Ferrari 550 Maranello

Price Paid:  $100000.00 from Chigwell Cars, Londo

Year / Model Reviewed:
1999 550 Maranello

Summary:
What a car! What an engine! The acceleration is fantastically linear, with a phenomenal amount of torque available from as low as 1,750 rpm. Driving through central London, every 30 seconds there's someone pointing at the car and screaming "Ferrari!!" whilst nudging their mate to have a look. Would be rude in the circumstances not to floor it... Mine's in TDF Blue with a Tan interior - 9,000 miles on the clock but looks as good as new. As a package, it's the best car I've ever owned (if not the best I've ever driven - my old 996 Turbo is unbeatable in that department)

Strengths:
Great sounding engine from 4,000 rpm upwards, linear acceleration, low down torque, "look at me" factor, bootspace (my last couple of cars were Porsche's, which were a lot less practical - I use the car as a daily driver), supportive seats, comfort - a true GT. Teaches you to drive smoothly (through necessity - see below). That gearchange (it's a manual). TDF Blue/Tan colour combination looks great. The only car I've ever owned that forces me to turn the stereo off just to listen to the engine noise/exhaust note.

Weaknesses:
My god, is the traction control really on? Are you sure??! Having come from a 4WD 996 Turbo where I got used to being able to give it a bootful of throttle in any gear and any weather conditions thanks to the incredible traction, the 550 spins its wheels in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and (once!) 5th gear if you give it anything more than 2/3rds throttle - the upside of this is that it does teach you to feed the throttle in smoothly rather than just stamping on it. Am about to change my Michelin Pilot Sport tires for the Pirelli P Zero Rossos like I used to have on the Turbo. Hopefully the traction will then improve. Squeaky brakes if you just drive it around town (I live in London, so this is a pretty regular drive for me - does ruin the experience a little if you're looking great and just when you pull up to the lights, the car sounds like a broken london taxi thanks to the squeaks!). Rear view could be better. Is there any car that you can buy that has a worse mpg figure?? Still, I guess if its got 12 cylinders, they're going to take a bit of feeding... Could do with a small digital speedo gauge at the bottom of the analogue speed dial, like Porsche. I know I'm over the speed limit, but by how much?! Headlights could be stronger. Handling is pretty heavy - whereas the Turbo drove like a go-kart, this drives more like a power-boat. Small turning circle. The world's most bizarre handbrake - whilst having it between my seat and my door makes the middle of the car look a lot less cluttered, it's not the easiest to use!

Similar Products Used:
owned - Porsche 996 Turbo, Porsche Boxster S driven - 360 Modena

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello

Summary:
The Ferrari 550 is quite possibly the greatest modern front engine Ferrari ever made. The 5.5 liter making 485 horsepower is an incredible powerplant. This car will run 4.5's to 60mph and 4.2's if your good.

Strengths:
The interior is first rate. Beautiful leather and very functional controls and dials. Daytona sport seats with 4-point harness's are a wonderful option on this car. The brakes are very powerful and virtually fade free. It is also the most beautiful car in the world (a nice touch)

Weaknesses:
The exhaust note is a bit muted. The Tubi exhaust system is needed. Police are always very interested in such a car. Insurance is hefty price, but of course this is a Ferrari.

Similar Products Used:
competition for the 550 are; the Porsche 911 Turbo, Lamborghin Diablo 6.0, Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and the NASA space shuttle.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
The best car EVER All I did was drive it around the block and POOF i was in love... ive been 'test driving' the same one every day for 2 months e.g. wake up go to dealer, test drive to ALL places ( the pluses are, it includes a hot chick with a knife *drool* ) go to sleep. repeat

Strengths:
EVERYTHING!!!

Weaknesses:
WEAKNESSES?!?!?!?!?!?! NO WAY!!!

Similar Products Used:
umm would a 1934 buick count? j/k NOTHING EVEN HOLD A CANDLE TO IT

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Ferrari 550 Maranello

Summary:
This car is amazing. I am 17 and I got the chance to drive this machine and i nearly puked with excitement when i got in the cockpit and sat down in the driver's seat. I was so nervous because I didn't want to wreck it! Of course, you can expect outrageous acceleration from Ferrari, but the thing I was most impressed with was the handling. I drive a WRX and I was blown away. The wheel feels so crisp and precise in your hands. I drove it on the streets of southern France, so I wasn't really able to open it up, but i was able to test the acceleration. Again, amazing car with expected quickness and diabolical handling.

Strengths:
Acceleration Steering Interior

Weaknesses:
Price (but the people who would buy this car wouldn't care about that!)

Price Paid:  $100000.00

Summary:
What a fantastic machine. Ferrari has once again released a wonder. On the gas, the ferrari V12 just bursts with power. One hundred and fifty clicks comes around in no time at all. The car has a reassuring solidity, and its suspension guides it effortlessly through the tightest of corners. No other brand of car has quite captured the imagination, as ferrari.

Strengths:
You feel every one of the 400+ bhp that is produced by the V12 power plant. The seats are supportive, and the interior is race orientated, yet simple and functional.

Weaknesses:
The pedals cannot be adjusted for driving position, and the engine is far from economical. Be prepared to pay some hefty fuel bills!

Similar Products Used:
1999 Nissan 200SX, 2001 BMW M3.