It was closer than I thought – 55% of you want the M5 wagon (but 45% want the Aston!). Now, may I present: dreams. Not “M3 CSL” dreams, or “Lamborghini Huracan” dreams. No, we’re going BIG this week: Ferrari vs Porsche. Specifically, the Ferrari 575 Superamerica, my favorite Ferrari ever, vs the final boss edition of the 911 – a GT2.
They are the blonde and brunette. The running back and offensive lineman. Star Trek and Star Wars. Okay, okay, you get it. Let’s open up the piggy bank.
The 2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica vs the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach
See the 2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica listing here
See the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach listing here
Do you know what movie scene has always resonated with me? When Nicholas Cage walks into the Ferrari store in Gone in 60 Seconds. He pretends to be interested in making a purchase, but not what’s on the floor, like a 355. No, he wants the good stuff.
“What’s in the warehouse?”
If the movie was remade today, than surely this 575 Superamerica would be among the greats. Only 559 Superamericas ever produced, and it combines the 575M’s stunning looks with a V-12 and removable glass roof that tinted depending on sunlight. It is perhaps the best grand touring car ever built, and they are everything a Ferrari should be.
In the other corner is the mutant result of what happens when you combine a Porsche 911 GT3 with a Turbo. 700 horses, carbon fiber everywhere, rear-wheel drive only. It is the Ultimate 911, capital U.
These cars share nothing. Built over a decade apart, front- vs rear-engined, V-12 vs twin-turbo flat-six. Actually, they do share one thing: an astronomical price tag. Prepare to spend beyond $400,000 for both.
But there can only be one.
The 2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica
If the M3 gave me a hall pass, I know exactly what garage I’d spend the night in – one with this parked inside. Originally designated the 550, the 575M received bigger brake discs, a larger and more powerful V-12, improved weight distribution, and refined aerodynamics.
In 2006 came the Superamerica, with the retractable electrochromic roof panel and more power. Just 559 were made (only 17 with a stick), so it’s rare. This one has:
- 2,900 miles
- A Six-speed F1 automated manual. It really is a manual, but it shifts for you, so it’s an automatic?
- Simply meh Grigio Titanio paint over Nero Leather Upholstery. Grey over black, on a car like this?
- Clean CarFax
- 532 horses and 434 lb-ft from a 5.75-liter V-12
- Original MSRP: $326,457. These can go as high as $420k if it has the manual.
- But you can also get a regular 575M for $87,000 if it’s the wrong color combo, not a manual, or a Superamerica.
- This one is already at $216,000 with two days to go.
- Has lived in 11 states.
I wouldn’t call this Ferrari’s best sports car, but it’s not meant to be. Instead, how about the best grand touring car ever made. Comfortable, fast, and that roof – this car can make anyone look good, and that’s really hard to do.
This particular example seems to have been passed from owner to owner in hopes of a big pay day. I’d just want to drive it.
But we have the money. So let’s visit the Porsche store just because…
2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach
Well, you’re on Machines With Souls, so that’s like, asking for my opinion man. And when it comes to the GT2, my opinion is…why?
It takes the natural instability of the 911 platform, throws out all comfort, and subtracts the personality of the GT3. No stick of course (we’re all about SPEED), with the most powerful engine ever in a 911 up to that point. You’ll never see a tenth of its potential on the street no matter how stupid you are, and unless you’re moonlighting as an F1 driver, I doubt you can reach its full abilities on a track. This example has:
- 23,400 miles. At least they drove it.
- Lived in Florida since new.
- PDK, of course
- Clean title
- Black on black, but with yellow detailing. Meh.
- No mods
- Comes with the Weissach Package, including a front axle lift system, larger 23.8-gallon fuel tank, carbon fiber window triangle trim, Alcantara and leather upholstery, red stitching, a red 12-o’clock mark on the steering wheel, and a Bose surround sound system. It subtracts 40 lbs off a “regular” GT2.
Around 1,000 of these were built. and I feel as if most report once a week for Cars and Coffee duty, then make sleepies the rest of the time. I see these going beyond $400k all day, making it more expensive than that particular 575M. They both live in the same pricing ZIP code regardless.
So, Italian or German? Touring or track? Surf or…right, you get it.
Man I love that 575…
Want MWS to review your car?
If you live in the tri-state area and want me to check it out, send me an email!
Support Machines With Souls
Commissions may be received for product links on this site. Help out if you can.
I use Nikon camera bodies and lenses, a Westcott Ice Light 2, Manfrotto tripod, B + W filters and an iMac Pro to make the art you see here.
One thought on “The Ferrari 575 Superamerica vs Porsche’s final boss”