650S Spider or V12 Vantage S Roadster?
Discussion
Hi all,
Having sold a 981 Boxster S a couple of years ago I am feeling the urge to get back into a convertible. Looking at around an up to £85k budget, the two stand out options to me look like a 650S Spider or a V12 Vantage S Roadster.
It might be a long shot, but has anyone on here driven/owned both? Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
In terms of the role of the car, I will be looking to do probably a maximum of 5,000 miles per annum. Needs to get me out for weekend drives down some good B roads, and also a couple of week long trips away such as to Scotland or Europe. I have no desire to track the car, although I wonder how many other Mclaren owners may have initially had the same thought and changed their mind…
I have exhausted all reviews and youtube content and my thoughts are:
Performance & Handling - 650S a step up compared to the Vantage, however for road use is it too capable? I daily a GR Yaris and even with a fraction of the power there are times when it is way too capable for road driving. Looking at the Vantage the potential concern I have is whether it is a bit of a traction nightmare even with some good tyres on, is it quite intimidating to drive fast?
Engine & Sound – Must admit the Vantage is tempting to scratch the V12 itch and to enjoy that noise. Although the more videos I watch I can appreciate the 650S sounds much better than I initially thought, and the ability to drop the rear window seems a brilliant feature.
Ride – Seems to be a massive advantage to the 650S, the idea of being able to still enjoy the state of our B roads really appeals, the Vantage I assume struggles comparatively?
Gearbox - I note the mixed thoughts on the Sportshift gearbox on the Vantage, however I own an MC Stradale and personally really enjoy the MC Shift box due to the required involvement, I am assuming (perhaps wrongly) the Sportshift is a very similar box. I am also assuming the 650S Spider gearbox will feel similar to the PDK box I had on the Boxster.
Looks – Not too bothered here and of course subjective. Vantage already starting to look like a classic in my eyes, but the 650S ticks the supercar looks box.
Luggage – Big plus point for the Vantage and it can take golf clubs albeit that is not a deal breaker. The Mclaren from what I can read seems to have enough space to manage a week away so in summary I have concluded both will work for the role of the car.
Running costs – Fully onboard with ensuring a PPI is essential and personally I will want warranty for at least the first couple of years. All in budgeting £5k per annum (exc fuel).
Depreciation – The dirty word on here and fully accept to take a hit on either if I was to move it on after a couple of years. Longer term I wonder if the Vantage may have the edge but this is not a factor high up the list to base the decision upon.
I should mention I have tried to look further afield. F Type SVR, R8 V10, AMG GT I am struggling to get excited about. If I was to put a third choice into the mix it would probably be a 981 or 718 Spyder but I am not convinced they will feel as special as the two main options I am considering.
Thanks for reading, and I would look to test drive both in due course just conscious there is sometimes only so much you can take away and always keen to hear from people who have driven extensively or owned these cars.
Note I put this in the Mclaren forum on the assumption it will likely have the best chance of finding someone who has experience of both! If thread needs to be moved elsewhere no problem.
Having sold a 981 Boxster S a couple of years ago I am feeling the urge to get back into a convertible. Looking at around an up to £85k budget, the two stand out options to me look like a 650S Spider or a V12 Vantage S Roadster.
It might be a long shot, but has anyone on here driven/owned both? Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
In terms of the role of the car, I will be looking to do probably a maximum of 5,000 miles per annum. Needs to get me out for weekend drives down some good B roads, and also a couple of week long trips away such as to Scotland or Europe. I have no desire to track the car, although I wonder how many other Mclaren owners may have initially had the same thought and changed their mind…
I have exhausted all reviews and youtube content and my thoughts are:
Performance & Handling - 650S a step up compared to the Vantage, however for road use is it too capable? I daily a GR Yaris and even with a fraction of the power there are times when it is way too capable for road driving. Looking at the Vantage the potential concern I have is whether it is a bit of a traction nightmare even with some good tyres on, is it quite intimidating to drive fast?
Engine & Sound – Must admit the Vantage is tempting to scratch the V12 itch and to enjoy that noise. Although the more videos I watch I can appreciate the 650S sounds much better than I initially thought, and the ability to drop the rear window seems a brilliant feature.
Ride – Seems to be a massive advantage to the 650S, the idea of being able to still enjoy the state of our B roads really appeals, the Vantage I assume struggles comparatively?
Gearbox - I note the mixed thoughts on the Sportshift gearbox on the Vantage, however I own an MC Stradale and personally really enjoy the MC Shift box due to the required involvement, I am assuming (perhaps wrongly) the Sportshift is a very similar box. I am also assuming the 650S Spider gearbox will feel similar to the PDK box I had on the Boxster.
Looks – Not too bothered here and of course subjective. Vantage already starting to look like a classic in my eyes, but the 650S ticks the supercar looks box.
Luggage – Big plus point for the Vantage and it can take golf clubs albeit that is not a deal breaker. The Mclaren from what I can read seems to have enough space to manage a week away so in summary I have concluded both will work for the role of the car.
Running costs – Fully onboard with ensuring a PPI is essential and personally I will want warranty for at least the first couple of years. All in budgeting £5k per annum (exc fuel).
Depreciation – The dirty word on here and fully accept to take a hit on either if I was to move it on after a couple of years. Longer term I wonder if the Vantage may have the edge but this is not a factor high up the list to base the decision upon.
I should mention I have tried to look further afield. F Type SVR, R8 V10, AMG GT I am struggling to get excited about. If I was to put a third choice into the mix it would probably be a 981 or 718 Spyder but I am not convinced they will feel as special as the two main options I am considering.
Thanks for reading, and I would look to test drive both in due course just conscious there is sometimes only so much you can take away and always keen to hear from people who have driven extensively or owned these cars.
Note I put this in the Mclaren forum on the assumption it will likely have the best chance of finding someone who has experience of both! If thread needs to be moved elsewhere no problem.
Many thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
12 Pack - Interesting observations, appreciate you own the V12 Coupe but do you think would be inclined to use it more if it was a Convertible with more access to that great sound and perhaps a slightly difference experience? I did not actually cover interior in my observations (you can tell from my current cars the standard to compare to is low), but I will concede the interior of 650 is excellent. I think the Aston is ok, but would only consider with the lightweight seats which would be a deal breaker.
ANOpax - Yes fair comment!
Frankychops - You got by the looks of things a fantastic deal on that spider recently, was a great spec too so hope you enjoy.
MMarkM - If it was not for the noise of the Aston and the V12 angle I would not even be asking this question!
mrpseudonym - If I am honest the community aspect is not something I have ever engaged in, keep in mind it took me 70 months on here to make 1 post so I am not sure what the conversion rate is to then meeting fellow enthusiasts in person. Perhaps I will have the courage in 20 years. Quite surprised by your comments on luggage space, I had convinced myself that with soft bags and careful packing the front book could just about handle a week away, I better look into this further as would be a waste for the car not to fulfill this role. I appreciate the roof can provide a bit of additional storage but not something I find that appealing due to the fact you lose the ability for the roof to go down.
12 Pack - Interesting observations, appreciate you own the V12 Coupe but do you think would be inclined to use it more if it was a Convertible with more access to that great sound and perhaps a slightly difference experience? I did not actually cover interior in my observations (you can tell from my current cars the standard to compare to is low), but I will concede the interior of 650 is excellent. I think the Aston is ok, but would only consider with the lightweight seats which would be a deal breaker.
ANOpax - Yes fair comment!
Frankychops - You got by the looks of things a fantastic deal on that spider recently, was a great spec too so hope you enjoy.
MMarkM - If it was not for the noise of the Aston and the V12 angle I would not even be asking this question!
mrpseudonym - If I am honest the community aspect is not something I have ever engaged in, keep in mind it took me 70 months on here to make 1 post so I am not sure what the conversion rate is to then meeting fellow enthusiasts in person. Perhaps I will have the courage in 20 years. Quite surprised by your comments on luggage space, I had convinced myself that with soft bags and careful packing the front book could just about handle a week away, I better look into this further as would be a waste for the car not to fulfill this role. I appreciate the roof can provide a bit of additional storage but not something I find that appealing due to the fact you lose the ability for the roof to go down.
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