2005 Ferrari 575 M Preview

Driving Ferrari's 575 M Maranello

You can go 202 mph in it--but it still takes two years to get one and costs nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

The Competition

The 575M is Ferrari's answer to the Aston Martin Vanquish, and as such, the race is very tight indeed. The Ferrari's interior is hands-down superior, better thought out, more comfortable for the driver and passenger, and less random feeling. In other words, it feels true to form as a Ferrari, whereas in the Vanquish there's nothing that really says "British" luxury, a shame in our opinion.

On the road, too, the Ferrari is more manageable. The suspension is more pliant but also more predictable. The cars may do exactly the same things, but knowing that the Ferrari will do it becomes more intuitive much more rapidly. Also, the aft view out the Vanquish is spoiled by the reflection of the rear parcel shelf into the glass, so you'd better be eagle-eyed with the mirrors.

However, it seems to us that Aston got the intangibles right with both the exquisite look of the Vanquish (see one in person and your heart will get stuck in your throat) and the perfect thrum of the engine. It may be that 575 M buyers will like the fact that it doesn't announce its entrance with a roar but the sound of the Vanquish V-12 strikes such a perfect balance between fear and thrill, we can't imagine preferring to be demure instead.

Top speed of course goes to Ferrari (202 mph vs. 190 for the Vanquish) but on this planet you need to stick with what you'll actually experience daily. And for that, for your money, you'd better make this decision yourself. Or get on both waiting lists (it will take you over a year to get a Vanquish) and decide in due time. You won't have to really plunk down for either car until late 2003, at the earliest.

Competition

• Aston Martin Vanquish