The Ultimate Ferrari 458 vs McLaren MP4-12C Review

First, I have owned or currently own almost every modern day exotic sports car worth having, so for this review we will be comparing one individual’s opinion of the Ferrari 458 vs the McLaren MP4-12, with a few “added bonuses” sprinkled in.

This comparison is based on real world driving with a real world driver under real world conditions.

Lets Start!

Aesthetics:

The Ferrari is simply a piece of Italian Art. Both the exterior and interior are nearly flawless when it comes to Italian design, curves and sexiness.

The McLaren is more “machine like” in looks and I view it as less art and more of a mechanical harmony of design, with the one exception being the “doors” which are simply spectacular.

Verdict: Edge To Ferrari

Engine:

The Ferraris naturally aspirated engine is simply marvelous. Each revolution all the way up to 9,000 is a mechanical marvel, with power at every point and stage of acceleration. There is surely something to be said of a naturally aspirated engine that can produce this much horsepower and torque without any assistance.

The McLaren’s engine feels like it has a lot more to give that what it is presently generating. I believe with the upcoming upgrade we will see some of that, but feel that it potentially may be good for around 700 HP when everything is all said and done. With that being said, when the Turbos kick in, the car become “special”. How special? Well it’s the closest thing to a Ferrari F40 that I have felt to date and with some tweaking and if I am right about its full potential, it may eventually become the first car I have driven that can match the shock and awe of the power of the Ferrari F40.

Verdict: Edge To Ferrari (For Now)

Transmission:

Right now I feel the Ferrari 458 simply has the best transmission in the world for 2012 based vehicles. It’s as close to perfect as anything I have ever driven. The gear changes are instantaneous and smoother than silk. In Race Mode it drives like a beast will in “normal” mode you hardly ever feel it shifting.

The McLaren’s transmission is very good, but when you are comparing anything to what is no less than the best in the world, it’s going to be difficult to compete. The gear changes don’t seem to be as smooth nor as fast.

Verdict: An Easy Victory For The Ferrari

Curb Appeal:

Right away everyone seems to know that the 458 is a Ferrari, so right away the cameras pop out and the photographs start almost immediately. Same goes for the valets or any other on looker.

Now the McLaren is kind of special when it comes to this, because not everyone actually knows “what it is”. The curiosity factor is definitely higher and more people tend to stare and enjoy watching the vehicle. This can especially be said once the doors open. Pull up to a restaurant or valet and open the doors and everyone’s mouth starts to drop. It becomes a surreal moment.

Verdict: McLaren

Drivability:

The Ferrari is surprisingly easy to drive and quite comfortable with the Sport Racing Seats. With the ability to set the shocks on comfort setting, the vehicle drives as close as a luxury sedan as any other exotic to date, except maybe for………

The McLaren! The drivability is insane for a car of this magnitude. Place all the settings in comfort mode and you would think you were driving a Lexus. Sometimes you can barely hear the car and think you are simply driving a run of the mill $85,000 luxury vehicle.

Verdict: McLaren


Sound:

The Ferrari is simply an orchestra of orgasmic Italian notes and burbles. I have never driven anything that even compares to how well Ferrari has generated the sound that vibrates through this vehicle at 9,000 RPMS. This is really the “Nessun Dorma” of acoustic ecstasy for a super car!

The McLaren has done a fine job generating an F1 type acoustic panorama of sound, which exasperates once the turbos are on full bore. Ultimately a fantastic sounding vehicle (I have the Sport Exhaust) but again, when compared to “the best in the world” it becomes rather difficult to overcome.

Verdict: Ferrari


Coolness:

Lets face it, if these cars weren’t “cool”, then no one would buy them. For the Ferrari, its steering wheel is again “the best in the world”. The Mannetino, Shocks, Windshield Wipers, Radio/TFT Control etc. are an engineering marvel. Also the Ferrari badge, logo and prancing horse are pretty cool as well.

For the McLaren it all goes back to the doors, which probably deserves “the best in the world” moniker as well. Inside the center console with its large display and unique layout for its command center and air conditioning units are very cool. Also believe it or not, the Carbon Fiber Engine bay is really cool, especially when you are driving and glance in the rear view mirror and see the engine roaring all draped in carbon fiber and with a small air duct between the glass that covers it and the rear bonnet area.

Verdict: Leaning Toward The Ferrari, But Will Delegate A “Tie” For This One.

Value:

Ultimately neither of these cars are a good value in the big scheme of things but for people with our sickness, I will still analyze this one.

Certainly the Ferrari is not cheap and with a few boxes checked off the price can balloon to over $300,000 pretty quickly. So what is one to do? Don’t check the boxes and you miss out on half the car’s glory.

The McLaren on the other hand is fairly reasonable and its options are more “Porsche” like than “Ferrari” like when it comes to prices. Its base price feels very low for what you are getting and if optioned correctly, the final price is a tremendous value for the money.

Verdict: McLaren


Intangibles:

This one is a bit tricky because you really can’t define it. In every day driving I personally feel the Ferrari is faster albeit only when the McLaren’s Turbos are not running full bore. Mystique? Well certainly that has to go to Ferrari. Rarity? I would have to say the McLaren since it is so new and hasn’t been seen on the roads as much as the Ferrari. Man what else…….Well growing up as a kid and always dreaming about a Ferrari has to count for something, right? But then again, those pop up doors on the McLaren, its carbon fiber engine bay and the feel of your neck jerking back when the turbos kick in is certainly something special.

Verdict: Ferrari (At Least For Now)


Overall:

If I had to choose between the two of them and could only pick one? Wow that’s a tough one. I love some many things about each vehicle; I think I would choose to get a 2nd job so that I can keep both. I know that sounds crazy but the McLaren is just that good and the Ferrari…..well maybe overall it is just “The Best In The World!”.

 

Yes.

Plus the 599, FF, California, F40 and Enzo for the Ferrari Model Line.

 

That's what it should be about......

Both cars are phenomenal with each having plus and minuses.

 

Usually I am very private but I will make this one exception.....
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Few more....
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Well I am probably going to get in trouble for this one because no one has ever dare say anything negative about the F40, but the truth is as a "real world" car it's not so great.

No A/C, no radio, no windows, no paddle shift, rough ride etc.......

Yes, when the turbos kick in you feel like the hands of God have just grabbed you and leaped you forward.....no question about it.

But the other 90% of the time you listen to your passenger (I mean girlfriend) complain about how ridiculous the car is and why would I spend so much money on such a silly vehicle.

So with that being said, the Enzo is pretty insane and my choice by a wide margin.