First McLaren, still lost on models

First McLaren, still lost on models

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Kent Border Kenny

Original Poster:

2,219 posts

59 months

Saturday 3rd October 2020
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I’m running two “sports” cars at the moment, an R8 Plus, and an SLK63, and am wondering if there’s a McLaren which could replace both.

The SL63 was intended to replace the Audi, but great though it is, it’s a dragster / cruiser, not really a sports car. I love it, but couldn’t bring myself to not have a “proper” sports car.

The problem is, the R8 is too firm to enjoy on a long journey, so it gets very little use, so what I’d like is a very serious sports car that is a little more compliant when it wants to be, and which is convertible.

Despite reading the reviews, and asking questions here, I still don’t know which, if any McLaren fits the bill.

It seems that a 650s or 720s Spider are likely the right two choices, dependent on budget, is that fair to say?

Are either of them like a big, fast Elise?

RSbandit

2,590 posts

131 months

Saturday 3rd October 2020
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Not sure which you want as there’s a big price diff between a 720s spider and a 650s spider. I’d wager a 570s spider could be the sweet spot. My 570s coupe rides way better than the V12 Vantage S or gen 1 V10 plus I had before it of course the super series trick suspension is meant to be even better still ( I haven’t driven one so can’t compare).

Kent Border Kenny

Original Poster:

2,219 posts

59 months

Saturday 3rd October 2020
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Yes, and I’m not really sure what I am getting extra with the 720s, to justify doubling the price.

On the other hand, I am sick of switching cars so often, so if the 720s is the right one, I maybe don’t want to buy a 659s then switch a year later.

EK993

1,925 posts

250 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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All McLaren's are like big, fast Elise’s (I had an SC in 2009).

My 570S rides better than daily drivers I have had including BMW’s and Tesla’s.

justin220

5,331 posts

203 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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I'd recommend trying a 570S spider, and a 650S spider.

A very fast elise is actually how I described my 540C when I originally got it. Albeit with better access, comfier etc

anonymous-user

53 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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I’ve covered 18K miles in 720S. They are very comfortable, lots of room (for a supercar) and at least comparable with 3 series for ride quality when set to comfort mode. I had a loan 570S Spider for a few weeks and found it tiring on the arms over long distance spirited driving. 720S is arguably the best all round Supercar available at the moment (and probably for some time to come).

Last year I walked into McBristol to buy a new 570 Spider, but came out with a used low mileage 720S. There is a real noticeable difference in ride quality between the two. The 720S is more GT’ish when set to comfort.

Kent Border Kenny

Original Poster:

2,219 posts

59 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
quotequote all
justin220 said:
I'd recommend trying a 570S spider, and a 650S spider.

A very fast elise is actually how I described my 540C when I originally got it. Albeit with better access, comfier etc
What’s the difference between a 570s and a 650s?

Kent Border Kenny

Original Poster:

2,219 posts

59 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
quotequote all
Thanks. I definitely need to try a 720s, but am unlikely to get to try a lot of different models, so need to work out which of the others to try.

davek_964

8,795 posts

174 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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Kent Border Kenny said:
What’s the difference between a 570s and a 650s?
They're visually different for a start - I prefer that the 650 has a real tacho, and I didn't like the floating centre display on the sports series cars. Also prefer the rear of the 650. But that's all very subjective.

570 is sport series, 650 is super series which brings the clever suspension and active aero. Air brake is still my favourite thing!

12pack

1,533 posts

167 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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Agree with Davek. I prefer the nicely integrated, no fuss Frank Stephenson styling of the 12C / 650 especially the rear.

And to my eye the screens on the newer Macs looked dated from day one (I spend most of my week in a Tesla).

FWIW, the SO, who tends to car sickness, prefers riding in the 650s compared to the rather smooth Tesla Model S daily, because the suspension mitigates body roll, and the seats keep her in place (the Tesla seats were clearly designed for broader bodies). Or it could be my occasional need to embarrass a loud Italian off the line in the Tesla....



Edited by 12pack on Sunday 4th October 21:33

WilliamWaiver

439 posts

44 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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If you find the R8 too firm for long journeys I think you will definitely prefer a SUPER series car ( 650S/720S ) over a SPORTS series car ( 570S ).

The expensive hydraulic suspension in sthe super series cars is compared to the magic carpet ride of RR's. Personally I wouldn't go that far but the normal setting is very comfortable for 3 hrs+ journeys and you end up getting out the other end as fresh as a daisy. It has to be experienced to be believed

As regards to 650S or 720S it really does depend on your budget and preference as there is a huge difference in price particularly spider wise
Its totally subjective but I've never really gelled with the 720S HYPERcar looks ( those headlights, side blades ) whereas I find the lines and overall design of the 650S stunning. I appreciate the tech and engineering of the 720S but for me its a bit too wacky but get why it would appeal more to others.

720S coupe prices are ridiculously low and offer huge value for money so if its a coupe your after I think 720S at £150k is the better buy
720S spiders are a lot rarer and probably less troublesome but have retained their values better at £200k so in that case I think the 650S spider at £100k offers far better value for money.
720S is obviously the better / newer car overall but at this level its the law of diminshing returns so only you will know whats the best for you

If its a keeper and you like the 720S looks over the 650S go all in for a 720S spider.
If you can better use the extra £100k ( holidays, new kitchen, investments etc...) get the 650S spider

OldAndTired

370 posts

44 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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“HYPERcar”. It’s definitely RamboLambo. That’s another signature phrase from him.

You have been banned.

Kent Border Kenny

Original Poster:

2,219 posts

59 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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Thanks all. 659s Spiders seem to be fownbunder £90k now, so I’ll try one of those and a 720s.

650spider

1,476 posts

170 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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As has been touched on by others, its a large price difference between a 650 spider and 720 spider, and the current dilemma I have.

I have had my 650 spider for around 18months and got one of the problem free ones, which has made ownership fantastic.

Dilemma being the original plan of changing up to a 675 spider or more lately a 720 spider, i just cannot see £100k of performance, looks or entertainment above the 650 spider.

Balistically fast, mega comfortable to drive and rare enough i still have not seen another whilst out for a drive.

I would heartily recommend a 650 spider.


Buster73

5,042 posts

152 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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650spider said:
As has been touched on by others, its a large price difference between a 650 spider and 720 spider, and the current dilemma I have.

I have had my 650 spider for around 18months and got one of the problem free ones, which has made ownership fantastic.

Dilemma being the original plan of changing up to a 675 spider or more lately a 720 spider, i just cannot see £100k of performance, looks or entertainment above the 650 spider.

Balistically fast, mega comfortable to drive and rare enough i still have not seen another whilst out for a drive.

I would heartily recommend a 650 spider.
Good point , there’ll be plenty of owners across many brands who’ll look at what’s available and how much to change who end up thinking justifiably ,they’ll keep what they’ve got.

Kent Border Kenny

Original Poster:

2,219 posts

59 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
quotequote all
Looking around more, the 650s seems a real bargain, given the performance.

I’ve my quite silly 650bhp RR Sport to go to the shops, the wife’s (quite silly) 140bhp Smart ForFour Brabus if it’s some small shopping, and a couple of bikes too.

This means that the McLaren will be high days and holidays, so every day usability isn’t top of the want list.

There’s a beautiful, ludicrously coloured Spider for sale in London, but I need to sell the R8 first.

650spider

1,476 posts

170 months

Monday 5th October 2020
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Kent Border Kenny said:
Looking around more, the 650s seems a real bargain, given the performance.

I’ve my quite silly 650bhp RR Sport to go to the shops, the wife’s (quite silly) 140bhp Smart ForFour Brabus if it’s some small shopping, and a couple of bikes too.

This means that the McLaren will be high days and holidays, so every day usability isn’t top of the want list.

There’s a beautiful, ludicrously coloured Spider for sale in London, but I need to sell the R8 first.
Similar situation; my wife has a 600+ bhp AMG 7 seater 4x4 which has amazing seats, but she will still grab the keys to the 650 if its not for school runs or shopping...its that comfy and fantastic to drive.

Bispal

1,603 posts

150 months

Monday 5th October 2020
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I have owned 4 Lotus and 2 McLaren's and still have one of each and can confirm a McLaren is a more polished and quicker (in a straight line) Lotus, though not necessarily more fun or more engaging but definitely a better daily and touring proposition.

Having driven all the sports and super series cars I would say the best car for a 1st time McLaren owner would be the 650S, it was a more developed car than the 570 & 720 and as such tends to have fewer issues if any.

The 650S is astonishing value at the moment at under £100k for a spider and is a full on supercar that can easily be used day to day and has loads of luggage space and is comfortable. I personally prefer the look of the 12C but the more developed nature of the 650S means it is a better 1st McLaren proposition.

Remember too that the P11 cars (12C / 650S / 675LT / P1) were developed by a group of ex Lotus engineers that were poached by McLaren. That should answer your question beyond any doubt.







Edited by Bispal on Monday 5th October 09:06

AstonExige

661 posts

106 months

Monday 5th October 2020
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I pretty much agree with Bispal, and coincidently have quite a similar car history. I'm on my 5th Lotus and still own it alongside my first Mclaren, a 720s. As you would have seen from my other thread, I'm relatively new to Mclaren ownership.

You just need to drive them, see which one suits you. Do loads of research, look at owners reviews on Youtube, the reviews on there. It will help you to build up a picture of which one is most likely to suit your situation and requirements. If you're adamant you want a spider, I think the 650s is your best shout. If money was no object, I'd argue go for the 720s Spider, its a more advanced and modern car, but is it worth an extra £100k!? Get the 650s and keep the R8 smile

Personally, I'd say meet in the middle and get a 720s Coupe..... but I would wouldn't I smile

......don't forget with the Spider you lose part of the 720's party trick, those doors......


WCZ

10,492 posts

193 months

Monday 5th October 2020
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720s imo, the value for money atm is absoultely daft.