gtdoggie

After reading that Chris Harris recently sold 4.0 RS and got 599 I need some help and guidance re something I have been neurotically debating over the past year. To begin with I am not a collector, a tracker. But usually keep only one weekend sports car at a time to get my ya ya's out. I am not swimming in $$ but am simply a hard working doctor. I have always been a 911 enthusiast and have had a 73 s, Carreras, turbos. Then finally bought a 550 Ferrari several years back which I still own. Missed the 911 feel and then found the GT3's of which I have had a 997.1, 997.2RS and now a 4.0 which I absolutely love and unlike Mr. Harris am keeping. Anyways, have always dug and lusted after the 599 but have never driven one. As prices on these are currently below 200k I am considering trading up my 550 for a 599. Delta $ is probably around $100k. But surprisingly I keep hearing the comment from many who have had both, my Ferrari mechanic and even several Ferrari salespeople to not sell the 550 and trade for the 599. They all preferred the 550 regardless of price! I am confused and had come to peace with keeping my 550. But now Mr Harris' recent move has me once again thinking. Opinions please.....

tasman

Lookswise the 550 has always been a car I would consider buying some day. 599 I have a feeling (but no real knowledge) is more digital and 550 more analog. Drive a 599 and compare and maybe you will know. If the 599 is an itch you have to scratch then scratch it and if unfilling can always pick up a 550. Sometimes those itches don't go away no matter how rational or irrational they may be until you scratch them. Do what you really want and don't worry about Harris or others. Just my 02 cents worth.

NJ-GT

I have driven the 599 GTB HGTE, and it is currently my favorite Fiat if I were to take the car to the track 2 days per year, and drive it mostly on the streets.

The 599 GTB HGTE has the improved F1 transmission that the 599 GTB doesn't have, shifting times in the HGTE is just 80ms (in the 599 GTO and Scuderia it is 60ms). The HGTE shifts super fast, so rewarding, and more feedback than all the dual clutch transmissions being used by Fiat, Porsche, BMW, MB, and now Audi.

I prefer the 599 GTB HGTE over the 458 Italia, and I have driven 3 different 458 Italia.

@harrismonkey mentioned something about the HGTE being too rough for UK roads, the HGTE is actually soft sprung, the standard GTB just too soft for my taste. Probably, CH is getting old. My recommendation, test drive the standard GTB and the GTB HGTE, be sure to be in 2nd gear and go at full throttle from 2nd to 3rd to 4th on the race mode.

The 550 is a nice car, but it is floaty and slow. The 599 is extremely fast, in my opinion it is the 2nd best value from Fiat today (the best value still is the 430 Scuderia).

599 is very reliable, it will continue to depreciate (as all front engine V12 do). Its engine is magic, same engine as the $1.3MM Enzo.

It is the best GT for the money. The 458 is a GT that wants to be a sport car, but at 3,500 lbs it is to heavy to be a sport car, and it is not far away from the 599 GTB HGTE weight, with the HGTE having a much better engine and a more rewarding transmission.

A rennlister traded-in his 458 Italia for a 599 GTB recently. Harris knows cars, rejecting a Vanquish S (a car I would like to have in my garage one day, not the new wannabe Vanquish) to get a 599 talks plenty, especially for a biased Brit with strong bias to VW Group. CJ Ichiban has a Carrera GT, he bought and sold a couple of GT3 RS (3.6 and 3.8) and he still has the 599 GTB.

$175k-$200k doesn't buy a better GT, great look, great feedback, lovely lines, fast, low maintenance, and the F12 that replaces it has moved into a more tame car with its DCT Getrag tranny and the excess of nannies.

tcsracing1

NJ-GT is correct.

trade the 550 for a 599 of your budget.

Front engine V12 ferraris are awesome, and the 599 totally gives you more of what the 550 did.... lots more.

Id go for it!

Allan A

Always interested in getting a 550, should you make the jump please contact me with info on 550.

Thanks,

Allan

kosmo

550/575 are awesome cars, regret not getting one. I had a 456. the "base" 599 is another level. Yes its way more digital, but once you get it going and hear that sound and punch of the 500+ hp 12 all is forgiven. However I do think the delta is a bit more than $100k.

scott40

Not to get off topic, but Rad I was on track at Mid Ohio today and a guy there had his 458 Challenge car- it was pretty sweet and looked to be a very good performer.

Back on topic...saw a 550 in yellow the other day. I think they are pretty classic. The 599 appears much larger, but is good looking. I know a guy with a 599 HGTE who got a 599 GTO and kept both- said they were both great cars.

carcommander

I own a 599 now. It is ***** to the wall fast. You won't be disappointed. It is not digital.I owned a 11 GT3RS. To me for a street car the 599 is more fun. Disclaimer I have a 991S that I really like. I think I would rather have a 4.0 than a Scud but that's just me. If you go drive one the 550 will be toast. Trust me. BTW my avatar is the engine.

richk

+1

The motor in the 599 is something very special.

C.J. Ichiban

I spent a lot of time in my 599- it's a six speed manual. I don't have room in my garage anymore and decided to sell it but only with a lot of reservation. It is an extremely complete car and is much friendlier than the 911 as a DD because of the trunk space/ curb appeal but to really hustle the car around it's on another level of power- 600hp vs 400hp in a new 911...

I've driven it from TX to CA and it is an awesome road trip car...the only car you could even consider in that category is the Bentley Supersports- which is more of a luxobarge...

the 599 is absolutely a driving car, a beast. absolutely brilliant noises that really can only compare with the CGT.

silverboy

I drove a 550 and it's just too boaty and heavy. Other than it's a F car, I don't understand why people would buy them. Such a disengaging feeling when you're driving it.

ethel19

+1

NJ-GT

Challenge car, the factory race car, a 458 with 700 lbs removed, a very stiff suspension and racing slicks, totally different game, as fast as a 2012 GT3 Cup or probably a little faster.

If the next 458 Corsa doesn't get the weight reduction I want, I'm going for an used 458 Challenge (they take a huge hit on resale after 2 years) and keep the Scuderia (2 cars for the same money).