F430 or MP4-12C?
Poll: F430 or MP4-12C?
Total Members Polled: 78
Discussion
I am going to be changing my F Type V8S shortly. I have had amazing fun with it, the performance is stunning and it probably has the best soundtrack of any car I have ever owned. But - it's not special enough to keep as a weekend only toy. I am looking for something more exotic.
I have narrowed my choice to a late model F430 or an early MP4. I love the Ferrari brand, had an F355 back in 2004 and have wanted another Ferrari for some time now. However I can't overlook the fact that it is old tech, particularly the gearbox. By contrast the MP4 is a modern supercar.
Outright performance and handling are not critical for me. The overall package of performance / handling / noise and feel good factor out weights lap times and how many G's it can pull while cornering. How it sounds in particular is a very large part of the enjoyment factor for me.
Can anyone who has experience of both cars provide insights / comments?
I have narrowed my choice to a late model F430 or an early MP4. I love the Ferrari brand, had an F355 back in 2004 and have wanted another Ferrari for some time now. However I can't overlook the fact that it is old tech, particularly the gearbox. By contrast the MP4 is a modern supercar.
Outright performance and handling are not critical for me. The overall package of performance / handling / noise and feel good factor out weights lap times and how many G's it can pull while cornering. How it sounds in particular is a very large part of the enjoyment factor for me.
Can anyone who has experience of both cars provide insights / comments?
From your brief I would say go F430.
MP4 12C is by far the better overall car and better value for money IMHO.
Leagues above a F430 in terms of performance/handling etc and comparative to 458 which was a huge improvement over F430 but it won't pull at your heart strings like the Ferrari mainly because of the subjective feel and sound items you have said are a priority.
That's proper Top Gear advice there - buy the worse car.
You really need to go and drive both back to back and see what floats your boat most.
The MP4 12C is definitely the superior car and offers something different to the more shouty Ferrari and you never know the added sophistication and exclusivity of the McLaren may be just as appealing.
I get far more attention, without shouting, in my 650S than I did in the 430 Scuderia but not as much as the Lamborghini Performante
MP4 12C is by far the better overall car and better value for money IMHO.
Leagues above a F430 in terms of performance/handling etc and comparative to 458 which was a huge improvement over F430 but it won't pull at your heart strings like the Ferrari mainly because of the subjective feel and sound items you have said are a priority.
That's proper Top Gear advice there - buy the worse car.
You really need to go and drive both back to back and see what floats your boat most.
The MP4 12C is definitely the superior car and offers something different to the more shouty Ferrari and you never know the added sophistication and exclusivity of the McLaren may be just as appealing.
I get far more attention, without shouting, in my 650S than I did in the 430 Scuderia but not as much as the Lamborghini Performante
Edited by RamboLambo on Saturday 23 May 21:49
Edited by RamboLambo on Saturday 23 May 21:50
Just had the same choice and the Ferrari got my vote.
McLaren is undoubtedly a more modern choice and quicker, but for me cars are about how they make you feel rather than how quick they are.
I doubt you'd be disappointed with either, just depends what floats your boat.
Nice choice to have
McLaren is undoubtedly a more modern choice and quicker, but for me cars are about how they make you feel rather than how quick they are.
I doubt you'd be disappointed with either, just depends what floats your boat.
Nice choice to have
SlartiF430 said:
My brother thinks I'm stupid to consider a car because the doors open upwards ...
Never considered this as I don't want a 12C but would the 12C door opening mechanism require a larger garage? My F430 just about fits a "standard" width single garage with room to get the driver door open. Would a 12C?Had a 430 a while back, sold it after 10 months and was pretty glad to see it go and have never missed the car. Got the 12c shortly after release and still have it after 3.5 years and 20k miles with not very much at the moment I can easily think of that I would want to change it for.
Personally both cars sound ok imo. Neither sounds particularly great so not a major issue for me personally but the 12c makes more enough noise if you were wondering about that. If the Ferrari thing (brand/history) works for you though then arguably the 430 is the car to get.
Personally both cars sound ok imo. Neither sounds particularly great so not a major issue for me personally but the 12c makes more enough noise if you were wondering about that. If the Ferrari thing (brand/history) works for you though then arguably the 430 is the car to get.
Edited by isaldiri on Monday 25th May 19:16
Had a 430 for four years and enjoyed the car a lot. Bought an MP4 12C spider last September and I must say it is the best all round car I have been lucky enough to own. For me it ticks all the boxes and with the sports exhaust option it sounds very good. As far as attention is concerned I have never owned any car that gets as much as the Mclaren gets. Even driving it on the motorway you get cars following you taking pictures of the car. Always had very positive comments from people.
My advice would be drive both and see which one you prefer. The 12C will likey cost a considerable amount more then the 430 though. If you decide to go for the 430 make sure the manifolds have been replaced, they are prone to cracking.
My advice would be drive both and see which one you prefer. The 12C will likey cost a considerable amount more then the 430 though. If you decide to go for the 430 make sure the manifolds have been replaced, they are prone to cracking.
RamboLambo said:
From your brief I would say go F430.
MP4 12C is by far the better overall car and better value for money IMHO.
Leagues above a F430 in terms of performance/handling etc and comparative to 458 which was a huge improvement over F430 but it won't pull at your heart strings like the Ferrari mainly because of the subjective feel and sound items you have said are a priority.
That's proper Top Gear advice there - buy the worse car.
You really need to go and drive both back to back and see what floats your boat most.
The MP4 12C is definitely the superior car and offers something different to the more shouty Ferrari and you never know the added sophistication and exclusivity of the McLaren may be just as appealing.
I get far more attention, without shouting, in my 650S than I did in the 430 Scuderia but not as much as the Lamborghini Performante
My god your something else....... MP4 12C is by far the better overall car and better value for money IMHO.
Leagues above a F430 in terms of performance/handling etc and comparative to 458 which was a huge improvement over F430 but it won't pull at your heart strings like the Ferrari mainly because of the subjective feel and sound items you have said are a priority.
That's proper Top Gear advice there - buy the worse car.
You really need to go and drive both back to back and see what floats your boat most.
The MP4 12C is definitely the superior car and offers something different to the more shouty Ferrari and you never know the added sophistication and exclusivity of the McLaren may be just as appealing.
I get far more attention, without shouting, in my 650S than I did in the 430 Scuderia but not as much as the Lamborghini Performante
Edited by RamboLambo on Saturday 23 May 21:49
Edited by RamboLambo on Saturday 23 May 21:50
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