why do all the mags prefer the 458 to the mp4-12c
Discussion
In every respect of driving and practicality, the MP4-12c seems to win. It's quicker, lighter, more cleverly built and easier to live with.
But critically, it misses the theatricality needed from a supercar. McLaren have built a car that people who want to drive a fast car will want to buy. Unfortunately the person who buys a supercar generally uses it to drive around Knightsbridge at 3mph, and they are not really bothered about Nurburgring lap times.
The MP4-12c is a better car, the 458 is a better supercar.
But critically, it misses the theatricality needed from a supercar. McLaren have built a car that people who want to drive a fast car will want to buy. Unfortunately the person who buys a supercar generally uses it to drive around Knightsbridge at 3mph, and they are not really bothered about Nurburgring lap times.
The MP4-12c is a better car, the 458 is a better supercar.
Much as i like the McLaren i have to say that if i had the money i would spend it on a 458.
Something to do with it not having turbo-chargers but having fist fulls of visual appeal, soul, passion, a wailing engine noise, heritage, etc etc etc.
These are things that (sadly) the McLaren lacks in comparison with the Ferrari.
I know that many people will dis-agree with the above & i only wish that i was wrong however i dont think that i am.
The one that would possibly sway me would be a drive in both cars - which isnt going to happen so i will have to base my opinion on what i know.
Something to do with it not having turbo-chargers but having fist fulls of visual appeal, soul, passion, a wailing engine noise, heritage, etc etc etc.
These are things that (sadly) the McLaren lacks in comparison with the Ferrari.
I know that many people will dis-agree with the above & i only wish that i was wrong however i dont think that i am.
The one that would possibly sway me would be a drive in both cars - which isnt going to happen so i will have to base my opinion on what i know.
davepoth said:
In every respect of driving and practicality, the MP4-12c seems to win. It's quicker, lighter, more cleverly built and easier to live with.
But critically, it misses the theatricality needed from a supercar. McLaren have built a car that people who want to drive a fast car will want to buy. Unfortunately the person who buys a supercar generally uses it to drive around Knightsbridge at 3mph, and they are not really bothered about Nurburgring lap times.
The MP4-12c is a better car, the 458 is a better supercar.
If the typical owner isn't using it as a daily driver, does that make the Ferrari as the more entertaining vehicle the correct winner?But critically, it misses the theatricality needed from a supercar. McLaren have built a car that people who want to drive a fast car will want to buy. Unfortunately the person who buys a supercar generally uses it to drive around Knightsbridge at 3mph, and they are not really bothered about Nurburgring lap times.
The MP4-12c is a better car, the 458 is a better supercar.
Or, if most owners spend all their time dawdling round Knightsbridge should the victor be the Mclaren because of its ride/ease to live with?
Maybe they should have just called this one a draw!
Ive only been a passenger in a 400i for a good few miles and a 360 for a short trip and I have to say theres something in my head that being in a Ferrari makes it really special, same as in Lamborghinis and Aston Martins. I dont know if that would happen in the Mp4-12c.
Maybe people who have driven both actually prefer the 458? Could happen. It is a very very good car by all accounts.
Maybe people who have driven both actually prefer the 458? Could happen. It is a very very good car by all accounts.
davepoth said:
Unfortunately the person who buys a supercar generally uses it to drive around Knightsbridge at 3mph
Except the McLaren is supposed to be better at that, too. The only reason journalists choose the Ferrari is because it "has passion/soul/character/charisma" or some other flowery nonsense designed to keep them in all expenses paid trips to Italy in the future.davepoth said:
In every respect of driving and practicality, the MP4-12c seems to win. It's quicker, lighter, more cleverly built and easier to live with.
But critically, it misses the theatricality needed from a supercar. McLaren have built a car that people who want to drive a fast car will want to buy. Unfortunately the person who buys a supercar generally uses it to drive around Knightsbridge at 3mph, and they are not really bothered about Nurburgring lap times.
The MP4-12c is a better car, the 458 is a better supercar.
Have to agree with this. I reckon the Mclaren would go round most things faster, but the Ferrari looks like it would eat it if it got peckish.But critically, it misses the theatricality needed from a supercar. McLaren have built a car that people who want to drive a fast car will want to buy. Unfortunately the person who buys a supercar generally uses it to drive around Knightsbridge at 3mph, and they are not really bothered about Nurburgring lap times.
The MP4-12c is a better car, the 458 is a better supercar.
Mclaren have created a very competent car that looks like a lot of supercar wannabes that have come and gone in the last decade or two. The Ferrari looks like nothing else.
At this level I would imagine drama and image are more important to 95% of customers, rather than an incredibly capable fast car. Especially when most of them are as well.
EDLT said:
Except the McLaren is supposed to be better at that, too. The only reason journalists choose the Ferrari is because it "has passion/soul/character/charisma" or some other flowery nonsense designed to keep them in all expenses paid trips to Italy in the future.
No, not for commuting, but for being seen in; you've seen all of the pictures of supercars outside Harrods with UAE numberplates. The McLaren is, with the greatest will in the world, a bit geeky. The 458 has swagger, and that's what supercar buyers want. From what I've read they're reasonably well matched in terms of performance, so I guess the decision as to which is more appealing does come down to factors like looks and vague ideas about feel and soul.
I do think Mclaren's plans for future models that will sit above the MP4-12C have lead to them being overly conservative with regard to the styling of the entry level model. I guess they wanted to keep some dramatic flourishes in reserve.
I do think Mclaren's plans for future models that will sit above the MP4-12C have lead to them being overly conservative with regard to the styling of the entry level model. I guess they wanted to keep some dramatic flourishes in reserve.
I know it's subjective, but I just don't agree with (almost) everyone about the looks of the McLaren. I think it is simply, beautiful. On looks alone I'd take one over any modern Ferrari. But then some chaps prefer blondes, other brunettes....
I like the theory that the journos don't want to upset their regular trips to northern Italy - I suppose it is more glam than a quick drive down to Woking!
But is there anyone in the professional press who has come-out as prefering the McLaren? And when is Fifth Gear testing them - or TG back on.
Away from the mainstream motoring press is there a similar "group-think" verdict going on?
I like the theory that the journos don't want to upset their regular trips to northern Italy - I suppose it is more glam than a quick drive down to Woking!
But is there anyone in the professional press who has come-out as prefering the McLaren? And when is Fifth Gear testing them - or TG back on.
Away from the mainstream motoring press is there a similar "group-think" verdict going on?
vladcjelli said:
ZeeTacoe said:
vladcjelli said:
If you find out anything else interesting, let us know.
davepoth said:
The MP4-12c is a better car, the 458 is a better supercar.
Thats sort of the case when comparing any Ferrari to any other Supercar.911 and whichever Ferrari is around at the time, the 911 is more reliable, practical, cheaper to run, just as quick if not quicker..... but which gives the biggest thrill?
I always admit Ferraris are a pain in the backside to live with, but I never swap mine for a Porsche, even though they're the better car.
I can only imagine the same is with the MP4-12c, might be the better car, but does it thrill like the 458?
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