360 vs. 456 vs. 550

Not meaning to be rude at all but ... if you haven't already, drive all three. I have never driven a 456, but find the Maranello and 360 to be completely different cars. I suspect a drive would answer your question, at least as between the 360 and 550/575. As between the 456 and 550/575, I suppose I'd go with the 456 if I needed those rear seats.

 

I agree 100%. A 360 and a 550 are two completely different cars. According to Frank Parker, the 360 is a little kids car and the 550 is a real Ferrari. (Just kidding, just kidding.) Truthfully, there really is no comparison.

 

I think I would go with 360 over 550 and 456, mainly because I myself have never riden in a 456 or a 550, just the 360, and it rocked my world! It was on a race track with an extremely good driver, so i got to expierence about 99% of what the car is like. That would be my reason, if I had a chance to ride in either a 550 or 456, maybe my opionon would change, but for now, its the 360.

 

Just had a chance over the weekend to drive 2 of the 3, a 360F1 and a 6 spd 550. I agree with the others, no wrong answers, drive then decide.
The 550 was the fastest street car I ever drove, unbelievable, the epitomy of an Italian Muscle Car. Fast, smooth, a real GT, you could drive it every day, with pleasure. The 360 was a different car, still very very fast, felt more like a sports car vs. a gt Like I said spaghetti or linguini, both good choices.
For myself I preferred the 360, as that is the kind of experience I am looking for..
Good luck, and happy hunting!

 

I would go for the engine in the middle of the car*.


* Inside joke, 456, 550 are front mid engined cars, 360 is a read mid engined car.

 

I just recently drove both and as everyone says, you need to find what turns your crank. The 360 was a fast very agile mid engine well balanced car. It is not real torqie.
The 550 on the other hand presss you back in the seat with the torque and is really more or a grand touring machine and classic front engine v12.
I would like to see more 2000 pound cars with 600 to 700 horsepower in the 200K range.
My friend used to have a competition cobra with a 427 Holman Moody engine cranking out 700hp and it was an animal. Then he had a F 206Sp, another 2000 pound car that was really fast. Now he has an F40 which is also very fast. After driving them, the 550 seems relatively sedate, but at least it has air conditioning and electric windows.
Ahh, the tradeoffs we make for luxury.
Gary

 

If getting attention is important to you, don't get a 456, or a 550 for that matter.

I would suggest a 360, preferably a yellow spyder. You will get as much attention as you want, and I think it will be plenty fast and driveable.

 

I just love the way 360 revs up and make you go through gears all the way through 6th and all of a sudden you're doing over 160! I have not driven a 456 or the 550/575! But I can imagine neither inspires the exhilarating feel of going through the gears like the 360 does. I enjoy mine around town and at the track. It is by far the most thrilling car I have driven. If you don't have to take your kids around, get a 360.

Cheers,

 

8 cylinders are for boys and 12 cylinders are for men.

Seriously, if you want to race with the burners, get the 360 otherwise get a 550/456 for a true Ferrari experience.

FWIW, hit 160 mph going uphill on Hwy. 73 with two passengers, with one more gear to go...now that's Italian !!

MB

 

Except that the 456 and the 550 are front-engined, not front mid-engined; only the 612 (of the modern cars) is front mid-engined. Many of the 50's and 60's models were front mid-engined.

 

If you fancy a more raw experience&sound + attention seaking car, then I reckon you would be better off going for an earlier car like 355 or 512TR. Also cheaper!

 

A 550/575 and a 360 have almost the same power to weight ratio, but the V12's low end torque is far more impressive on a Maranello.

 

Since I live in the homeland of mountain and coastal twisties, I keep thinking the ideal car for me would be the 360. However, every time I drive the 550 I fall deeper in love with this car. It is just so capable and so very good at everything it does. I hope I can spend some seat time in a 360 sometime but my ideal garage would always include a 550/575.

 

Maranello 550

 

I just bought a 360 Modena 6 sp and have never driven either.
Car will be delivered this weekend. Should be interesting.

However I was an instructor for the Challenge series with a 355

Buzz

 

Hey..hey now!! I happen to be rather fond of a 360..esp. as of late. LOL

 

No kidding, Bart, 'you sure ?

 

I woul choose the 550 over the rest because i LOVE those front-engined V-12's! Next on my list would be the 360, i dont think i would even consider the 456 mainly because its looks dont do much for me....

 

The 360 is my choice. More of a "racing" car. Put them all on the track and the 360 will out lap every time. Much more "modern" feeling. I had a chance to drive the new 612, and that one is a close call simply because of the extra power, and the improved F1 shifting / extra tranny cones.

 

You're one of the few who've driven the new one. What other impressions did you have?



Forza,



Cavallini

 

I've owned two V8s and now a V12 456, and post some comments on the transition here

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?p=179436#post179436

They are very different cars, and aimed at different buyers and uses, so direct comparison is of limited value. At the highest competition level, Prodrive 550/575s do much quicker laps than 360 challenges so don't be fooled that the V12s are not very quick cars - but in their roadcar guise, they are sold for more refined GT use, rather than the 19" wheel / tubi / racing brembo brakes / trackday-toy use that is more often applied to 360s.

Drive all three and judge for yourself which you like best and which suits your needs (I need more than two seats as my children are now old enough at five and seven, to complain that they got left behind when I owned a 355).

If you go for either of the V12s and fancy moving it from the GT end of the spectrum more towards the 'trackday beast' end, check out various info at these threads....

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?p=67295628#post67295628

Good luck!

James.

 

My driving impression of the 612 is that it has a similar feel to my 360F1. Feels more lightweight, and they really refined the F1 tranny, much smoother launches, no "lurching" thanks to some tweaks. Modern fit and finish in the interior, the back seats have decent entry, no ducking a seatbelt! The power is incredible to say the least, the exhaust note wasn't as "raw" as my Tubi/360, but satisfying. Torque is nice to, it really pins you in good. This is the next car I want, but 260K! I will need to wait a year or so, then I will get one. The one I drove had the Rossi Fiorini color, just like my made to order 360, but for some reason it doesn't look as good on the 612 in my opinion, I will probably opt for black. Which I said I would never do, but for some reason I keep going that color...looks so nice when freshly cleaned.

 

Your views match the reviewers from EVO and CAR magazines. They were very surprised by the mid-engine- like handling in the twisties.

Many thanks,


Cavallini