 Maranello

Don't take my opinion as gospel, find out for yourself. When I bought my 550 around 6 months ago, I was given plenty of seat time in both cars, by the guys at Lance Dixon.
To my mind the 575 is a softer car than the 550 and I have a definite predisposition to the earlier car.
I prefer stick to F1
The 550 has a more communicative chassis than the 575 IMO. (I have not tried the Fiorano optioned 575 as it is not avail in Aust.)
The 550 is much cheaper than the 575.
Yes the 575 has more midrange and slightly more top end power, but a set of performance airfilters pretty much equalises the equation. (before anyone arcs up I have the empirical data to prove this statement)
The 575 does have the better looking interior, but to my mind that is the extent of it.
Given that 550's and 575's aren't exactly running out the door, you should have no problems getting some decent test mileage in both to make up your own mind, based on your own preferences.

 

The 360 and 550 are totally different cars as everyone well knows. I spent much time in both and ended up with a 550. Tons of low end grunt with a deep loud resonance due to the tubis. Handles well and is comfortable cruiising at mid triple didgits all day long while listening to the stereo.
Same suggestion as above, drive both. I personally don't think the 575 is worth the extra you will pay unless you are limimting your choice to a 575 with the fiorano handling package for a slightly stiffer ride. Other than that, they both look the same over the hood and any other difference is negligable.
Good luck
gary

 

I think the 550 is an amazing choice...and the 575 is great choice too..

With the excellent car of Ferrari's. I'd imagine the purchase of the 550 might be slightly easier and a fine choice.

Truly a fine ferrari..

Certainly better than the bentley and Aston martin. (both of which are great cars as well)

Have fun and congrats!

JB

 

I am in a similar situation though I am leaning towards the 575 with and F1, wife can not drive a stick and we already have cars she can not drive. I have had seat time in a 550 much different than my 360's great GT car. I have yet to drive a 575 but hoping to as soon as my local dealer gets one I can take for a test drive.

 

IMHO, the premium of a 575 over a 550 is not worth it. Granted, I have not driven a 575 with the Fiorano setup hard. But you must keep in mind that Maranellos are GT cars. You can take them to track and have a blast, but don't be surprised if you get embarrassed by a Spec Miata.

Maranellos are big heavy GT cars. They belong on a two-lane country road to no where.

Dale

ps Don't worry about the interior. Nobody looks at the interior while you're driving.

 

I traded my 550 in on a 575. I would not go back. The 575 is a softer ride. The reason is they took SEVERAL pounds of unsprung weight off of each wheel making the whole system more softer and compliant over the road. Some take this as a negative attribute as they feel the car should be stiff as a board. That is simply not the case.

For around town in particular, the 575 has a more quiet interior, more low end torque, it looks better to me and the seats are power (at least the Daytona ones I ordered), good if you have multiple drivers. There are many subtle difference. There are several big ones.

The 575 got rid of the whole fuel cooling system and uses better switches in the dash. You can actually see and get to the radio. The instruments are way better to see at a glance and to read. It is easier to open the fuel cap cover and open the trunk as there are now better placed switches and you do not have to have the key in to open them.

They improved the dash shape and the leather to minimize effects from the sun causing shrinkage and cracking. There are less rattles (though there were few to begin with).

to mention a few


aehaas

 

Here are a few pictures:

 

I've had both. The 575M is softer, yes - but fortunately that can be fixed! NEVER buy a 575M without the Fiorano package (I believe that goes for the 550 too) - I would probably even recommend the GTC, but it's $$$. I thought the Fiorano was too soft and had it hardened up from there, as I thought it was a boat (I'm going to retrofit the GTC, but I'm a nut in this regard).

The interior in the 575 is a huge improvement over the 550 IMO. Engine has a bit better pull which can especially be felt at higher speeds (150+mph).

My personal preference is clearly the 575, but that said I think you must be prepared to lose $$$ on the 575 - the 550 will be cheaper to buy and lose a lot less money over the next years compared to the 575M as the purchase price is a lot lower by now. If spec out a 575M with GTC and kit, it's going to be a pretty penny before you're done, and it loses money like mad. You need to make sure you think the difference is worth it to you.

Either car is a great choice, and there's nothing like it for crossing continents in style...

 

aehass
It's good to get some feedback from a 575 owner as well. Love the fact you got the stick and not F1, even though strangely enough the latest release 575's seem to work very well with the F1 and does suit the overall flavour of the car, much better than SMGII on the M3 for example.
Maybe some other US 550 owners can clear this up, but here in Australia;
550 seats are electric, in fact identical to 575.
Key does not need to be in ignition to open boot, but does for fuel filler.
Stereo is the same unit, in the same position.
Suspension on the 550 is not just firmer, chassis is better balanced and communicates more when you push the car.
The suspension of the standard 550 could not be described as stiff as a board, it is Porsche stiff, not race car stiff and rides extremely well. In standrad form it's a little too soft for my liking actually.
Everyone agrees that the updated dash is better, but there was nothing wrong with the 550 interior that the 575 has fixed IMO.
Depends what you are after, IMO the 575 is a better boulevard cruiser then the 550, the 550 is more sporting. At the time I purchased I was in a position to buy either, but chose the 550, because price aside, it was a better car for ME. That is why I suggest extended test drives in both to any potential purchasers so they can decide which is better for them and their priorities.

 

I drove both. Bought a 550 few weeks ago. Why?

550 has suffered its worst depreciation. Buy a 575 and you're gonna hurt in the morning.
575 was far too soft for my liking. Difference in handling isn't down to the wheel weights, the entire geometry was changed. 575 had a tendancy to point to the sky when accelerating and dipping its nose when braking. So, better handling.

And that's it really.
If money was no object, I'd get a 575 with FHP. Interior is SO much nicer I can't tell you. Wheels look much prettier too.

But I can't afford to lose anything upto £60k for a car in a year.

 

I was offered a nero 575 with factory 19's for 15% off list price, so yes they will deal, but only after you pull the cheque book out and start talking seriously.

 

Not driven a 575 but have just bought a 550, choice was dictated more as 550's have taken the financial hit as suggested by Blow Dog

All the reports in the UK say don't buy a 575 without the Fiorano suspension as the std is too soft/ indirect and chassis/steering lacks feel/feedback. Equally the 550 with Fiorano is considered too hard and jittery on everyday roads so go for std suspension

 

According to my research, the 575 Fiorano rear roll bar is the same as the GTC, I'm pretty sure the springs are the same too. I was under the imression that the differences between the 575 Fiorano and 575 H GTC was actually only mufflers, brakes and the std fitment of 19's.
I've spent a bit of time researching this as I am upgrading the suspension in my 550 with a combo of the bigger factory 22mm rear rollbar and custom springs.

 

Stephen

please let us know how it goes, not driven my 550 in anger yet but options are always welcome

 

Indeed, 550 is stunning. I put mine on an airfield this weekend and, well, this car doesn't handle like an 1800kg car - really is amazing.

Some more beauty shots, pictures courtesy of TRACKDEMON off Piston Heads.

Cem

 

I have a 2000 550 as I previously stated.
I believe only the 575 has xenon headlights, the 550's do not.
If you want a Fiorano handling paclage with a 550, you will need to look for a 2000 or 2001. it was not offered before that on 550's in the US. I believe in Australia it was offered on 99's.
My Daytona seats are power. My radio is easy to reach. The gas cap filler needs the key in and on. The trunk does not.
For 575's, 80% of them have come in with F-1's. Only 20% have sticks.
There is a real nice 2002 575, 6 speed, power daytona seats I think, Red, shields, cream interior, Fiorano Handling package, at Central Florida Ferrari. A previous customer traded it in. They are asking 195K I believe. At the time they took the car in, I offered them 185K and they refused. It is equipped nicely though.
From a business standpoint, a 550 makes better sense, but then if we wre being rational we would e buying Hondas instead of F cars.
Good Luck
Gary

 

You may be right about the springs/roll bar. The GTC should (according to my info) also include upgraded power steering and a difference electronic setup to the suspension. My dealer is currently trying to find out from F exactly what the difference is. I'm primarily looking for a harder suspension and better brakes, as I find the standard brakes a bit too weak. We'll see what he says.

 

What pictures? There have been ZERO shots except for test mules covered with hacked up 612 Scaglietti body panels and tape. I dearly hope you aren't going by those. Ferrari has said it will have a totally different, more aggressive look.

 

The 550 is my favorite car and im hoping to get my first ride in one this weekend. I think you can only get the FHP on 00s and 01s here in the states, but im not entirely sure. At a recent car show around here there were 2 nero Maranellos one a 550 and one a 575, the 575 had the handling package (i know this b/c i asked the owner) and the exhaust was much louder at idle than the 550. however, the owner of the 550 said he has tracked his car many times and won lots of awards from that, therefore i can only assume that he also had the handling package but w/o a new exhaust.

To me, i like the lines better on the 550 (especially the front end), although the interior is lacking in some aspects, it doesnt really bother me. The Maranello is maybe the most beautiful car in the world, and there is not a doubt in my mind that it will be my first Ferrari.

 

"To me, i like the lines better on the 550 (especially the front end), although the interior is lacking in some aspects, it doesnt really bother me. The Maranello is maybe the most beautiful car in the world, and there is not a doubt in my mind that it will be my first Ferrari."

Well said.

 

BTW, I am buying a 550 next week. Here are the things that I currently plan on changing:

Upgrade brakes
Replace steering wheel w/perforated 575 wheel
Replace cassette stereo with an MP3, etc.
Lower by an inch
Install coilovers
Put on some Corsas

Any other suggestions or sources that you would recommend for the above?

Are Brembos better than Movit brakes for example? Better heqadlights?
I am not that familiar with F-cars enough to know. Thx in advance.