Ferrari 12 cylinder Question

I think the 512 is the way to go. The width of the rear gives it a very commanding presence, and in red can be a really in your face exotic, which I think captures the essence of the car!

The 550 is a great car, but to me its more of a gentleman's ferrari, sort of flying under the radar with style and grace.

 

Drive both. They are nothing alike.

One is a very raw angry car.

The other a calm comfortable high speed rocket.

Take what you like.

Personally, I like the angry car..

512s and 512Ms are not changing much in price, with the first ranging from 90-115, the earlier being a moderate milage 92, the latter being a 94 ABS low milage; and 145-175k for the M, the later being a very low milage concours type.

 

I have driven the 512M, the 550 and 575. They are as different as chalk an cheese. The 512 is a looker but too stressful to drive for a long time. The 550 or better still the 575 is the way to go.

If you want a fun car go for the 360 Modena or better still the Stradale.

 

Cant agree with that, I drove my 512TR from Miami to Connecticut with no problems then later I did the Forza Mille 1,000 mile rally with no problems. No cupholder but you can always add 1

I havent driven the 550M & I'm sure its a great car but its too sedate for me & it looks too much like a Corvette for me to justify that kind of $ on it. Now the 512TR is pure Italian Sex Machine

 

Yoshi, don't listen to these drunken sailors, the 550 is the way to go. Yes, it is much more civilized than a cheese grater, but what's wrong with that?

But have no doubt, when you press that loud pedal, things happen fast in a big hurry. Can you say torque?

Drive both before you buy. I'm betting that you'll go for the gentleman's car over the pimpmobile.

Dr "Gentlemen never tell" Tax

 

The sound of the car has very little to do with where the engine is mounted, and mostly everything to do with the exhaust.

Yes, there is a difference in maintenance costs; the 512 motor has to come out of the car to change the belts, whereas the engine remains in the car on a 550.

My choice would be a 550, hands down. Ergonomically, there is no comparison. At 6'-2", I just plain do not fit in a 512, but am supremely comfortable in a 550.

 

i'll second and third the "get some seat time" comments.

my mechanic has repeatedly told me that the 512TR is a lot more expensive to maintain over time than the 550, and i tend to believe him.

that said, my next f-car will likely be a 512TR to sit in the stable alongside the 550.

also, don't discount all the safety features the 550 has that the 512TR does not. when you're doing 120, you might decide that you care that there's an airbag .

let your hiney decide

doody.

 

I agree with Dr Tax, let's move on and forget the 80's and Don Johnson.
Never driven a TR but I have to admit that they sound great, better than a std 550.
However, and to quote myself on a previous thread, comparing esthetically the two is like comparing a Nike training outfit (and a 10 years old one at that) and an Armani suit.
If you see a Corvette in a 550, then a TR is the car for you ;-)

 

Yoshi, i've never driven a 512TR (or a 550 for that matter) but i've ridden in a 550 and i've driven a Testarossa... If you like the brutish, roaring, king of the jungle, beast experience, get the 512... If you like all of the above hidden under a gentlemanly facade, get the 550... If you like all of the above hidden under a gentlemanly facade but still want to at least HEAR the brutish, roaring, king of the jungle beast experience, get a 550 and put a Tubi solo on it...


If i had to choose between the two, i'd get a 512.

 

Hey Yoshi, come on down to Houston, and I'll let you drive mine. A short drive will convince you to give up the gold chains and chest hair....

DrTax

 

With your name, I thought a yellow or red 512 would best suit you
You certainly are welcome. Good luck.

 

Have you MET Yoshi?

Sorry Yoshi, couldn't resist.

 

Yoshi--- I myself faced this agonizing decision a couple of months ago which prompted me to start a thread on this very same topic (see below). There are some excellent advice and input from all F-chatters. In the end, I bought a 512TR and haven't regretted it..(still want the 550 and keep my 512tr)

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6703&highlight=512tr

 

512 TR or M, let the blue-haired geezers apply their Dentu-Cream and feel for the wet spot in their Depends in their 550s as they drive down the road. LOL!!

BTW, Miami Vice was a GREAT show!!

 

Yoshi, to get serious about this a mid-engine car cannot be really compared to a front-engine car because at anything approaching their limits, they handle very differently.

As a rule, a mid-engine car is going to be very neutral. No understeer, no oversteer. Just point and go. However, when a mid-engine car finally spins -- it just snaps. There can be very little warning.

A front-engine car is anything but neutral. It understeers on turn in and oversteers on the track out. But, if you listen, the car talks to you all the time. I haven't driven the Maranello anywhere near it's limits (and I'm not going to either), but it is a no surprises car. When the back comes out, no problem.

So is the Maranello anywhere near as crisp as a 360? Not hardly.

Does a Maranello inspire a lot more confidence than a 360? You betcha.

You really need to drive one before you make up your mind. BTW, I'm serious. If you can free up the time to get down here, I'll let you take the Maranello for a drive. (It sure is nice to have a warranty.)

Dale