V12V to Macca before V12VSM?
Discussion
Until earlier this year I was fortunate enough to own both a V12V and a 12C, both totally different cars.
V12V is dynamically old school and I mean that nicely. Manual box, fantastic sound and it wants to kill you, because frankly the torque is just outrageous for the suspension and chassis. I could drive it at 30 MPH and smile like the proverbial cheshire cat. Problem for me was that I needed something to scratch that supercar itch. I bloody loved that car and it was my 2nd V12V and I would own another in a heart beat.
And now we have a McLaren 12C, oh boy where do I start, its bloody mental. Yep, that's it, completely bonkers fast, a bit like someone just pressed fast forward on the video. It handles, stops and accelerates nothing like a V12V, where the V12V wants to kill you, this will take you to the edge of jail and back without any such drama. I had to sell one earlier in the year and the McLaren had to stay, it's just a bit more special IMHO, it's a supercar and a bloody good one. Not had any issues with reliability or dealer issues, so I have perhaps been luckier than some, but after 6 track days it hasn't missed a beat, whereas the V12V really wasn't the right car for the track, regardless of AM telling you it is.
I also think that the 12C is a better looking car, but understand that it is completely subjective. What I do know is if McLaren could make my Macca sound like my V12V, then problem solved.
The issue is that the McLaren needs to be driven fast to really enjoy and that is getting less possible on the roads, but on track it is immense.
V12V is dynamically old school and I mean that nicely. Manual box, fantastic sound and it wants to kill you, because frankly the torque is just outrageous for the suspension and chassis. I could drive it at 30 MPH and smile like the proverbial cheshire cat. Problem for me was that I needed something to scratch that supercar itch. I bloody loved that car and it was my 2nd V12V and I would own another in a heart beat.
And now we have a McLaren 12C, oh boy where do I start, its bloody mental. Yep, that's it, completely bonkers fast, a bit like someone just pressed fast forward on the video. It handles, stops and accelerates nothing like a V12V, where the V12V wants to kill you, this will take you to the edge of jail and back without any such drama. I had to sell one earlier in the year and the McLaren had to stay, it's just a bit more special IMHO, it's a supercar and a bloody good one. Not had any issues with reliability or dealer issues, so I have perhaps been luckier than some, but after 6 track days it hasn't missed a beat, whereas the V12V really wasn't the right car for the track, regardless of AM telling you it is.
I also think that the 12C is a better looking car, but understand that it is completely subjective. What I do know is if McLaren could make my Macca sound like my V12V, then problem solved.
The issue is that the McLaren needs to be driven fast to really enjoy and that is getting less possible on the roads, but on track it is immense.
Cockernee said:
Until earlier this year I was fortunate enough to own both a V12V and a 12C, both totally different cars.
V12V is dynamically old school and I mean that nicely. Manual box, fantastic sound and it wants to kill you, because frankly the torque is just outrageous for the suspension and chassis. I could drive it at 30 MPH and smile like the proverbial cheshire cat. Problem for me was that I needed something to scratch that supercar itch. I bloody loved that car and it was my 2nd V12V and I would own another in a heart beat.
And now we have a McLaren 12C, oh boy where do I start, its bloody mental. Yep, that's it, completely bonkers fast, a bit like someone just pressed fast forward on the video. It handles, stops and accelerates nothing like a V12V, where the V12V wants to kill you, this will take you to the edge of jail and back without any such drama. I had to sell one earlier in the year and the McLaren had to stay, it's just a bit more special IMHO, it's a supercar and a bloody good one. Not had any issues with reliability or dealer issues, so I have perhaps been luckier than some, but after 6 track days it hasn't missed a beat, whereas the V12V really wasn't the right car for the track, regardless of AM telling you it is.
I also think that the 12C is a better looking car, but understand that it is completely subjective. What I do know is if McLaren could make my Macca sound like my V12V, then problem solved.
The issue is that the McLaren needs to be driven fast to really enjoy and that is getting less possible on the roads, but on track it is immense.
Fully agree about the sound especially when cruising around town. While the 650 sounds a bit agricultural behind your head around town, it certainly out-howls the V12V as the revs rise. It has this Jurassic Park T-Rex thing going on. And they’ve certainly stepped up the surge from down low too, and of course is even stronger than my P100D at the top. Compared to the 570s I drove back-to-back, this is a monster in the mid range. Has no problem breaking out the rears but in a progressive way. Only 200 miles with it, but I must say I will miss rev matching myself on down shifts, but no issues with torque compared to the Aston. V12V is dynamically old school and I mean that nicely. Manual box, fantastic sound and it wants to kill you, because frankly the torque is just outrageous for the suspension and chassis. I could drive it at 30 MPH and smile like the proverbial cheshire cat. Problem for me was that I needed something to scratch that supercar itch. I bloody loved that car and it was my 2nd V12V and I would own another in a heart beat.
And now we have a McLaren 12C, oh boy where do I start, its bloody mental. Yep, that's it, completely bonkers fast, a bit like someone just pressed fast forward on the video. It handles, stops and accelerates nothing like a V12V, where the V12V wants to kill you, this will take you to the edge of jail and back without any such drama. I had to sell one earlier in the year and the McLaren had to stay, it's just a bit more special IMHO, it's a supercar and a bloody good one. Not had any issues with reliability or dealer issues, so I have perhaps been luckier than some, but after 6 track days it hasn't missed a beat, whereas the V12V really wasn't the right car for the track, regardless of AM telling you it is.
I also think that the 12C is a better looking car, but understand that it is completely subjective. What I do know is if McLaren could make my Macca sound like my V12V, then problem solved.
The issue is that the McLaren needs to be driven fast to really enjoy and that is getting less possible on the roads, but on track it is immense.
12pack said:
Fully agree about the sound especially when cruising around town. While the 650 sounds a bit agricultural behind your head around town, it certainly out-howls the V12V as the revs rise. It has this Jurassic Park T-Rex thing going on. And they’ve certainly stepped up the surge from down low too, and of course is even stronger than my P100D at the top. Compared to the 570s I drove back-to-back, this is a monster in the mid range. Has no problem breaking out the rears but in a progressive way. Only 200 miles with it, but I must say I will miss rev matching myself on down shifts, but no issues with torque compared to the Aston.
Strangely I have a Tesla 90D also....Understandable Aston love in this thread - nothing wrong with that but personally always found my 650S got proper supercar attention wherever it went. Not quite sure why anyone would seriously think it looks like a kit car, assume that's tongue in cheek comment
And seriously, an Aston fan criticising Mac for "me to " styling??? Even I struggle to tell a Vantage apart from a DB9, DBS or Rapide. (they all look great though )
Not quite sure anyone who hasn't spent time in a McLaren really understands the sheer ability and speed they generate - it's unreal. Personally I much prefer McLaren's clean sculpted cabin to Astons rather busy and chintzy ones.
And seriously, an Aston fan criticising Mac for "me to " styling??? Even I struggle to tell a Vantage apart from a DB9, DBS or Rapide. (they all look great though )
Not quite sure anyone who hasn't spent time in a McLaren really understands the sheer ability and speed they generate - it's unreal. Personally I much prefer McLaren's clean sculpted cabin to Astons rather busy and chintzy ones.
ripley500 said:
No way - I'm never selling my V12V - Recently had the secondary cats removed and it's made me fall in love with the car all over again 
Oh that's great news, i thought you were changing cars. Adding a Mclaren is a much better idea!Cockernee i have to disagree in your picture that Aston is the far better-looking car.
Edited by cayman-black on Saturday 22 December 11:48
cayman-black said:
Cockernee i have to disagree in your picture that Aston is the far better-looking car.
I think you’re both right. After all of 3 days with the 650 in place of the V12V in the garage, sure the Aston is more classically beautiful. But the Macca has undeniably more road presence. Parked next to “normal” cars it is far more eye-catching. Think Darth Vader.Edited by cayman-black on Saturday 22 December 11:48
Yes I did. I was originally going for a V12VSM but given the 650s spider prices, I thought I try a mid-engined supercar hard top convertible for a change. No room in my Cheshire garage for both. And I have a Tesla roadster deposit (in the US).
Kept the V12 reg, though, for the future. So if you see a Carbon Black V8 TT with a V12xx reg out and about, it’s just me trying to confuse the local car watchers.
Kept the V12 reg, though, for the future. So if you see a Carbon Black V8 TT with a V12xx reg out and about, it’s just me trying to confuse the local car watchers.
Edited by 12pack on Saturday 22 December 15:41
So started experiencing a down side to post-AM ownership. I’ve had a yob in VW cut ahead of the Macca and then slow down, forcing me to do the same. And a guy in a sports bike give me the finger for no apparent reason. Perhaps they thought I was driving Italian.
Never had that with the V12V.
Never had that with the V12V.
12pack said:
So started experiencing a down side to post-AM ownership. I’ve had a yob in VW cut ahead of the Macca and then slow down, forcing me to do the same. And a guy in a sports bike give me the finger for no apparent reason. Perhaps they thought I was driving Italian.
Never had that with the V12V.
Oh dear!Never had that with the V12V.
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