Please Help.. 458 or MP4
Discussion
So I’m fed up with near zero returns on savings combined with getting itchy feet so have decided I need one of these cars in my life. The problem is that I am stuck slap bang in the middle of the two. I seem to change my mind by the hour so have drawn up a list of pros and cons and would like some opinions from others, especially anyone who has experienced or lived with either one or both.
458 Pros
It’s a great looking car with stunning details.
You can really feel the pedigree and history.
It will be an event each time I drive it, just the noise alone makes it special.
458 Cons
The brand, I really can’t get on with the fact there is some big merchandising machine selling everything from baseball caps to tea cosy’s.
The price, a 3 year old car still looks expensive
I know other people’s perception shouldn't matter but I have this feeling at times I will feel like a right
tit while driving it.
It’s a bit obvious
Mp4 Pros
It’s subtle, a lot of people won’t even know what it is
The ride quality is supposed to be something special
You could never describe these as cheap but they look better value than the 458
Mp4 Cons
It might feel less special than the 458, occasionally a little flamboyance can be appealing
It’s turbocharged, the noise will just not be in the same league as the 458
Interior is a little bland?. Cant come up with anything else!!
Finally, I know you can’t buy these kind of cars without waving goodbye to a good chunk of cash but I would like to minimize loses. What is the view on residuals? Ferrari seem to have a history of holding their values very well (At least while it is a current model) but the 458 has been out a while and there are 70+ for sale combined with more Spyders coming to market so surely these will take a hit soon?
On the flip side the Mp4’s have already take a hit an there are very few on the market but that doesn’t mean they won’t take another dip, I can’t help comparing it to when the Gallardo was released and they took some big hits in the first year or so but look what a 53 plate one is worth now, still over half the new list price.. Question is, is there that kind of long term demand there for the Mclaren?
Thanks in advance
TP
458 Pros
It’s a great looking car with stunning details.
You can really feel the pedigree and history.
It will be an event each time I drive it, just the noise alone makes it special.
458 Cons
The brand, I really can’t get on with the fact there is some big merchandising machine selling everything from baseball caps to tea cosy’s.
The price, a 3 year old car still looks expensive
I know other people’s perception shouldn't matter but I have this feeling at times I will feel like a right
tit while driving it.
It’s a bit obvious
Mp4 Pros
It’s subtle, a lot of people won’t even know what it is
The ride quality is supposed to be something special
You could never describe these as cheap but they look better value than the 458
Mp4 Cons
It might feel less special than the 458, occasionally a little flamboyance can be appealing
It’s turbocharged, the noise will just not be in the same league as the 458
Interior is a little bland?. Cant come up with anything else!!
Finally, I know you can’t buy these kind of cars without waving goodbye to a good chunk of cash but I would like to minimize loses. What is the view on residuals? Ferrari seem to have a history of holding their values very well (At least while it is a current model) but the 458 has been out a while and there are 70+ for sale combined with more Spyders coming to market so surely these will take a hit soon?
On the flip side the Mp4’s have already take a hit an there are very few on the market but that doesn’t mean they won’t take another dip, I can’t help comparing it to when the Gallardo was released and they took some big hits in the first year or so but look what a 53 plate one is worth now, still over half the new list price.. Question is, is there that kind of long term demand there for the Mclaren?
Thanks in advance
TP
The MP4 does look good in the flesh, not likely to be mistaken for anything normal. Also a bit rarer than the hundreds of 458s knocking about 
.
Pointless addition but I saw the Aston Martin Rapide v12 and the photos you see on the internet have no scale, that thing is long (and beautiful).
. Pointless addition but I saw the Aston Martin Rapide v12 and the photos you see on the internet have no scale, that thing is long (and beautiful).
Krikkit said:
Lagerlout said:
Drive both of them, then decide.
This - every head-to-head I've seen suggests they're very different characters, unless you love both you'll know which one you want. 
Krikkit said:
This - every head-to-head I've seen suggests they're very different characters, unless you love both you'll know which one you want.
The problem is I think I am going to love them both for different reasons, one for excitement and drama and the other for use-ability and relative subtlety theplumber said:
Krikkit said:
Lagerlout said:
Drive both of them, then decide.
This - every head-to-head I've seen suggests they're very different characters, unless you love both you'll know which one you want. theplumber said:
Krikkit said:
Lagerlout said:
Drive both of them, then decide.
This - every head-to-head I've seen suggests they're very different characters, unless you love both you'll know which one you want. ETA: They have a spot south of Manchester, just off the M6 - that'll be easy to get to, and easy to get out into non-urban roads so you can give it a tickle.
Edited by Krikkit on Saturday 9th February 15:43
IMO
- 458 = the current mid-engined Ferrari, following a long line.
- MP4 = adopts the mantle of the long departed Lotus Esprit.
How about a few other options, just to make things harder....
550-2 with a manual gearbox is meant to really good. lighter than the other two, 1380kg rather than 1450 for the 458 although only 20kg lighter than the MP4.
The noble M600 is another contender, more expensive new though, not sure about 2nd had.
550-2 with a manual gearbox is meant to really good. lighter than the other two, 1380kg rather than 1450 for the 458 although only 20kg lighter than the MP4.
The noble M600 is another contender, more expensive new though, not sure about 2nd had.
I had the same decision to make and went for the Mclaren. It is the easier car to just get into and drive, is beautifully built, feels like a real event and I just felt more 'at home' in it. The ferrari had the better noise and possibly looks, but the Mclaren styling has really grown on me and looks so much better in the flesh than in pictures. I have just come back from a blast in it and the car is phenomenal! The way it puts its power on the road even in greasy conditions is amazing. And the noise is brilliant (very different to the ferrari) especially with the sports exhaust. I also find you get a really pleasant response from other people as it is not just 'another ferrari' and a much rarer sight on the road.... plus IT IS BRITISH!!
Whatever you decide, they are both superb cars and you will have a great time in either.
Whatever you decide, they are both superb cars and you will have a great time in either.
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