RE: Ferrari 458 Spider: Review
Discussion
Not a fan of open top motoring, generally, but purely on aesthetics, if I was choosing a coupe it would be the original 12c, even though they reckon it feels more involving without the roof. But the 458 spider just beats both on looks and the "buzz". 458 spider it is...phew! 'only taken me 3 years to work that out
I haven't driven either and I doubt I ever will. I have driven a couple of ferraris (308, 328 and 355) and they are my favourite cars I have driven.
Even if the 458 was demonstrably worse I would still buy it, I just love them, it is irrational and I have no explanation for you, and there is no point in arguing, disagree by all means, but I would still buy the ferrari.
Even if the 458 was demonstrably worse I would still buy it, I just love them, it is irrational and I have no explanation for you, and there is no point in arguing, disagree by all means, but I would still buy the ferrari.
I own both cars and I prefer the McLaren 650S Spider over the Ferrari 458 Spider. The 650S is faster, sportier, handles better and is also more comfortable. On the track the 650S eats the 458, even the Italia coupe model (I owned one of those before I got the Spider). On the road it eats up bumps that unsettle the Ferrari, shifts way more smoothly, provides better road feel and has better brakes. There are some areas the Ferrari beats the McLaren in. It has slightly better rearward view (due to a lower rear deck), has more in-cabin storage space than the 650S and some useful extra-cost options (like Homelink and auto-dimming mirrors) are available on the Ferrari but not the McLaren. But none of those features can outweigh how much more fun the McLaren is to drive and how it makes you feel like you're one with the car.
MarkNC said:
I own both cars and I prefer the McLaren 650S Spider over the Ferrari 458 Spider. The 650S is faster, sportier, handles better and is also more comfortable. On the track the 650S eats the 458, even the Italia coupe model (I owned one of those before I got the Spider). On the road it eats up bumps that unsettle the Ferrari, shifts way more smoothly, provides better road feel and has better brakes. There are some areas the Ferrari beats the McLaren in. It has slightly better rearward view (due to a lower rear deck), has more in-cabin storage space than the 650S and some useful extra-cost options (like Homelink and auto-dimming mirrors) are available on the Ferrari but not the McLaren. But none of those features can outweigh how much more fun the McLaren is to drive and how it makes you feel like you're one with the car.
I think that's a fair assessment and how I see it apart from I would add the 458 does make a slightly better sound being a N/a V8. Otherwise everywhere else the 650s is simply the better car.That said for the noise alone I think I would rather have a 458 than the 458T replacement that's coming which I can only see making more Ferrari owners defect to McLaren
I am picking up my 650s spider on Saturday. Can't wait! I test drove the 458 spider which I loved and wanted since it was launched. I also test dove the Lamborghini Huracan. I went for the 650s, as to me it was the best and most powerful of the three.
It was a great ride on the bumpy bits of roads and an animal in the sport or track modes.
I have had two Ferrari 's previously and loved them, but The Mclaren maybe the new kid on the block in road going cars apart from the legendary F1, but the knowledge and technology they bring from being very successful in F1 makes the 650s the most technically advanced car in its class.
The uniqueness of it is also appealing not just to me but to many people as they seem to draw more crowds than a Ferrari.
These cars are both respected and well known brands and legends in racing history.
They are both great cars and I am fortunate enough to be in a position to own one (Nearly, Saturday) some will be more fortunate to own both, but what I have read on that most of the dual owners prefer the Mclaren!
It was a great ride on the bumpy bits of roads and an animal in the sport or track modes.
I have had two Ferrari 's previously and loved them, but The Mclaren maybe the new kid on the block in road going cars apart from the legendary F1, but the knowledge and technology they bring from being very successful in F1 makes the 650s the most technically advanced car in its class.
The uniqueness of it is also appealing not just to me but to many people as they seem to draw more crowds than a Ferrari.
These cars are both respected and well known brands and legends in racing history.
They are both great cars and I am fortunate enough to be in a position to own one (Nearly, Saturday) some will be more fortunate to own both, but what I have read on that most of the dual owners prefer the Mclaren!
All of these cars are through personal choice.
I chose a 458 spider with 40k of options. 240k list price.
Difference between Lambo, McLaren, Ferrari for me, was that the Ferrari is the one which for me felt the most special.
I had a look at the Huracan as I had a Bentley Supersport at the time and the dealers were next door to each other.
Nice looking car but is just an R8 underneath. Same as the Bentley which is just an RS6 underneath (had one of those too same time as the Bentley).
McLaren, I had a look at the 12C, again not a bad car but did not feel special, the biggest problem I have with McLaren is that they keep on bringing out a slightly better model after people have sunk there cash into the current ones. 12C, then a 5% better 650S, and now a 675LT. The residuals show that McLaren are not helping customers with their expensive purchases. 12C for less than 110k now with next to no miles shows it. Just like Yamaha and Honda etc in the bike world.
The 458, for me, looks the best easily, makes a great noise, drives great, none of these 3 are track cars, I have 2 911 GT2's one that has had lots of engine work and has been dyno'd at 626bhp at the hubs. It is faster than the 458 but the Ferrari is more than just power numbers. It is an event to drive it.
Anyway, I bought mine and paid for it so it has no finance and I intend to just keep it.
I chose a 458 spider with 40k of options. 240k list price.
Difference between Lambo, McLaren, Ferrari for me, was that the Ferrari is the one which for me felt the most special.
I had a look at the Huracan as I had a Bentley Supersport at the time and the dealers were next door to each other.
Nice looking car but is just an R8 underneath. Same as the Bentley which is just an RS6 underneath (had one of those too same time as the Bentley).
McLaren, I had a look at the 12C, again not a bad car but did not feel special, the biggest problem I have with McLaren is that they keep on bringing out a slightly better model after people have sunk there cash into the current ones. 12C, then a 5% better 650S, and now a 675LT. The residuals show that McLaren are not helping customers with their expensive purchases. 12C for less than 110k now with next to no miles shows it. Just like Yamaha and Honda etc in the bike world.
The 458, for me, looks the best easily, makes a great noise, drives great, none of these 3 are track cars, I have 2 911 GT2's one that has had lots of engine work and has been dyno'd at 626bhp at the hubs. It is faster than the 458 but the Ferrari is more than just power numbers. It is an event to drive it.
Anyway, I bought mine and paid for it so it has no finance and I intend to just keep it.
Having owned a 458 coupe, then 458 Spyder (fell to pieces) Now a 650S. Differences are 650S way to quick for most british roads (and most people) unless your on a track, and i'm not a track driver. The Ferrari exhaust note is so intoxicating hairs stand up on your neck. The 650S burble is just as nice. For choice the only real difference is that exhaust note. 650S way quicker.
GRBF430F1 said:
MarkNC said:
I own both cars and I prefer the McLaren 650S Spider over the Ferrari 458 Spider. The 650S is faster, sportier, handles better and is also more comfortable. On the track the 650S eats the 458, even the Italia coupe model (I owned one of those before I got the Spider). On the road it eats up bumps that unsettle the Ferrari, shifts way more smoothly, provides better road feel and has better brakes. There are some areas the Ferrari beats the McLaren in. It has slightly better rearward view (due to a lower rear deck), has more in-cabin storage space than the 650S and some useful extra-cost options (like Homelink and auto-dimming mirrors) are available on the Ferrari but not the McLaren. But none of those features can outweigh how much more fun the McLaren is to drive and how it makes you feel like you're one with the car.
I can only see making more Ferrari owners defect to McLaren I've been lucky enough to be taken out for a few blasts by a mate in a 458 Spider.
I honestly have never been in a car that makes such a noise, is so capable and drips in character.
I've never been a supercar fan, I would have always filled a garage with cult heroes over having one super car. The 458 would make me think twice.
The way the car rev's out, the noise increases from a metallic scream to a shriek... I'm haunted by it. Being a spider simply added to the experience.
It makes some cracking backfires too, one loud enough to have the two of us look at each other and wonder where the brick hit...
A Speciale in Grey with gold wheels and lashings of their carbon fibre extras will do me nicely!
I honestly have never been in a car that makes such a noise, is so capable and drips in character.
I've never been a supercar fan, I would have always filled a garage with cult heroes over having one super car. The 458 would make me think twice.
The way the car rev's out, the noise increases from a metallic scream to a shriek... I'm haunted by it. Being a spider simply added to the experience.
It makes some cracking backfires too, one loud enough to have the two of us look at each other and wonder where the brick hit...
A Speciale in Grey with gold wheels and lashings of their carbon fibre extras will do me nicely!
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