Any 458 owners driven the Mac 12C

I do not own a 458 or the MP4-12C. However, I've driven a couple of 458s and just drove a 12C with the software update today. Let's set one thing straight: they are both fantastic cars.

458 Italia
The Ferrari 458 Italia does have more "soul" than the McLaren MP4-12C. But that does not make it a better car. Going off of just pure sensation, the 458 *feels* faster than the McLaren. It excites you more and has a more aggressive and agile feel. The steering on the 458 is extremely sensitive and feels a bit loose. Feedback is good, but the looseness of the steering wheel can take time to get used to and may or may not be to your liking. One thing that the 458 REALLY has a leg up on over the MP4-12C is the stationary paddles. Unlike the McLaren, the paddles are on the steering COLUMN, where as on the Mac, they're on the steering WHEEL. Having the paddles on the column assures that they will never move and will always be in the same place. I do not like the fact that the MP4-12C has them on the wheel. I found this out today when driving a fairly windy road and, in some cases, had to momentarily search for the correct paddle. This can become a hassle to some. The power delivery of the 458 is very consistent and strong. I do like the harder shifts (especially in race mode) of the 458. I also believe the 458 sounds better.

MP4-12C
Whoever thinks the MP4-12C isn't a true driver's car and that it lacks excitement, well... you're wrong. Two minutes after getting into the MP4-12C, I spun it while getting on a freeway onramp. I was in second gear at about 30 mph, floored it at the apex, and the tail slid right out from under me. Fortunately, I saved it so no harm done, but it certainly put me in my place. Despite being a turbocharged V8, it doesn't feel turbocharged. There's no "surge" present as in turbo cars like the F40, which I rode in right before I hopped into the McLaren. Granted, the F40 and the MP4-12C are as different as steak and salad when it comes to their method of turbocharging, but still. Like the Italia, the MP4-12C's torque curve is very consistent, especially with the new software update. Along with the new update, the shifts are harder in race mode, but still tame compared to that of the 458. The largest difference between the 458 and the 12C, for me, was the steering. The steering on the McLaren was much stiffer than the 458. It had tremendous feel and literally perfect weight; arguably the best feeling steering wheel I've ever experienced. It was perfectly balanced and had remarkable feel. Another thing I also really liked about the McLaren was the visibility out of the windshield. You could actually see the road and had a very good understanding of where the car is. In the 458, much of the view is taken up by the high fender arches. Despite the fact that the McLaren is a VERY fast car, it doesn't exactly *feel* like you're going fast, whereas in the Italia, you can really feel how fast you're going. One thing I noticed when driving the McLaren on the windy road (fairly hard, I should add) is that when you're driving it, the main thing you are focused on is going faster and faster; pushing the limits of what is physically possible with the car. On the other hand, when you're driving the Italia; yes, you're focused on going faster and faster, but you're also bathing in the experience itself and the sheer emotion of driving a Ferrari. The Italia bestows a much more emotional and dramatic experience while the McLaren offers a more, dare I say, "race-bred" driving experience with the main focus solely on speed and quickness.

So while they are direct competitors, they truly are two very separate cars for two different driving styles. If you're considering buying one, drive one and see which best fits your style and desires. In my opinion, one is not clearly better than the other.

-Gil

 

I have both the 12c and a 458 Spider and completely agree with your review... Except I like the paddle shifters on the 12c more. But that is just personal preference.

I think the 458 is the awesome show-off car, and passersby who know little about cars or driving at the limit think it is the bomb. But the more I drive the 12c the more I prefer it as a driver's car. Steering, driving position and visibility is superior to the 458.

Doesn't mean I will sell the Spider though.

 

I own a 430 and a 12C, I was going to get a 458, until I spent two days with a 12C, I just had the Version 10 upgrade done, PM me I will tell you more. Regarding the looks, they are in the eyes of the beholder and the more I look at my 12C I am quite happy with it.

Regarding resale, the Coupe will not have too many more built in 2013, considering how many 458's there are and what the Ferrari dealers have done to the resale on the trades of the 12C, I am not too concerned. Remember when the F1 debuted and the prices fell, albeit they made only 103 of those and it won LeMans. I wonder how much the 356 12C Coupes will be worth in the US in 5 years compared to the 7,000+ 458's.

I love the 458, I think it is one of the most beautiful Ferrari's and has an incredible sound, but for pure Speed, my 12C would waste a 458 in a heartbeat, regardless of what the magazines say. It would not even be close after 60 MPH.

 

I think you're the first person I've seen or heard from that says they like the paddles on the 12C better. But like you said, it's all personal preference.

Since you have the 458 Spider, will you be considering a 12C Spider in the future to replace your current 12C?

If I had that kind of money and was in the market to purchase one of these cars, I'd get the 458. As I stated in my previous post, both cars are for different driving styles and purposes. I fancy a spirited drive through a canyon road over an all-out track day, so a 458 Italia would be more suitable for me. Like I said, the Italia is a more exciting and theatric car to drive. The 12C is an absolutely phenomenal car and I have a completely new appreciation for it after today's drive, but the 458 still has the edge, IMO. That's just me.

-Gil

 

It will be interesting to see how values turn out down the line. I agree with you Senna1944, with only 356 12C' coupes and over 7000 458's, the future values should be interesting to see how it plays out.... with 7000+ 458's the market could become oversaturated driving prices down. I have noticed the 12C's right now are dropping at a rapid rate. in some cases you can grab a 2012 12C for almost $60-$70,000 off MSRP with under 2000 miles on the clock. Meanwhile, 458's are softening a little but are keeping amazing resale values for what now is the 3rd year of production, impressive!!! This says a lot about the 458 and the brand. Out of curiosity, how many F430's where built?

 

No, I am not going to replace the12c coupe for a spider. The 458 spider is my convertible in the stable. It has all the theatrical impact one is looking for in a convertible!

As for the 12c paddle shifters, I like the size and positioning relative to the steering wheel. The very distinct "click" is different from all other shifters out there... Almost like a trigger.

Note, that McLaren did a change in 2012 shifters. The shifters don't have the pre-cog that early cars had. I never drove an earlier car so don't know if there was a change in feel too.

 

I have never understood the complaint about the 12C paddles. Assuming you drive with your hands at 9 & 3, the way the the wheel was designed, the paddles will always be below your fingers.

Ferrari fixes the paddles to the wheel on its very best cars... the ones that Alonso and Massa drives.

 

Most of us are use to the paddle shift of the ferrari or lambo. So when McLaren offers a different product, a lot of people complaint. It took me a couple of days to get use to it. It's not an issue anymore. On the other hand with my 458, i don't like that so many switches/controls are on the steering wheel.

 

Too heavy on the hips?
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very nice, lov'n the high sport wrap. what bumper is that?

 

I love your rear! (Well, not you-- your car!)

That is pretty cool.

Maybe I'm old school but the all black front still looks odd to me. Then again I don't like black wheels so I guess I'm a bit of an old fuddy duddy.

 

I know several people who own them and love them.
To me, if there was no 458, yes I'd be a buyer.
But there is a 458!

 

For me, i think i've posted here already, i've had 2 458's. have driven and been offered aggressive pricing on the MP. I'd still get a 3rd before a 1st. Asides performance and numbers, the 458 does something that the Mac doesnt for me. An intangible lets say!

 

Looks great!

 

That front end is menacing

 

+1. The blacked out segments in the front really help aesthetically IMHO.

 

That's what the standard MP4 should look like.

 

I prefer the look of this bumper to the stock. It's a revozport and it's a replica of a ltd edition Mclaren. The bumper is made of CF but you cannot tell from my poor photos which are taken with the I phone. I have already sold my 458 but here is a picture of it.
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So you feel strongly that the 12C is a better car than the 458, considering you sold the 458 and kept the 12C?

 

CKA, you have a beautiful MP4, I just brought mine home tonight from my warehouse as I hadn't driven for a couple weeks. I have to say your 458 was absolutely stunning. I love the color combination and I think the 458 is jaw dropping beautiful anyway.

Here is my 12C, I am pretty happy with its looks.
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Damn, I think we have the same taste although I rather keep that 458 over your McLaren but your 458 and MP4-12C are perfectly spec'd to my taste.

 

Wow. What color is that?

 

It's called black, I think.