Need help choosing a Ferrari

I would suggest going around to dealers and test driving them and then decide on which one you want. I personally think the spyder is one of the best looking convertibles you can be seen in. Oh and one more thing, please dont refer to this as the EC forum ... Its the F chat /Tri state forum. Best of luck with which ever car you choose.

 

I would personally go with the 550 or 575 Maranello. This is because I feel that not as many people own this car and will definitely give you the looks. It has great styling and is not to outrageous. To me the 550/575 is the gentlemen's Ferrari. Good luck with your decision and happy to hear you are interested in these fine Italian cars.

 

Hey John -

As you note, both truly are different cars. The 550/575 with a massive torque range, and power that pushes you back into the seat. The 360 Spider which has sexy styling, and a very tossable nature. If you buy a 575M, you are definitely looking at $$$'s in depreciation. With the introduction of the F430 Spider, the prices on 360 Spiders will soften, but will certainly not free fall for a while. So if it's depreciation dollar's that you're looking to protect, I'd say go with a 360 Spider if you can get a good deal on one. The good news is that there are many of them around now, so bargaining shouldn't be a problem.

Good luck with the decision - the hunt is half the fun.

EC on this forum stands for "East Coast." Use is as often as you'd like. We all go by it. Bailey, shame on you. -

 

When he mentioned "EC", if he understood it as "East Coast", its one thing and sure he can refer as such; if he understood it as otherwise, then nothing wrong with telling him not to refer as such.
What's there to be ashamed about?

 

Please reread Bailey's post.

This forum is also referred to as the EC forum.

Enough going off-topic on Hemiragtop's thread. He goal is to get opinions on the car, not to hash vernacular. If you want to continue this discussion offline Chris, PM me.

 

Vik, I did not hijack the tread, I only replied to your post, since we both have different opinion to express and are allowed to do so.

As for EC, yes the forum used to be referred as EC when it's the home forum for the "EC guys", that's no longer true. Thus Bailey said what he said.

Now back to the subject to Hemiragtop:
As everyone said its 2 different cars, almost shall not be chosen in between. I would take a 360 spider personally.

 

I can't tell you the production #.
But IMO, if you were spending 175k, you really should buy what your heart desires, not which one is rarer and will swing more in resale.
Those 2 cars are SOOOO different, you should drive both to see what you prefer, I honestly do not think you would find it hard to choose, it should be one way or the other, black or white type of choice.

As for potholes, well, try not to drive into them. I drive in NYC often, all my cars are lowerd with 19" wheels, I yet to damage a wheel(knock on wood).

 

John Li aka pchop would be the perfect person to ask. Since he had a 550 and a 355. I know not a 360 but the differences he would be best to tell you.

 

what age are u if u dont mind me asking?
if u are 40+, I'd say go for the 550/575. But if u are younger than 40, go for the 360. dont worry about potholes in nyc. if i can drive my car in the city, defintely ANYONE else should be capable of driving their's.

 

the best bang for your money is the 550 but you will have more fun with the 360 spider. the 550 values will continue to drop like a rock and the 360's are still holding on.

 

How about early-year 550's Eli (1997 - 1999). Still some serious price declines, or only on the later years? Me thinks the latter.

 

John,
Both the 550 and the 360 Spider are awesome cars, but as Woodear and Ghost said, they are TOTALLY different.

If you want to go fast, either one will do; the 360 is more tossable and quicker in tight turns, but much louder and the 550 is more of a touring car and great for longer trips and sweeping-type curves (much bigger driving car).

If you want to be noticed, there are fewer cars that get more looks than a 360 Spider. The only way to up the ante is to put a different exhauset on it. The 550 is much more understated and many people (women most especially) will not notice that you are driving a Ferrari.

Best of luck in your hunt. Both cars are awesome.
IMO: My choice between the two is a 550/575 in the color of pchops old car (don't know the name of the color but a dark gunmetal metallic gray).

David

 

What is the purpose of the car....

The 550/575, I haven't driven... but if you go for a 575, test drive a DB9 first (as i hear the full manual is out.) Those should be in the 120s 130s?

The 360 is a very glamourous car, and will get lots of attention either way. It is better rounded than the 575/550, giving you speed, performance and expression. The 575/550 will do as the Bentley GT has done.... only look like a Mercedes alternative, and not be noticed for what it actually is. This is why I mentioned the DB9, because that car has similar attributes the 360 spider has... And an Aston coupe expresses just as much class as the ferrari spider.

So if you are looking for the laid back, thriller and head turner, the spider is the one to get. If you want a grantourer/cruiser with a Ferrari v12 and respectable daytona design, the 550/575 - but i'll assure you, the DB9 is very potential (much better than a Vanquish.)

good luck on the decision.

 

DB9 is not 120, 130... That would be nice

 

fwerrf a DB9 is like 160-170 new.

 

ah, my mistake.

in that case, why get a used Ferrari? I have seen the 575 in the high 180s...(brand new), then the Barchetta in the 200s....(which could be one of the biggest rip-offs.)

still in his range!

 

DB9 will be my 1st choice for touring car in that price range, ahead of Bentley coupe and 575 and etc.

 

Saw a DB9 the other day on West End Ave - gorgeous car! Better looking than the Vanquish, and doesn't have a carbon fiber chassis, so no minor accidents turning the car into an expensive flower pot.

CHOICES:
DB9 or 575 - very difficult choice, but a new DB9 for the price of a used 575, no question, DB9 all the way.

DB9 (cabrio or not) or 360 Spider - different choice altogether. If I want looks, performance and the Ferrari passion, its a 360 all the way. If I want elegance, rarity and Ford reliability (MUCH better than Ferrari), its the DB9.

 

DB9 or 575....
The DB9 is a much better car overall. Faster, better looking, more class and cheaper.

DB9 cabriolet or 360 spider..... V12 spider vs V8 spider.... the DB9 is actually more refined which gives it a much more classier look, which equates to a more glamourous image (if thats important). 360, an underpowered (in this case) spider every decently wealthy individual will have owned.

 

Vik to be honest with you i don't know if a 97 550 will be my first choice for my first ferrari. i would think that they will start to break down and need tlc as to later ferrari models 360's and 575's they won't.

i don't think that price will drop as drasticly as the later years but the market on the 550 is not strong.

i would say get the 360 spider. you will have tons of fun with it and you are still young