458 Spider - 650S Spider ?
Discussion
Hi folks
I am contemplating a move from a 2013 458 Spider to a new-ish 650S - have an allocation for a 488 Spider early 2017, but with some good deals to be had on 650S am thinking about as an alternative.
I've seen a few in the flesh recently at car meets and really growing on me, love the doors, the carbon tub and the F1 heritage. I'm test driving at McLaren Ascot in a couple weeks.
I wanted to ask if any folks on here have made the same jump, how have you found it ? Any second thoughts having made the switch ? Do you miss the sound of the NA or anything else about the 458 ?
I also wanted to ask how you've found people's reactions when you are driving around. In the (rosso corsa) 458 Spider I get a mix of feedback - some who love the car but also a fair amount of negative, which annoys me sometimes. Most of the time doesnt bother me, shouldn't care - but when you get the nasty comments and the two fingers occasionally just annoying, especially when my 8 year old son is with me etc. Do you find any different in the 650S, is it it just the norm in a supercar...
Thanks for any feedback,
Cheers Matt
"Response from people - almost universally positive - it's a british car, little or no association with "loads of money" and it has cool doors. People want to know what it is and generally talk about it/ have their photo taken with it, touch wood to date I've had zero negative reactions."
This is good feedback - I didn't buy the 458 Spider to show off as the main reason, and definitely not a garage queen as I like to do a good skutch on country roads (de-stress after a busy week!) to work the engine and make me giggle, so what you describe sounds much better as a Petrolhead than being lumped with the "loads of money" "show off" perception that some folks have about a red Ferrari, much as I adore the drive in the 458.
A decision that needs lots of thought as I've been a die hard Ferrari fan for years and bought the 458 spider as my dream car after having a California for a while. Looking forward to the test drive !
cheers
Matt
This is good feedback - I didn't buy the 458 Spider to show off as the main reason, and definitely not a garage queen as I like to do a good skutch on country roads (de-stress after a busy week!) to work the engine and make me giggle, so what you describe sounds much better as a Petrolhead than being lumped with the "loads of money" "show off" perception that some folks have about a red Ferrari, much as I adore the drive in the 458.
A decision that needs lots of thought as I've been a die hard Ferrari fan for years and bought the 458 spider as my dream car after having a California for a while. Looking forward to the test drive !
cheers
Matt
Edited by shabster on Saturday 19th March 08:28
Edited by shabster on Saturday 19th March 08:29
Stunning photo.
Thanks for all the feedback folks - very useful whilst I deliberate. I had a great drive around in the F at the weekend so reminded me how fun it is.
Looking forward to the test drive in the 650S to see how it matches up. I'm down at McLaren London tomorrow checking out a few deals to see what is out there - they do seem to shift hands quickly
Cheers
Matt
Thanks for all the feedback folks - very useful whilst I deliberate. I had a great drive around in the F at the weekend so reminded me how fun it is.
Looking forward to the test drive in the 650S to see how it matches up. I'm down at McLaren London tomorrow checking out a few deals to see what is out there - they do seem to shift hands quickly
Cheers
Matt
Jappo said:
You will certainly experience one aspect of the 650S around Knightsbridge but not the one that matters if you enjoy driving
Yeah - not planning to test drive around London (not test driving tomorrow) but atleast get up close and have a proper look at a car, and get firm details on what kind of deal I can strike on a stock model. Then I'll do a proper test drive knowing that if I like it it's something I can move forward with...Hi folks
So I managed to get down to McLaren London today. I took a 650S spider for a 45 min test drive (albeit in London traffic) and got to spend some quality time with the car.
Observations vs my 458 Spider.
Pros:
- better cabin, feels more planted - nice being surrounded by the carbon tub
- better stereo. It had the Meridian upgrade and it sounds better than the equivalent "Hi Power Hifi" in the 458.
- similar ride in "comfort" mode
- like how you can close the roof whilst moving
- like IRIS2 setup vs the infotainment in the 458 - Bluetooth streaming worked well
- love love love the doors
- liked the positive attention it gained around streets of London - all positive.
- there ARE deals to be had on stock cars (new). It is a big sway factor vs the zero discount on a new 488 spider despite having an established Ferrari relationship.
- could be down to individual persona - but I felt there was a more honest sales discussion to be had vs my Ferrari dealer where I often have to push for responses to my emails and enquiries.
- Love the lift system - there is real clearance both front and back
Cons:
- the sound. It sounds better than I thought but not as good as 458 in my ear. Different and do need to hear it at full pelt to make a judgement.
- didn't get the sense of rawness/urgency of the 458 yet but admittedly didn't get it above 30mph. I need to get the car to a point there the turbos are fully engaged.
Next step: McLaren London are kindly bringing a car to my stomping grounds in surrey tomorrow night. I'll get to drive it around my favourite roads that I take the 458 on regularly and get a real feel for the car. I'll prob take the 458 Spider out straight after back to back and have a good comparison.
I am 90% sold given the deal on the table. I like the looks of the car and I'm warming to being into something different and more exclusive. I got a good offer of part ex on my 458 Spider to boot so the numbers work well, and will be considerably better off vs completing on my 488 Spider order - I could buy something else in addition with the change.
More tomorrow after the "proper" drive.
Cheers
Matt
So I managed to get down to McLaren London today. I took a 650S spider for a 45 min test drive (albeit in London traffic) and got to spend some quality time with the car.
Observations vs my 458 Spider.
Pros:
- better cabin, feels more planted - nice being surrounded by the carbon tub
- better stereo. It had the Meridian upgrade and it sounds better than the equivalent "Hi Power Hifi" in the 458.
- similar ride in "comfort" mode
- like how you can close the roof whilst moving
- like IRIS2 setup vs the infotainment in the 458 - Bluetooth streaming worked well
- love love love the doors
- liked the positive attention it gained around streets of London - all positive.
- there ARE deals to be had on stock cars (new). It is a big sway factor vs the zero discount on a new 488 spider despite having an established Ferrari relationship.
- could be down to individual persona - but I felt there was a more honest sales discussion to be had vs my Ferrari dealer where I often have to push for responses to my emails and enquiries.
- Love the lift system - there is real clearance both front and back
Cons:
- the sound. It sounds better than I thought but not as good as 458 in my ear. Different and do need to hear it at full pelt to make a judgement.
- didn't get the sense of rawness/urgency of the 458 yet but admittedly didn't get it above 30mph. I need to get the car to a point there the turbos are fully engaged.
Next step: McLaren London are kindly bringing a car to my stomping grounds in surrey tomorrow night. I'll get to drive it around my favourite roads that I take the 458 on regularly and get a real feel for the car. I'll prob take the 458 Spider out straight after back to back and have a good comparison.
I am 90% sold given the deal on the table. I like the looks of the car and I'm warming to being into something different and more exclusive. I got a good offer of part ex on my 458 Spider to boot so the numbers work well, and will be considerably better off vs completing on my 488 Spider order - I could buy something else in addition with the change.
More tomorrow after the "proper" drive.
Cheers
Matt
Hi guys
So tonight I managed to get the 650S spider out on my favourite local roads and a real test vs the 458 Spider.
I would sum up as: much faster, very fun, but in a different way than the 458.
I definitely left with a big smile on my face and realise I can have fun with this car as much as the 458 spider, but the fun is a different kind of fun, so the cars are different. If I could I would own them both.
When on the juice hard:
1) the 650S when pushing it is notably quicker than the 458 - it takes your breath away when the boost kicks in and has torque in every gear.
2) much quicker braking - the airbrake seems to help too (and looks awesome in the rear view mirror)
3) the car is loud enough, especially with the roof down.
4) like the burbles and pops as the car decelerates and as you change down.
5) Ferrari has the better noise - screaming at speed. Vs me screaming at speed in the 650S !
6) prefer the larger (carbon) paddles in the 458
7) prefer the "normal" layout of the McLaren steering wheel and ammenity levers etc - vs on wheel indicators on 458 which still confuse me if trying to indicate whilst turning and scares my wife from driving it (not that I mind about that...)
8) prefer the brake/accelerator pedals in the 650S. 458 are so close together and narrow I have to wear my special driving shoes. Which I don't mind, but nice to have the option not to.
9) roof down - steady as a rock no scuttle shake. It never really bothered me in the 458 but would prefer not to have it, given the choice.
The ride out of London to Surrey in heavy traffic:
1) 650Snot as much of an event at low speeds. The 458 makes a lot of noise in race even at low speeds.
2) I find the ride similar in "normal" to the 458 with dampening on.
3) navigation fine but didn't find best traffic routes, stick to my TomTom
4) like roof operation whilst moving
5) like the lift - don't have to crawl over speed bumps
6) prefer Ferrari's way of putting into neutral (both paddles back) if a passer buy asks for a quick engine rev.
7) 650S got lots of nice attention around town.
8) I asked us to stop to refuel - geeky I know but loved getting the doors open at a petrol station and see people's faces.
Finally - a shout out to Simon S at McLaren London. McLaren take note - please build a sales force that is transparent, open and no "agenda" if you want sticky customers. Hire more Simons. He gave up his evening to drive me out there and won't have got home till gone 10pm. Plus we've had an open transparent dialog on the deals to be had. I don't need to have bought cars before to feel special.
So in summary I am now very tempted - I just need to get the deal where I want it to be, and decide if the "different kind of fun" is for me vs the 458 Spider I'm used to. As a petrolhead I adore them both
Cheers
Matt
So tonight I managed to get the 650S spider out on my favourite local roads and a real test vs the 458 Spider.
I would sum up as: much faster, very fun, but in a different way than the 458.
I definitely left with a big smile on my face and realise I can have fun with this car as much as the 458 spider, but the fun is a different kind of fun, so the cars are different. If I could I would own them both.
When on the juice hard:
1) the 650S when pushing it is notably quicker than the 458 - it takes your breath away when the boost kicks in and has torque in every gear.
2) much quicker braking - the airbrake seems to help too (and looks awesome in the rear view mirror)
3) the car is loud enough, especially with the roof down.
4) like the burbles and pops as the car decelerates and as you change down.
5) Ferrari has the better noise - screaming at speed. Vs me screaming at speed in the 650S !
6) prefer the larger (carbon) paddles in the 458
7) prefer the "normal" layout of the McLaren steering wheel and ammenity levers etc - vs on wheel indicators on 458 which still confuse me if trying to indicate whilst turning and scares my wife from driving it (not that I mind about that...)
8) prefer the brake/accelerator pedals in the 650S. 458 are so close together and narrow I have to wear my special driving shoes. Which I don't mind, but nice to have the option not to.
9) roof down - steady as a rock no scuttle shake. It never really bothered me in the 458 but would prefer not to have it, given the choice.
The ride out of London to Surrey in heavy traffic:
1) 650Snot as much of an event at low speeds. The 458 makes a lot of noise in race even at low speeds.
2) I find the ride similar in "normal" to the 458 with dampening on.
3) navigation fine but didn't find best traffic routes, stick to my TomTom
4) like roof operation whilst moving
5) like the lift - don't have to crawl over speed bumps
6) prefer Ferrari's way of putting into neutral (both paddles back) if a passer buy asks for a quick engine rev.
7) 650S got lots of nice attention around town.
8) I asked us to stop to refuel - geeky I know but loved getting the doors open at a petrol station and see people's faces.
Finally - a shout out to Simon S at McLaren London. McLaren take note - please build a sales force that is transparent, open and no "agenda" if you want sticky customers. Hire more Simons. He gave up his evening to drive me out there and won't have got home till gone 10pm. Plus we've had an open transparent dialog on the deals to be had. I don't need to have bought cars before to feel special.
So in summary I am now very tempted - I just need to get the deal where I want it to be, and decide if the "different kind of fun" is for me vs the 458 Spider I'm used to. As a petrolhead I adore them both
Cheers
Matt
Next question - McLaren Orange or Storm Grey Ninjamobile ?RamboLambo said:
Either.
Don't worry whatever colour you have it in you will get noticed - its a McLaren and gets tons of attention.
I like the oranges but its suits a more shouty Lambo for me. I went for a classy stealth Volcano Red rather than something too bright but its down to personal preference.
Everyones first comment on my car is wow the colour and then what is it ?
I like storm Grey but it will need some carbon and accent colour ( brake calipers, stitching,piping etc.. )to set it off nicely
Are you thinking of ordering to spec new, new from stock or used ?
Stock as the best deals for a new car are there. There's a nice storm grey, carbon wings - stealth wheels and black calipers but has red leather seats - I think they go nicely but not sure. Red leather seats Might hurt resale ?Don't worry whatever colour you have it in you will get noticed - its a McLaren and gets tons of attention.
I like the oranges but its suits a more shouty Lambo for me. I went for a classy stealth Volcano Red rather than something too bright but its down to personal preference.
Everyones first comment on my car is wow the colour and then what is it ?
I like storm Grey but it will need some carbon and accent colour ( brake calipers, stitching,piping etc.. )to set it off nicely
Are you thinking of ordering to spec new, new from stock or used ?
The other is a nice McLaren orange - carbon mirrors and wings, black wheels orange calipers. Black seats with orange accents
Mulling them over
I've closed on the Storm Grey. I saw a sample in real life of the red leather and it's darker than the photos I saw, so think it will look great and make the car pop.
I'm replacing the stealth 10 spoke wheels with 5 spoke diamond cut, and I'm having the airbrake and side intakes wrapped in a carbon finish (rather than adding MSO options that would be £7k on top), before wrapping the whole car in Suntek PPF.
Will get the car in ~2-3 weeks.
Excited !
I'm replacing the stealth 10 spoke wheels with 5 spoke diamond cut, and I'm having the airbrake and side intakes wrapped in a carbon finish (rather than adding MSO options that would be £7k on top), before wrapping the whole car in Suntek PPF.
Will get the car in ~2-3 weeks.
Excited !
RamboLambo said:
Congratulations. Sounds like a nice colour/spec combo and agree the seats look great in real life and provide a great contrast to the exterior grey colour. Good idea doing the carbon wrap to break it up and make it more interesting.
Can you get it with red calipers to tie in with seats ? I think that would really finish it off nicely
The calipers cant be changed on a stock model, so I stick with black. But the diamond wheels add a bit of contrast.Can you get it with red calipers to tie in with seats ? I think that would really finish it off nicely
Very happy - it's close to my ideal spec. I'll publish the full spec later, but its got just about everything barring all the carbon add-ons.
Matt
Dblue said:
Very nice Matt, congratulations.
Picked mine up just 8 days ago and after a 200 mile getting to know you session in the pennines and 3 days at Paintshield in Peterborough followed by a Wales trip at the weekend its already got 700 miles on in my hands
My car has about as much carbon as it could have ! Not sure I'd have had the balls if speccing it myself but it does look great in the metal. Was always going for a bolder colour from the outset but really really love the Mantis. Looks so good in bright sunshine especially.
I love the cabin and controls. The design is so clean and the steering wheel and driving position the best of any car I have ever owned.
Very nice ! The carbon ascents play off the mantis green really well. Really looking forward to getting mine. Should be delivered on the 9th the day after I get back from Easter Holidays..!Picked mine up just 8 days ago and after a 200 mile getting to know you session in the pennines and 3 days at Paintshield in Peterborough followed by a Wales trip at the weekend its already got 700 miles on in my hands
My car has about as much carbon as it could have ! Not sure I'd have had the balls if speccing it myself but it does look great in the metal. Was always going for a bolder colour from the outset but really really love the Mantis. Looks so good in bright sunshine especially.
I love the cabin and controls. The design is so clean and the steering wheel and driving position the best of any car I have ever owned.
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