550 or 512BB?

everything aside Id go with the 512.......
However if your looking for a daily driver Id go with the 550

 

I would say the 512 -- but I would worry about it in Hong Kong's traffic and weather environment for it. Both can eat you up in maintenance and repair.

One is a really modern car. The other is a really classic car. Both have strengths and weaknesses and both are like night and day from their heart and souls.

I think it depends on how and where you intend to drive it. Without question, the 512 will turn more heads and probably hold it's value better.

 

I'm in agreement- FWIW the 512 will be a better investment and sweeter to look at while the 550 will be a much better driver.

I love them both but if it were me I have great driving cars so now want that "special" thing. Of course for me it's the GTE or Lusso...

Cheers- you're lucky to have the choice!

 

Now here's a different thread.

512 !

Do it for the special drives.

The 550 is magnificent also, but I think there will be a sense of occasion with the 512 that the 550 won't match.

Enjoy the open roads!!

No traffic clogged messes for that drive.

 

If it's gonna be a weekend toy, then choose the more special one, in this case would be the 512BB. If you plan to use it a lot...then 550.

But I myself would go for the 550 if I am concern about maintainance, parts aviability, and have to depend on the dealer.... they probably are more used to modern cars.

 

As I see it:
550 pros: You can drive them anywhere like a real car and no brake down.
Fast as hell! More horsepower and torque than you can adequately use even on track.
Smoothness is amazing.
Last of the manual gearbox cars for the most part.
As a diy'er it is easy to service
Cons: I hate ferrari alarms but all the newer cars have them. The alarms is the new cars is biggest single PITA!

512: is it a BBI or BB? There is lots of infighting over that issue
Pros: Nothing looks as cool as the clamshell opening of the bonnets
Fast as hell but harder than the 550 to drive fast
Cons:Harder more taxing car to drive like an old car is
Mistaken by the unwashed as a 308 all the time
Interior barely better than a 308
can you ever solve the stinkbug look of the rearfenders over the rear tires? The tires to wheel well areas of these cars is the worst!

 

Do not see much of a choice between these two cars. The Boxer is twice as expensive, so if you have the money, go for it. They built 929 BB 512 and 1007 BB 512i cars and 3083 550s, so you know which is rarer.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

I commented on this in the 512 forum, but the same basic points are being made here.

CW

 

Buy both.

 

I have seen 512BB as low as the 60's. 80's is an easy buy. A few guys think they can get 100 and guess what, they are still for sale.

 

FBB- I may be thinking of a little longer ago, I guess.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

bb carby v daytona?--thoughts, comments, thx.

 

As a BBi owner, much as I hate to agree with your comments about my favorite child... I do agree.

Love the 'unwashed' comment. Whenever I heard someone mutter something about "Magnum PI" in front of the Boxer, I must contain my rage.

 

how much time do you want to spend NOT having the car?

the 512bbi is a great car. power nothing, heavy lifting, hard to park, and the aircon is like 2 hamsters coughing thru a straw.....and my car has been completely rebuilt and better than new. infinitely more cool than a 550, except on the inside.

you will be hanging out in stop/go traffic in 90% humidity far more often than you will be able to make a quick run to stanley for brunch....

so choose the 550 and be more comfortable and less hassled.

 

Ross- You know that is pretty much always the answer when someone asks a question like that. 512 vs 550? The 550 unless you are rich and have a four car garage filled with alternate cars. Audi R8 vs 575M? The Audi unless..... 360 or GTR? The Nissan unless....

Mainly because if you are asking the question, you already knew the answer.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

yup. know that first hand. in spades.