Anyone here have a Mclaren?

how do youlike the gt compared to the 458?

 

I don't own a 458 or McLaren but my local dealer who sells both states that the 458 coupe is still a superior vehicle to the Mac couple. Handling, gearbox and build. However, in comparing convertibles, they say the Mac gets the nod with better rigidity and less cowl shake. Hope that helps.

 

I have both; there are things I like (and don't like) about each. Depends on what you're looking for I suppose.

 

It depends in what you mean by "better". That is a subjective term. Better resale? Better looking? Better what?

 

The exhaust note is very different. The McLaren sounds like a Ducati wheras the 458 sound like a Japanese sportbike. Both are awesome sounds. If you prefer high pitched screaming, you would like the 458. If you prefer the sound of the Ford GT, the McLaren would sound more like that. Both are great sounds. Personally I like the 458 a bit more for sound but its not a deal breaker. There's a lot more to a car than the sound.

I disagree about the interior. The McLaren interior is superior in many ways, I could go on for many pages about that.

Better made? In what way? These sounds like comments from sales people with financial interest to sell you something, or 15 year olds who heard from a friend, or people who will never own either. I don't listen to such things. Google "mclaren suspension walkaround" and tell me the McLaren isn't better made.

 

I only have one Ford GT, but I am with you. I would sell 458 before my Ford. Or any of my other cars before the Ford. Sorry off subject.

 

I bought a 12C Spider 3 weeks ago and have driven it 3,000km already. I've kept the 458 but haven't driven it since the Mac arrived but I'm sure I'll love just as much as I always did. The McLaren is a fantastic car, although in fairness, the open roof (with no cowl shake) is part of the thrill. Faster, smoother, feels more compact, rides better, different sound (whooshing turbos etc). The Ferrari has many advantages too - quicker throttle response, arguably better sound, better looking etc.
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Very nice Mac!!! Love the doors, and more pwr is just some more boost away. How does it sound?

 

Just love that side view.

 

awesome ride and congrats!!!

 

i have a mac and a tuned FGT. and have also driven a 458. this is a ferrari board hence the natural bias.

all i can say is the macca is a fantastic piece of machine and technology. it is a modern car that i can say is over-engineered. it is fast, comfortable, and easy to drive. you get a carbon tub with all the latest technology and the real world performance to back it up. truly a supercar you will not get tired using. yes! it feels too digital (and lacking soul) but pretty much all new cars are like that with their flappy paddles IMO.

as compared to the 458, the videos can do the talking.

my mp4 vs. 2012 458
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRvnxGkNTvg&feature=share&list=UUEKDQogLkPShvYwlf9D4CxQ]MP4 vs 458 - Subic - YouTube[/ame]

my mp4 vs. my tuned FGT
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Voev2spgrLw&feature=share&list=UUEKDQogLkPShvYwlf9D4CxQ]MP4-12C vs tuned Ford GT - YouTube[/ame]

as compared to the FGT. the FGT is the more analog, raw, requires your attention and talent to drive. halo car for americans that doesn't disappoint and still a joy to drive. but the macca is lighter, agile and more livable.

 

Here is my FGT with a 3.4L Whipple with 767rwhp racing a 800hp GTR....Whipple makes a HUGE difference to pulley and tune.

YouTube

 

I have v10 factory upgrade on my 12c which adds another 25 HP and very noticeable bump in torque at the upper RPM range. The 12c destroys the 458 in a drag race without question (and please don't start ranting about how the 458 isn't a drag racer. everyone does it every time you get on the freeway on ramp). The 458 was one of my top 3 best handling road cars, until I drove the 12c.

As far as interior goes, one of my complaints about the 458 is the GPS/XM/etc. display is crammed into the right console display where the passenger has no access to it. They can't see it nor can they change the station or input an address or anything. On road trips my passenger likes to play DJ and get involved too. The McLaren has a very nice carbon fiber center display, and the passenger can easily select music, enter addresses, etc. The display even shows album art, much like an ipad, and its a touch screen so they can swipe, etc. The 458 infotainment is archaic in this department. Now I know there's a whole bunch of people that are going to say they don't listen to the radio, that the exhaust is their music, etc. That's fine for the majority that don't do long road trips, mainly just driving around the block and put on 2k miles over 5 years. Fine if that's your thing. I'm talking about long road trips where I'll put 2k miles in a 3 day weekend. For that I want to drive the McLaren.

 

I find the Mac's centre display works great until the sun hits it (I'm talking roof up) and then you can't see a damn thing.

 

I wonder if a Italia coupe would far better? I know there acceleration according to Motor trend is the exact same.

 

I hesitate to reply and break up the Mac love fest but I drove the p--s out of my 12 458 coupe yesterday for about 300 miles through canyons, straight aways and tight turns and let me tell you it has plenty of soul even after 4,500 miles of doing the same. In fact, before checking Fchat I was just telling my wife how much "I love" driving my 458 in that manner. Just MHO, carry on but since this is Fchat, I felt compeled to share what it's like the 458 is really like.

 

An M6B-GT would leave a permanent impression ... now that is a McLaren.
Pete

 

I have a 12c and a 458 spider. I like both a lot but I prefer driving the 12c. The 12c IMHO is centered around driving, the 458 is centered around the super car feel.

 

Several of us have already stated we also own 458s, so we know these things. The McLaren flies through canyons just as well if not better. Especially in the mountains, where you have altitude to deal with, the McLaren pulls harder, much like the Ford GT.

 

Like Frefan, i have the pleasure to own a 458 for 15 months and i am into my 10th month with the 12C. In the last 10 years have owned mostly Ferrari and Lambos. The 12C after V10 upgrade is something else. Most of my friends who own both cars feel the same.

 

It must be an amazing car.