My quandary

I bought a 550 this January that needed a bit of TLC, ever since then I have been working on it or driving it. I now have it to the level I feel confident in it and in doing so I have neglected the 355.

Today I took the 355 for a drive and fell in love all over again. I’m in a real quandary; I really like both cars but just don’t have space for both in the long run.

Not really looking for answers, just commenting on how good these two cars are in their respective classes both in looks and performance.

Is it OK to keep one as a mistress for awhile longer?

 

550 pro and cons (remembering that my 355 is a F1)

Pros:

Massive torque, just for the fun of it I once started from a stop in 6th just to see what would happen. Well nothing did, it just pulled away smoothly.

You sit with your feet straight instead of having to accommodate the wheel arch like you must do in the 355. I find this very relaxing on a long trip.

There is something almost visceral about reaching out for that massive shift knob and unleashing all that torque. It’s a heady experience.

A totally different driving feel in the cockpit, maybe it has to do with the long hood, the 550 is quieter inside, and it’s possible to enjoy the radio. (It’s a Becker which is a massive improvement over the Sony in the 355)

The ride quality is similar, surprisingly the 355 almost feels more compliant over road irregularities. The 550 rides in normal mode like the 355 on sport setting. ???

Ability to a major service without removing the engine

Build quality seem a bit better than the 355, strange, but that’s my impression.

Easier to wash and polish

Cons:

Rear visibility is no where as good as in the 355.

The rear shelf reflects light in the rear view mirror annoyingly (May not be a problem with a darker interior)

Not nearly as nimble, and I’m sure it’s not something I want to track. (I have driven a friend’s 550 at Laguna so I know what it’s like, comparatively cumbersome)

Summary:

For a long road trip the 550 is clearly the better choice, but the 355 is more fun when the road is twisty. Luggage capacity is a bit greater in the 550

The 355, as you all know, sounds better assuming both cars have stock exhaust systems, and that’s an important part of owning any Ferrari.

Everyday use?, I simply can’t make up my mind, it's apples and oranges, that’s my quandary

 

Yeah, its a bit like having two wives and have to choose which bedroom to visit every night.


Support can be a biotch though