Slightly off topic, but the only other sports car I considered is the new Huracan. The demo is in a few days local to me....but I opted for a 458 until I can see/drive a more hardcore Huracan variant ie SL or "Balboni"'type. Even then, who knows. The. Macs looks always left me wanting a bit.
I own a Mclaren MP4 and a 458. I think both cars are wonderful. My MP4 spider is much faster in a drag race. Drove my MP4 to PHX and it was so smooth and fast when I want it to be. And my 458 is wonderful as well. I think the interior is much nicer in the 458. Leather, leg room is much better in 458. The carbon tub in MP4 does have a trade off in room. But, as far as fast and smooth, and solid you can't beat the carbon tub of the MP4. And for me, I love the sound of the blow off valves and turbos whistling coupled with that V8 growl. In the end, they are both wonderful machines. It's great to have something different. As far as MP4 compared to 650 they feel very close when driving back to back. I like the look of MP4 better than 650. Also Mclaren only built little over 3000 for the world. Maybe half that in US so rare as well. Image Unavailable, Please Login
The 650S does offer a lot more than the 12C in terms of what you can do with the interior. The low-slung, body-contouring P1-based racing seats are amazing if you fit in them. Besides, you can mix up a lot more interior carbon fiber, alcantara, and leather than was there in the 12C. So, even though a stock/bare-bones 650S cabin is essentially the same as the 12C's, a properly configured 650S is a much nicer place to be in. For example: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mclarensanfrancisco/sets/72157646635985282/
I kicked the tires of a 650S last weekend. It's a very nice car. I don't like the looks though. I mean it isn't bad looking. But to my eye it looks a little ugly. Maybe with an all black car the exterior design features which I dislike, would be hidden. The front boot is smaller than the 458, so as a driver, I'd probably be happier with the 458. last weekend I bought a new subwoofer and soundbar and was able to get that into the 458. No way with the 650S. Also if you are parked close next to another car, I think you need more space to open the doors in a 650S. Again another reason for grabbing the 458 Spider keys over the 650S.
From this angle the car looks good--it looks a lot like the Ferrari. But IMO from the front, and other angles where the car looks like a McLaren, the 458 Spider looks much better!
I do like the color of your McLaren! And great color for your Lambo too! You've got guts! I am also looking at Lambo. I am going to take a look at a Huracan.
I saw some youtube videos, Huracan is actually faster from 0-120mph and much faster from 0-180mph than MP4. I think when you take out huge $$$ for a car, you should get something built better. Turbocharger is a cheap solution to gain power. Many local custom store can also add it to your current car to make it faster and powerful. In this comparison between 650S and Speciale, the prices are about the same, but by using turbo, McLaren is one level below. It's ok for Corvette to use supercharger or Nissan GTR to use turbo, because the prices are one-two level below. Boost is cheap, revs is expensive. One of the Ferrari's feeling that you cannot dream to get in Mclaren, is the screaming F1-like sound. Now what is the Mclaren's feeling that you cannot get in Ferrari? Nothing. If you simply just want a very fast car, get a Nissan GTR and bring it to Switzer. For $80,000 they will make your car be able to smoke McLaren P1, let alone 650S.
Thank you! Love eye popping different colors. You will love your Lambo. Press is saying it is well built. Another pic of MP4 Image Unavailable, Please Login
Very interesting to read your post with these great MP4 pictures, I envy your filled garage! Which car will you replace with the 458 successor?
I am looking at new Lambo, or 458T....but, we will see. Thank you. Blessed to be able to enjoy my passion of cars.
You have a great selection. I drove my 12C for the last week, and smooth is the word that comes to mind. Although my 458's suspension is excellent, on a road trip, I don't know of any better riding sports car than a McLaren. I know that my 991 in terms of Refinement in ride was a big step up from a 997, but it felt to GTish as well. The 12C feels like a proper sports car with one turn of the knob. As far as the guy criticizing the 12C from Exotics racing, I saw that car at the dealership, and I heard that it was one strong machine considering the life it endures. I have had my 12C for two years and no problems, considering it is a MOY 12 Coupe. As many said before, just because you like one, does not mean the other is bad, unless you live with blinders on. Competition pushes these cars ahead.
I was really trying to follow the thread and then you had to post a picture of that setup! MAN! That must be a nice site when walking into your garage and seeing those cars. Working hard to experience the same sight
458s have not been rock solid. They break their transmissions. Don't believe me? Ask the Ferrari service guy at the Wynn who used to service the tracked/ rental 458s....
Very well said! I'm in similar boat to you. I have a 2015 650S Spider and 2013 458 Spider. If I had to give one up (between the 458 Spider and 650S Spider) it would be the Ferrari, not the McLaren. The McLaren, especially the 650S, is super engaging and has an amazing amounts of thrust. I also love all the whooshing sounds it makes. I tracked my 12C Spider plenty and had ZERO problems with it. I'm planning to take the 650S to the track for the first time this weekend. I can't wait! There's a lot of unfair prejudice around here toward McLaren. The 650S is a spectacular car! I had a 12C Spider before this and the 650S is a great upgrade to an already-great car. Here's my garage shot... 5,000+ miles in the 458 Spider, 1,110+ (in one month!) in the 650S and 8,000+ in the FF. So they all get driven a bunch. The Audi is my airport car Image Unavailable, Please Login
Nice! My "airport car" is currently an Audi too. I suppose there's ultimately no rational explanation as to why there even needs to be prejudice towards things that don't affect you. If anything, it's awesome to have such choices--good for those who want to avail of them, and at worst, irrelevant to those who don't. The other day, I took a friend for a ride in the 650S Spider. He's a Ferrari diehard, has a 2010 458 with burbles and all, and had never been in any McLaren before. We gave the car the full beans, and he was smiling ear to ear the entire time. Afterwards, he couldn't stop talking about how amazing the engine sounded because of the admixture of complex sounds emanating from it. (We had the roof up and the rear window down.) He felt the McLaren sounded amazingly powerful and mean--not better or worse than the 458, just... different. To each his own. Image Unavailable, Please Login
MHH, MarkNC and iohead living the dream. A wise man once told me variety is the spice of life. Super jelly at your stables, enjoy to the max.
Wonderful collection of cars...the best of the sports car world. They are all in some of the best colours for their brand as well. Enjoy in good health.
