Ferrari 575M: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Ferrari 575M range offers four recorded configurations, all within a single Roadster generation produced from 2002 to 2006. Every version uses a 5,748 cc Gasoline V-shaped 12-cylinder engine, RWD, a 105-litre fuel tank, independent spring suspension at both ends, and ventilated disc brakes.
The Ferrari 575M range offers four recorded configurations, all within a single Roadster generation produced from 2002 to 2006. Every version uses a 5,748 cc Gasoline V-shaped 12-cylinder engine, RWD, a 105-litre fuel tank, independent spring suspension at both ends, and ventilated disc brakes. The main buying decision is between the earlier 515 hp versions and the later 540 hp versions, then between the 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic gearboxes. On the available figures, the 515 hp 5.8 AT is the fastest recorded version at 325 km/h while matching the 540 hp 5.8 MT from 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The 515 hp 5.8 MT is the only version combining a measured 1,730 kg kerb weight with the Manual gearbox, making it the strongest choice for buyers prioritising the best recorded weight-to-power ratio.
Ferrari 575M generations and versions
The Ferrari 575M has 1 generation in the supplied catalogue. This Roadster generation ran from 2002 to 2006 and contains 4 versions: a 515 hp 5.8 MT, a 515 hp 5.8 AT, a 540 hp 5.8 MT, and a 540 hp 5.8 AT. The 515 hp cars are recorded from 2002 to 2006, while the 540 hp cars are recorded from 2005 to 2006. Because all four belong to the same generation, the comparison is between versions and production periods rather than between separate generations.
Ferrari 575M engine and gearbox specs
The shared foundation makes the differences easy to isolate. Every version has 5,748 cc displacement, Gasoline fuel, 12 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, 4 valves per cylinder, no boost, distributed multi-point injection, and RWD. The two 515 hp versions produce 379 kW and 588 Nm, while the two 540 hp versions produce 397 kW and 589 Nm. Both outputs peak at 7,250 rpm, and maximum torque arrives at 5,250 rpm.
| Version | Years | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8 MT (515 hp) | 2002–2006 | 515 hp / 379 kW at 7,250 rpm | 588 Nm at 5,250 rpm | 5,748 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5.8 AT (515 hp) | 2002–2006 | 515 hp / 379 kW at 7,250 rpm | 588 Nm at 5,250 rpm | 5,748 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5.8 MT (540 hp) | 2005–2006 | 540 hp / 397 kW at 7,250 rpm | 589 Nm at 5,250 rpm | 5,748 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5.8 AT (540 hp) | 2005–2006 | 540 hp / 397 kW at 7,250 rpm | 589 Nm at 5,250 rpm | 5,748 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
The later engine specification adds 25 hp and 18 kW over the 515 hp tune, but torque increases by only 1 Nm. Power density rises from approximately 89.6 hp per litre in the 515 hp versions to approximately 93.9 hp per litre in the 540 hp versions, a gain of about 4.3 hp per litre. The compression ratio also changes from 11 in the 515 hp cars to 11.2 in the 540 hp cars. Bore and stroke remain 89 × 77, and all versions specify 98 fuel.
For a gearbox-led decision, the choice is straightforward: 5.8 MT denotes the 6-speed Manual, while 5.8 AT denotes the 6-speed Automatic. The front, longitudinal engine position is explicitly recorded for both 5.8 MT versions; engine position for both 5.8 AT versions is not measured.
Ferrari 575M performance and mpg
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8 MT (515 hp) | 4.3 seconds | 325 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 5.8 AT (515 hp) | 4.2 seconds | 325 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 5.8 MT (540 hp) | 4.2 seconds | 320 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 5.8 AT (540 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The performance figures do not establish the 540 hp versions as unconditionally quicker. The 515 hp 5.8 AT records 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a 325 km/h top speed. That makes it 0.1 second quicker to 100 km/h than the 515 hp 5.8 MT while retaining the same measured maximum speed.
The 540 hp 5.8 MT also reaches 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, but its recorded top speed is 320 km/h—5 km/h below both 515 hp versions. Performance for the 540 hp 5.8 AT is not measured, so its additional power cannot be translated into a verified acceleration or top-speed advantage from this data.
City, highway, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for every Ferrari 575M version. CO₂ output and emissions class are also not measured throughout the range. Consequently, an mpg or economy-based recommendation cannot be made from the available figures.
Ferrari 575M dimensions, weight, clearance, and wheel sizes
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Weight per hp | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8 MT (515 hp) | 1,730 kg | 1,990 kg | approximately 3.36 kg/hp | not measured | 105 litres | 255/40 R18, 295/35 R18 |
| 5.8 AT (515 hp) | not measured | 1,990 kg | not measured | 130 mm | 105 litres | not measured |
| 5.8 MT (540 hp) | 1,790 kg | 2,050 kg | approximately 3.31 kg/hp | not measured | 105 litres | 255/35 R18, 255/40 R18 |
| 5.8 AT (540 hp) | not measured | 2,050 kg | not measured | 130 mm | 105 litres | 245/40 R18, 295/35 R18 |
Among versions with measured kerb weight, the 515 hp 5.8 MT weighs 1,730 kg and the 540 hp 5.8 MT weighs 1,790 kg. The later Manual therefore adds 60 kg while gaining 25 hp. Its calculated weight-to-power figure is approximately 3.31 kg per hp, narrowly better than the earlier Manual’s approximately 3.36 kg per hp. In practical catalogue terms, the extra output offsets the added recorded mass, but only by about 0.05 kg per hp.
Gross weight follows the same pattern across gearboxes. Both 515 hp versions are rated at 1,990 kg, while both 540 hp versions are rated at 2,050 kg, a difference of 60 kg. Kerb weight is not measured for either 5.8 AT, preventing a direct Manual-versus-Automatic weight comparison.
Ground clearance is measured only for the Automatic versions: both the 515 hp 5.8 AT and 540 hp 5.8 AT have 130 mm. Ground clearance for both 5.8 MT versions is not measured. All four versions have a 105-litre tank.
Wheel data varies by version. The 515 hp 5.8 MT lists 255/40 R18 and 295/35 R18, while wheel sizes for the 515 hp 5.8 AT are not measured. The 540 hp 5.8 MT lists 255/35 R18 and 255/40 R18. The 540 hp 5.8 AT lists 245/40 R18 and 295/35 R18.
Which Ferrari 575M version should you buy?
Choose the 515 hp 5.8 MT if measured lightness and a Manual gearbox matter most. Its 1,730 kg kerb weight is 60 kg below the 540 hp 5.8 MT, and it still provides 515 hp, 588 Nm, a 4.3-second 0–100 km/h time, and a 325 km/h top speed. It is also the only version pairing the lowest measured kerb weight with the 325 km/h maximum.
Choose the 515 hp 5.8 AT if the strongest complete set of recorded performance numbers matters more than having a Manual. It matches the 515 hp 5.8 MT at 325 km/h and reaches 100 km/h 0.1 second sooner, in 4.2 seconds. Its 130 mm ground clearance is measured, although its kerb weight and wheel sizes are not.
Choose the 540 hp 5.8 MT if maximum power and the best calculable weight-to-power ratio are the priorities. Compared with the 515 hp 5.8 MT, it gains 25 hp and 1 Nm, improves 0–100 km/h by 0.1 second, and improves the calculated weight-to-power ratio from approximately 3.36 to 3.31 kg/hp. The trade-off is 60 kg more kerb weight and a recorded top speed that is 5 km/h lower.
Choose the 540 hp 5.8 AT only if the combination of the 540 hp engine and 6-speed Automatic is itself the deciding requirement. It has 25 hp more than the 515 hp 5.8 AT, but acceleration, top speed, and kerb weight are not measured. The data therefore cannot show that it performs better than the lower-powered Automatic.
There are no supplied price figures, so the extra money required for any version—and whether that premium is justified—cannot be measured. Likewise, Ferrari 575M problems and reliability cannot be compared because fault, repair, and durability data are not measured. Based strictly on the recorded specifications, the 515 hp 5.8 AT has the most compelling complete performance figures, the 515 hp 5.8 MT is the measured lightweight choice, and the 540 hp 5.8 MT is the power-focused option with the best calculated kg-per-hp result.