Ferrari
550
Ferrari
599
Ferrari 550 vs Ferrari 599: 2010 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Ferrari 599 comes out ahead of the Ferrari 550 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
550
Overall
Owner sentiment is highly positive, characterized by deep appreciation for its classic front-engined V12 GT character, timeless design, and analog driving experience. It is consistently praised as a beautiful, "old school cool" machine that offers a special, less refined feel compared to modern Ferraris. The naturally aspirated V12 engine and available gated manual transmission are highlighted as core, desirable attributes.
Best version to buy
Models equipped with the Fiorano Handling Package are specifically recommended. Community feedback indicates the standard 550's handling is "quite soft," and this package is noted for tightening the car's dynamics, improving the driving experience.
Known issues
- ⚠**Cooling system vulnerabilities**: Cooling hoses are noted to definitely fail; upgraded aluminum radiators and oil coolers are suggested to prevent heat soak. Electric water pump conversions are recommended for reliability.
- ⚠**Aging electrical components and sensors**: Fragile original wiring harnesses, failed relays, and old sensors (crank/cam position sensors) are cited as common points of failure.
- ⚠**Fuel system failures**: Fuel pumps are mentioned as likely to fail. Frequency: recurrent.
599
Overall
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the 599 GTB Fiorano and its GTO variant celebrated as a highly desirable, reliable, and sonically magnificent front-engined V12 grand tourer. The vehicle is consistently praised for its beautiful engine noise, considered one of the best-sounding cars on the road, and for its surprising reliability for a Ferrari, with reports of trouble-free long-term use. The chassis is noted as a significant step forward from its predecessor, the 575.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" version. The 599 GTO is repeatedly mentioned as a special, rare, and highly desirable variant.
Known issues
- ⚠Immobilizer/starting issues: engine cranks but won't start, error codes cannot be cleared, potentially requiring dealer intervention. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠F1 transmission clutch wear: high wear rate, especially in stop-and-go traffic; replacement cost approximately $3,000 plus labor. Frequency: recurrent (mentioned in context of similar-era Ferrari/Maserati F1 systems).
- ⚠Suspension component wear: rear shock absorbers developing slow leaks. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Ferrari 599 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Ferrari 550, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Ferrari 550 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ferrari 550 or the Ferrari 599?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Ferrari 550 and the Ferrari 599. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Ferrari 550 or the Ferrari 599?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ferrari 550 or the Ferrari 599?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ferrari 550 or the Ferrari 599?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Ferrari 599 than the Ferrari 550. See the known issues comparison above.