austinholloman

So I know I may catch some heat for comparing the two but- the point is, for close to the same price as a new C63, you could also have a 550 Maranello and they both run very close to the same times but one is a ferrari... So I know a lot about cars when it comes to specs and modding but ive only always owned and driven German cars of most years a makes. Why go for the C63 over the 550? I have heard that Ferraris are very hard to own and keep running. Its it true? The 550 Maranello has always been a dream machine of mine and so has the C63, just wondering what you all think, as C63 owners, whom have spent close to the same amount on a different but amazing car?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferra...item483e2b2b36

ZephyrAMG

That's what I was gonna say, that the maintenance on the Ferrari is gonna be insane vs. C63. Your looking at two different worlds. Tough comparison if one has truly been a "dream" car since years and you can actually get one. Will driving a C63 feel the same or better than driving a Ferrari? I don't think so...two different worlds.

austinholloman

Yes different worlds for sure but certainly a man than can make the payments on a C63 can afford an elder Ferrari? Still, the 550 is missing two doors and two seats and does just out run an E90 M3... But good lord its just so pretty.

MIKESV8

i see what you're saying and i do the exact same thing. reasons why alot of rich people don't drive around their ferrari's and lambo's are because their clutches constantly need to be changed and oil changes cost an arm and a leg. my next car was either going to be a 911 turbo or a 95' ferrari f355 berlinetta targa. they're both in the mid to high 30k range.

SMP

Ferrari produced 3 models of the F355. A Berlinetta (which is the coupe), a targa (roof can be taken out) and a spider (convertible top). If you consider buying any body style of the 355's, it's not the oil change that is expensive. It's the timing belt service that is, because it requires the engine to be removed.

justthebest

My dad had a yellow 308 GTS, and that thing was horrid as far as maintenance went. Granted, we didn't exercise it out as much as we should have, the radiators rusted out, the doors did the same, etc. etc. etc.

Buy something new if you're gonna drop that much coin.

DemonGTR

If u have deep pockets grab the Ferrari, this car equipped with a tubi exhaust is breathtaking, but remember deep pockets

Arclight338

Ask somebody that owns one. If you shudder taking ANY car for dealer service, you'd better RUN and don't walk away from ANY Ferrari.

Owning an exotic italian car is for those that have very very large amounts of disposable income. Not to mention insurance costs.

Any MB product is engineered to last and with appropriate maintenance you'll tire of it before you wear it out. IMO, you can't put the Ferrari into the daily driver mode. I have 2 friends,that have BIG MONEY-one owns a Socata TBM turbo-prop airplane- he got sick of paying HUGE bills just KEEPING his 360 Modena driveable. Remember they aren't called EXOTICS without reason. NOTE: that car in particular is a EUROPEAN car allegedly brought to EPA specs-JUST THAT-would make me think twice- any issues would not allow you to register it.

vcruiser

My dad has 4 ferraris and the maintenance per year is absolutely insane.
Go with the C63.. Less worries, everything is on warranty, and the regular maintenances are easy on the wallet.

And remember... if you get in an accident with the 550, one headlight is like $4,000.00.

BUT

If you can afford the maintenance and the risks, then by all means, go for it. The 550 is a great car. I've driven the 575 many times. It's very classy and pretty tamed compared to the 430 scuderia and f40. You can use it as a daily driver no problem!
and yeah, if it has a tubi exhaust on it, god damn it sounds good

emericr

Just like everyone stated, the maintenance is stupid money (it could cost you as much as the lease payment of a C63) and the reliability is average at best whereas the C63 is pretty much bulletproof.
If this car is a DD, then don't even think about it. Just take this idea OUT of your mind.
I will add too as well that if a DD, you will miss the comfort and amenities of the C63. I mean, come on, look at the interior pics of that Ferrari link. The buttons and layout seem to be coming from a Ford Taurus from the 80s... It is hideous. If the car is going to be a garage queen and you will take it for spin a few times and enjoy the engine soundtrack, then it can be special.
The A/C has never been a strong asset for those cars (the new ones are finally better).

i_am_amused

these guys are all wrong.

buy the Ferrari and then report back after your first service or repair.

enjoy the 550!

AkaSigFreak

You would be like my friends my wife hates-A Bad Influence.

pcasey06

im a MB fan, but im a bigger ferrari fan. Get the 550, u will not be disappointed.

jpohl402

It depends what you want in a car.
Ditto on engine out service and older cars a/c LACKING.

A 550 F-car simply cannot compete with a new C63.
In order to find a similar-performance Fcar you need to buy a Scud or 458.
Of course those are much more expensive.

If you like reliable, comfortable, fast daily driver, get an AMG.
If you can deal with idiosyncrasies - and love the car for its CHARACTER, however fickle, consider an F-car. You will have to likely baby it, and don't act surprised when the alarm malfunctions and the car cannot start.

Most Ferrari's are not really about speed like AMGs - they are about the driving experience. Handling, exhaust note, looks factor. But they have issues, require constant attention - soft paint not very durable to rock chips. Interior buttons get sticky/require replacement. Warm the car up before use, put battery on trickle charger even if sitting for a few days.

Depending on where you live you will probably get lots of attention (mostly boys & men) in Ferrari, but you gotta pay to play.
If you actually drive the car, hope you keep it for a while. People shy away from higher mileage Ferrari's.

In Summary (to me) - sure, Ferrari's LOOK & sound good - but that's about it.
Hard to give up so many positive characteristics in an AMG for something cosmetic.
Most Ferrari guys are car guys & love the racing heritage of the brand.
If this is not you, maybe look for something else....

propain

The same reason you don't buy a 2006 S65 off warranty. The maintenance on the car will bankrupt you.

badblackbenz550

Buying an old expansive car is very very stupid unless your pockets are deep and if they ware you would still be buying the new Ferrari.

pcasey06

Yep, solid suspension, adjustable frame.

thats why 3 different places are checked on ferrari's every oil change, at the door, on the bonnet, and also at the motor mounts. Each place is checked for cracks.

Boost Gomez

Go with the C63 for now.

C63INTORONTO

I almost bought a 360! learned that the 30k service was " remove engine and inspect!"...C63 all the way! and a hot chick would be cheaper than the Ferrari!

Speedriven1

Absolutely. Track-time in a Ferrari of the Maranello era is a joke.

Speedriven1

Still, the S65 will be MUCH cheaper than the Fiat.

MB_Forever

Definitely the C63.... you get a newer car, newer design, better safety, more functionality, more practical, cheaper to maintain, easier to mod, and the list goes on and on.

chief63

From what I hear from Ferrari owners, they are at the garage every monday morning. Really crappy reliability...

wawy

Perhaps the only exception to this would be an Acura NSX...

C63newdude

I pesonally don't like the Maranello much, I rather take a 348 o 355 anyday. If you just want to own a Ferrari and still look good I would go for a 348 o even a 355.

Even though I love both brands, I prefer to have the Mercedes unless I had a lot of money(not my case). Check other important things like:

1) How far is your nearest closest Ferrari dealer
2) Check insurance
3) Check gas mileage
4) Check maintenance interval prices.

You might be able to afford to buy the Ferrari but get stuck with inusrance and maintenance costs.