Which is the most "fun" McLaren to drive?
Discussion
Sarnie said:
It would only be insulting or dismissive if I hadn't had a 570s for 4 years.
I'm not casting aspersions like a lot of the anti-McLaren mafia on here who have never sat in a McLaren let alone owned one. it was genuinely my feeling that my 570s felt like a quite, comfy daily hack after driving the 600LT. Make no doubt about it, the 570s is an amazing car, I loved mine. But the OP is asking about the most "fun" Mclaren. Having had 600LT for over a year, I can say that it is a million times more "fun" than the 570s. If you want a rapid car that you can use every day, buy a 570s. Would I want to climb into the awkward Senna seats of my 600LT in my suit and drive into the office, no, that would be horrendous. It entirely depends on what your use of the car is. At no point have I said the 570s is a poor car, I love it......but for me, I don't want easy access, comfy seats, quiet exhaust, loads of internal sound deadening......I want blistering pace, spine tingling blue flames shooting out the rear deck, pops and bangs on the way down from 9k revs, arse hugging carbon fibre race seats........after you've had that, the 570s does feel a significant chunk more sedate........thats all I meant.
No harm done and thanks for expanding! I really need to get behind the wheel of a 600LT and see what all the fuss is about...I still think I'd prob lean more to the 720S given what I ultimately use my current car for.I'm not casting aspersions like a lot of the anti-McLaren mafia on here who have never sat in a McLaren let alone owned one. it was genuinely my feeling that my 570s felt like a quite, comfy daily hack after driving the 600LT. Make no doubt about it, the 570s is an amazing car, I loved mine. But the OP is asking about the most "fun" Mclaren. Having had 600LT for over a year, I can say that it is a million times more "fun" than the 570s. If you want a rapid car that you can use every day, buy a 570s. Would I want to climb into the awkward Senna seats of my 600LT in my suit and drive into the office, no, that would be horrendous. It entirely depends on what your use of the car is. At no point have I said the 570s is a poor car, I love it......but for me, I don't want easy access, comfy seats, quiet exhaust, loads of internal sound deadening......I want blistering pace, spine tingling blue flames shooting out the rear deck, pops and bangs on the way down from 9k revs, arse hugging carbon fibre race seats........after you've had that, the 570s does feel a significant chunk more sedate........thats all I meant.
CTE said:
I`ve owned a 12c for 5 years and had a years break. The 12c was a fabulous car and highly capable, but when in normal mode whilst it performed the everyday comfortable thing brilliantly, it was at times a bit slow to react quickly if you suddenly wanted instant response. No problems of course when in sport or track!
My thoughts are spread between the 570S, 600LT, or 675LT...forgetting relative costs for the moment.
Really difficult one to answer without understanding what you're looking for from the car & whether it'll be a daily drive or of a more occasional use. From my experiences McLaren don't make a bad car & they all drive phenomenally well. They're all quick cars, it's just the degree of how quick that differs so it then comes down to what floats your boat the most. As an example, If it's all about being "connected" to the car & if I can use the journalists expression of it being emotional, then an LT version would be well worth you trying. They're definitely more visceral, more responsive to your inputs & are produced in lower volume & consequently hold better future value & demand. The main downside you'd need to think about is their turning circle is not as good as the standard model equivalent making manoeuvrability less good for daily use; not a big issue from my experience but you should try for yourself. In terms of which LT between 600 & 675, again it will depend on your personal tastes. For me, the 675LT being the first production LT had everything put into it to make it the ultimate Sports Series car on the P11 platform & it's mega - It'll be the collectors model of the future for sure & IMHO is a step up in every way over the 600LT & TBF the 600LT is a fantastic car too. Given that you said forget budget for now, have a think about the 620R as well - what a car! Clearly more track focused than the 600LT but no less usable on the road & is even more involving to drive & of course the roof scoop gives a fantastic sound which makes it an incredible event very time you drive it. Finally, if you simply want an incredible daily driver then you'll be hard pressed to find a better option than the 720S. Hopefully that gives you some food for thought so you can add your personal requirements to the decision. Whatever decision you make, I doubt you'll be disappointed. Good luck with it...My thoughts are spread between the 570S, 600LT, or 675LT...forgetting relative costs for the moment.
GlynnsportRacing said:
CTE said:
I`ve owned a 12c for 5 years and had a years break. The 12c was a fabulous car and highly capable, but when in normal mode whilst it performed the everyday comfortable thing brilliantly, it was at times a bit slow to react quickly if you suddenly wanted instant response. No problems of course when in sport or track!
My thoughts are spread between the 570S, 600LT, or 675LT...forgetting relative costs for the moment.
Really difficult one to answer without understanding what you're looking for from the car & whether it'll be a daily drive or of a more occasional use. From my experiences McLaren don't make a bad car & they all drive phenomenally well. They're all quick cars, it's just the degree of how quick that differs so it then comes down to what floats your boat the most. As an example, If it's all about being "connected" to the car & if I can use the journalists expression of it being emotional, then an LT version would be well worth you trying. They're definitely more visceral, more responsive to your inputs & are produced in lower volume & consequently hold better future value & demand. The main downside you'd need to think about is their turning circle is not as good as the standard model equivalent making manoeuvrability less good for daily use; not a big issue from my experience but you should try for yourself. In terms of which LT between 600 & 675, again it will depend on your personal tastes. For me, the 675LT being the first production LT had everything put into it to make it the ultimate Sports Series car on the P11 platform & it's mega - It'll be the collectors model of the future for sure & IMHO is a step up in every way over the 600LT & TBF the 600LT is a fantastic car too. Given that you said forget budget for now, have a think about the 620R as well - what a car! Clearly more track focused than the 600LT but no less usable on the road & is even more involving to drive & of course the roof scoop gives a fantastic sound which makes it an incredible event very time you drive it. Finally, if you simply want an incredible daily driver then you'll be hard pressed to find a better option than the 720S. Hopefully that gives you some food for thought so you can add your personal requirements to the decision. Whatever decision you make, I doubt you'll be disappointed. Good luck with it...My thoughts are spread between the 570S, 600LT, or 675LT...forgetting relative costs for the moment.
Two more practical points (1) the 620 wing is massive and restricts your rear view visibility which I find important in real world driving, and (2) most 620 have the Manually Adjustable Motorsport Suspension and not the front lifter suspension which is a big problem for speed bumps and road cambers.
The roof scoop does make a big visceral difference when compared with the 570 and improves the overall fun factor.
This difference is less so compared with the 600 as the cabin noise in the 600 is significantly improved by the stiffer engine mounts and big benefits of that short exhaust. The short exhaust is actually unique plus only the 600 has as the reduced back pressure, allows quicker power delivery and more noise, but the main thing is the pops, bangs and exhaust flames right behind your head. For me is massive plus to fun factor for the 600.
Love the 620, on track is faster car than the 720, but definitely would not recommend over the 600 as a road use car.
r o n n i e said:
Have to disagree about the 620 being no less usable. 620 is great on the track but use one for half a day on normal roads and your neck and back are feeling it whilst in a 600 you’ll be fine.
Two more practical points (1) the 620 wing is massive and restricts your rear view visibility which I find important in real world driving, and (2) most 620 have the Manually Adjustable Motorsport Suspension and not the front lifter suspension which is a big problem for speed bumps and road cambers.
The roof scoop does make a big visceral difference when compared with the 570 and improves the overall fun factor.
This difference is less so compared with the 600 as the cabin noise in the 600 is significantly improved by the stiffer engine mounts and big benefits of that short exhaust. The short exhaust is actually unique plus only the 600 has as the reduced back pressure, allows quicker power delivery and more noise, but the main thing is the pops, bangs and exhaust flames right behind your head. For me is massive plus to fun factor for the 600.
Love the 620, on track is faster car than the 720, but definitely would not recommend over the 600 as a road use car.
The split between motorsport dampers & adaptive dampers on the 620R is actually almost 50/50 in the UK. Having the front lift (& therefore adaptive dampers) is definitely an advantage for real world driving on the road & with that set up there's virtually no difference in comfort between the 600 & 620 - obviously seat choice will affect that for both cars. The NVH in the 620 is very different to the 600 & gives a much more visceral feel in the 620 (if that's what appeals) & the engine mounts are of course the same. The turbo boost & ECU maps are also different on the 620 which in fact gives the 620 quicker power delivery & pick up & the MSO nano titanium exhaust is actually louder, it's just not as close to the cabin - personal preference as to which is preferable. Due to the different NVH, turbo map & roof scoop the 620 gives much more exciting noise inside the cabin & the pops & bangs are quite similar. Personally never been concerned about rear vision being obscured by the wing but the wing looks awesome. Never really noticed the flames from the 600 but appreciate that some love it. So personally, I'd chose a 620 (with adaptive dampers) over a 600 but I'd chose a 675LT over both. The OP may well have different likes & dislikes & so as always it's each to their own & as I said previously, they're all great cars.Two more practical points (1) the 620 wing is massive and restricts your rear view visibility which I find important in real world driving, and (2) most 620 have the Manually Adjustable Motorsport Suspension and not the front lifter suspension which is a big problem for speed bumps and road cambers.
The roof scoop does make a big visceral difference when compared with the 570 and improves the overall fun factor.
This difference is less so compared with the 600 as the cabin noise in the 600 is significantly improved by the stiffer engine mounts and big benefits of that short exhaust. The short exhaust is actually unique plus only the 600 has as the reduced back pressure, allows quicker power delivery and more noise, but the main thing is the pops, bangs and exhaust flames right behind your head. For me is massive plus to fun factor for the 600.
Love the 620, on track is faster car than the 720, but definitely would not recommend over the 600 as a road use car.
GlynnsportRacing said:
r o n n i e said:
Have to disagree about the 620 being no less usable. 620 is great on the track but use one for half a day on normal roads and your neck and back are feeling it whilst in a 600 you’ll be fine.
Two more practical points (1) the 620 wing is massive and restricts your rear view visibility which I find important in real world driving, and (2) most 620 have the Manually Adjustable Motorsport Suspension and not the front lifter suspension which is a big problem for speed bumps and road cambers.
The roof scoop does make a big visceral difference when compared with the 570 and improves the overall fun factor.
This difference is less so compared with the 600 as the cabin noise in the 600 is significantly improved by the stiffer engine mounts and big benefits of that short exhaust. The short exhaust is actually unique plus only the 600 has as the reduced back pressure, allows quicker power delivery and more noise, but the main thing is the pops, bangs and exhaust flames right behind your head. For me is massive plus to fun factor for the 600.
Love the 620, on track is faster car than the 720, but definitely would not recommend over the 600 as a road use car.
The split between motorsport dampers & adaptive dampers on the 620R is actually almost 50/50 in the UK. Having the front lift (& therefore adaptive dampers) is definitely an advantage for real world driving on the road & with that set up there's virtually no difference in comfort between the 600 & 620 - obviously seat choice will affect that for both cars. The NVH in the 620 is very different to the 600 & gives a much more visceral feel in the 620 (if that's what appeals) & the engine mounts are of course the same. The turbo boost & ECU maps are also different on the 620 which in fact gives the 620 quicker power delivery & pick up & the MSO nano titanium exhaust is actually louder, it's just not as close to the cabin - personal preference as to which is preferable. Due to the different NVH, turbo map & roof scoop the 620 gives much more exciting noise inside the cabin & the pops & bangs are quite similar. Personally never been concerned about rear vision being obscured by the wing but the wing looks awesome. Never really noticed the flames from the 600 but appreciate that some love it. So personally, I'd chose a 620 (with adaptive dampers) over a 600 but I'd chose a 675LT over both. The OP may well have different likes & dislikes & so as always it's each to their own & as I said previously, they're all great cars.Two more practical points (1) the 620 wing is massive and restricts your rear view visibility which I find important in real world driving, and (2) most 620 have the Manually Adjustable Motorsport Suspension and not the front lifter suspension which is a big problem for speed bumps and road cambers.
The roof scoop does make a big visceral difference when compared with the 570 and improves the overall fun factor.
This difference is less so compared with the 600 as the cabin noise in the 600 is significantly improved by the stiffer engine mounts and big benefits of that short exhaust. The short exhaust is actually unique plus only the 600 has as the reduced back pressure, allows quicker power delivery and more noise, but the main thing is the pops, bangs and exhaust flames right behind your head. For me is massive plus to fun factor for the 600.
Love the 620, on track is faster car than the 720, but definitely would not recommend over the 600 as a road use car.
The only bit I differ is in my experience the 620 is not as usable for road driving compared with 570 and 600.
675 goes down as all time Mclaren great. Apart from slightly bigger turbo lag and larger turning circle which is anal level nitpicking, perfect car.
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What you should take from all the opinions on here is you need to drive them and make up your own opinion. Some people consider an unsettled car exciting and engaging, others don't want that. Some have said they've owned Super Series cars then Sports Series LT and find the LT the better road car for fun. I'm the other way around 100%.
So go out and drive them, decide which ones suits what you're looking for the most. And don't listen to those that say if you want engaging go for a Sports Series, you need to decide. I find my 720s incredibly engaging and is the car I take out most often for B road hoons (chosen over my S2 Exige and a bike engined Westfield, arguably two of the most engaging cars you can buy) I wouldn't own a car that wasn't engaging and I've got a 720s and put 8,000 miles on it since Sept last year, 90% of those miles on our country roads.
So go out and drive them, decide which ones suits what you're looking for the most. And don't listen to those that say if you want engaging go for a Sports Series, you need to decide. I find my 720s incredibly engaging and is the car I take out most often for B road hoons (chosen over my S2 Exige and a bike engined Westfield, arguably two of the most engaging cars you can buy) I wouldn't own a car that wasn't engaging and I've got a 720s and put 8,000 miles on it since Sept last year, 90% of those miles on our country roads.
Thankyou all for your replies, all quite useful for building a picture.
I`m going to look at a 675LT Spider tomorrow which is at the top end of my budget...but also need to have a go in an 600LT given they are probably just as exciting and I prefer the styling.
I`ve just sold my 430Cup (475hp due to Komotec upgrade) so am used to and like focused cars...I think the 600LT will actually have better road manners because the 430 Cup has quite stiff springs more suited to track work. I used my old 350S Exige for 3 years as a daily without issues except for poor headlights in winter! Think an LT car will address these issues.
I`m going to look at a 675LT Spider tomorrow which is at the top end of my budget...but also need to have a go in an 600LT given they are probably just as exciting and I prefer the styling.
I`ve just sold my 430Cup (475hp due to Komotec upgrade) so am used to and like focused cars...I think the 600LT will actually have better road manners because the 430 Cup has quite stiff springs more suited to track work. I used my old 350S Exige for 3 years as a daily without issues except for poor headlights in winter! Think an LT car will address these issues.
CTE said:
Thankyou all for your replies, all quite useful for building a picture.
I`m going to look at a 675LT Spider tomorrow which is at the top end of my budget...but also need to have a go in an 600LT given they are probably just as exciting and I prefer the styling.
I`ve just sold my 430Cup (475hp due to Komotec upgrade) so am used to and like focused cars...I think the 600LT will actually have better road manners because the 430 Cup has quite stiff springs more suited to track work. I used my old 350S Exige for 3 years as a daily without issues except for poor headlights in winter! Think an LT car will address these issues.
Hi, what did you think of the KomoTec EX475? I have a 430CUP too and am going to get the KomoTec EX475 at some stage, would be interesting to know what you thoughts after 'v' before? I actually find my 430CUP quite compliant on the road but I have the dampers softened off a bit.I`m going to look at a 675LT Spider tomorrow which is at the top end of my budget...but also need to have a go in an 600LT given they are probably just as exciting and I prefer the styling.
I`ve just sold my 430Cup (475hp due to Komotec upgrade) so am used to and like focused cars...I think the 600LT will actually have better road manners because the 430 Cup has quite stiff springs more suited to track work. I used my old 350S Exige for 3 years as a daily without issues except for poor headlights in winter! Think an LT car will address these issues.
I also own a 675LT, coupe and I know you will adore it coming from a 430CUP. Its not going to be able to put all its power down at this time of year if its on the Pirelli Trofeo's, they grip so much better on MPS4S at this time of year. You also need to put the car in ESC DYN mode to get the maximum torque, which is sport/sport and short press of esc off so ESC/DYN shown up on display. Again probably not best time of year. Also with in powertrain in sport but handling in normal if you change up at 5k+ RPM under medium load you will get the amazing whip crack! Only works with powertrain in sport. Track gives torque inertia pull and normal is very smooth.
If the suspension is very hard and there isn't much difference between modes then you will need the accumulators renewing (not expensive) but with de-pressurised accumulators the suspension will be hard. When in normal mode the ride is similar to a basic Boxster/911. when in track its about as firm as GT3RS, sport isn't far off the 430CUP. I have not tried a 600LT but I have been told they actually ride a bit harder than the 675LT.
The only downside to 675LT is scraping on bumpy roads (tiny hard plastic trim under splitter that can be removed and replaced with sliplo like the rubber dam on the 430CUP). I don't mind the turning circle, every supercar should have an quirk and doing a 6 point turn adds to the charm :-)
Good luck with the test drive, can't wait to hear how you get on. If you have any specific questions 430CUP to 675LT PM me.
Bispal said:
Hi, what did you think of the KomoTec EX475? I have a 430CUP too and am going to get the KomoTec EX475 at some stage, would be interesting to know what you thoughts after 'v' before? I actually find my 430CUP quite compliant on the road but I have the dampers softened off a bit.
I also own a 675LT, coupe and I know you will adore it coming from a 430CUP. Its not going to be able to put all its power down at this time of year if its on the Pirelli Trofeo's, they grip so much better on MPS4S at this time of year. You also need to put the car in ESC DYN mode to get the maximum torque, which is sport/sport and short press of esc off so ESC/DYN shown up on display. Again probably not best time of year. Also with in powertrain in sport but handling in normal if you change up at 5k+ RPM under medium load you will get the amazing whip crack! Only works with powertrain in sport. Track gives torque inertia pull and normal is very smooth.
If the suspension is very hard and there isn't much difference between modes then you will need the accumulators renewing (not expensive) but with de-pressurised accumulators the suspension will be hard. When in normal mode the ride is similar to a basic Boxster/911. when in track its about as firm as GT3RS, sport isn't far off the 430CUP. I have not tried a 600LT but I have been told they actually ride a bit harder than the 675LT.
The only downside to 675LT is scraping on bumpy roads (tiny hard plastic trim under splitter that can be removed and replaced with sliplo like the rubber dam on the 430CUP). I don't mind the turning circle, every supercar should have an quirk and doing a 6 point turn adds to the charm :-)
Good luck with the test drive, can't wait to hear how you get on. If you have any specific questions 430CUP to 675LT PM me.
Hi BispalI also own a 675LT, coupe and I know you will adore it coming from a 430CUP. Its not going to be able to put all its power down at this time of year if its on the Pirelli Trofeo's, they grip so much better on MPS4S at this time of year. You also need to put the car in ESC DYN mode to get the maximum torque, which is sport/sport and short press of esc off so ESC/DYN shown up on display. Again probably not best time of year. Also with in powertrain in sport but handling in normal if you change up at 5k+ RPM under medium load you will get the amazing whip crack! Only works with powertrain in sport. Track gives torque inertia pull and normal is very smooth.
If the suspension is very hard and there isn't much difference between modes then you will need the accumulators renewing (not expensive) but with de-pressurised accumulators the suspension will be hard. When in normal mode the ride is similar to a basic Boxster/911. when in track its about as firm as GT3RS, sport isn't far off the 430CUP. I have not tried a 600LT but I have been told they actually ride a bit harder than the 675LT.
The only downside to 675LT is scraping on bumpy roads (tiny hard plastic trim under splitter that can be removed and replaced with sliplo like the rubber dam on the 430CUP). I don't mind the turning circle, every supercar should have an quirk and doing a 6 point turn adds to the charm :-)
Good luck with the test drive, can't wait to hear how you get on. If you have any specific questions 430CUP to 675LT PM me.
What kind of difference did you find going from Pirelli to the Michelin on the 675?
I generally despise Pirelli but the 675 is so planted i have had no 'moments' as of yet and I use it in all weathers.
With you on the turning circle; I thought it and a harsher ride would be a pain but neither have been an issue whatsoever.
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