Discussion
Serious question, what are the differences...this question is for those who have owned both cars only. I appreciate the are lots of little refinements and clearly McLaren will have learnt to screw them together better, but there is not much wrong with my 12c?
I have not previously been too impressed with the front lights on the 650S (aesthetics), but I have seen one recently and in the right colour it looks good. So with that major hurdle out of the way, maybe it is time to look for one.
My other slight negative (why change?) is that when at Bedford Autodrome I had a dead head drag race (rolling start out of the corner and he was ahead of me) with one along the second longest straight, and we were absolutely neck and neck, so guess both have oodles of power for the tyres (I had P Zeros and he had Corsa`s, so should have had an advantage) and the traction control or ECU parameters probably limit things at sub 140mph speeds.
So from where I am sitting I will have to fork out £50k or so to change...what are the notable differences please?
Also the biggest 650S fan on this forum, you do not need to contribute to this question...I and most others already know your thoughts.
I have not previously been too impressed with the front lights on the 650S (aesthetics), but I have seen one recently and in the right colour it looks good. So with that major hurdle out of the way, maybe it is time to look for one.
My other slight negative (why change?) is that when at Bedford Autodrome I had a dead head drag race (rolling start out of the corner and he was ahead of me) with one along the second longest straight, and we were absolutely neck and neck, so guess both have oodles of power for the tyres (I had P Zeros and he had Corsa`s, so should have had an advantage) and the traction control or ECU parameters probably limit things at sub 140mph speeds.
So from where I am sitting I will have to fork out £50k or so to change...what are the notable differences please?
Also the biggest 650S fan on this forum, you do not need to contribute to this question...I and most others already know your thoughts.
CTE said:
Serious question, what are the differences...this question is for those who have owned both cars only. I appreciate the are lots of little refinements and clearly McLaren will have learnt to screw them together better, but there is not much wrong with my 12c?
I have not previously been too impressed with the front lights on the 650S (aesthetics), but I have seen one recently and in the right colour it looks good. So with that major hurdle out of the way, maybe it is time to look for one.
My other slight negative (why change?) is that when at Bedford Autodrome I had a dead head drag race (rolling start out of the corner and he was ahead of me) with one along the second longest straight, and we were absolutely neck and neck, so guess both have oodles of power for the tyres (I had P Zeros and he had Corsa`s, so should have had an advantage) and the traction control or ECU parameters probably limit things at sub 140mph speeds.
So from where I am sitting I will have to fork out £50k or so to change...what are the notable differences please?
Also the biggest 650S fan on this forum, you do not need to contribute to this question...I and most others already know your thoughts.
Keep your money in the bank........I have not previously been too impressed with the front lights on the 650S (aesthetics), but I have seen one recently and in the right colour it looks good. So with that major hurdle out of the way, maybe it is time to look for one.
My other slight negative (why change?) is that when at Bedford Autodrome I had a dead head drag race (rolling start out of the corner and he was ahead of me) with one along the second longest straight, and we were absolutely neck and neck, so guess both have oodles of power for the tyres (I had P Zeros and he had Corsa`s, so should have had an advantage) and the traction control or ECU parameters probably limit things at sub 140mph speeds.
So from where I am sitting I will have to fork out £50k or so to change...what are the notable differences please?
Also the biggest 650S fan on this forum, you do not need to contribute to this question...I and most others already know your thoughts.
I've had both
The 650s has a bit more low down power (or feels like it has) this could just be gearing.
Also the diff between my 12c and 650s was only £25k (and probably still is, (if not a bit less)
And for that I got
Carbon brakes
Lift
2k mile car versus 14k mile
18 month newer car
Electric heated memory seats
Reverse camera
Newer model
Much nore carbon
The 650s has a bit more low down power (or feels like it has) this could just be gearing.
Also the diff between my 12c and 650s was only £25k (and probably still is, (if not a bit less)
And for that I got
Carbon brakes
Lift
2k mile car versus 14k mile
18 month newer car
Electric heated memory seats
Reverse camera
Newer model
Much nore carbon
Wilmslowboy said:
I've had both
The 650s has a bit more low down power (or feels like it has) this could just be gearing.
Also the diff between my 12c and 650s was only £25k (and probably still is, (if not a bit less)
And for that I got
Carbon brakes
Lift
2k mile car versus 14k mile
18 month newer car
Electric heated memory seats
Reverse camera
Newer model
Much nore carbon
That's an absolute steal for £25k. The spec alone is worth that and factor in 2 years depreciation that was a no brainer.The 650s has a bit more low down power (or feels like it has) this could just be gearing.
Also the diff between my 12c and 650s was only £25k (and probably still is, (if not a bit less)
And for that I got
Carbon brakes
Lift
2k mile car versus 14k mile
18 month newer car
Electric heated memory seats
Reverse camera
Newer model
Much nore carbon
So I paid £100k premium you stole a £25k premium so I would suggest £50k is still very reasonable and a great upgrade if you get the McLaren thing and don't need a change of brand for change of brand sake
Here you go :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5h8cx9BGR8&t=...
Agree the rate of progress with the staggering brand is phenominal but that does not make the old model a bad car. Its a bargain and 720S doesn't look as nice IMHO and will still be another £100k more making more than twice the price.
Not everyone has that sort of dosh to upgrade
Another singing its praises, enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4SNaajpIEY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5h8cx9BGR8&t=...
Agree the rate of progress with the staggering brand is phenominal but that does not make the old model a bad car. Its a bargain and 720S doesn't look as nice IMHO and will still be another £100k more making more than twice the price.
Not everyone has that sort of dosh to upgrade
Another singing its praises, enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4SNaajpIEY
Edited by RamboLambo on Tuesday 5th December 21:17
Edited by RamboLambo on Tuesday 5th December 21:27
CTE
To answer your question, I made the move earlier this year from a 12C Coupe to 650 Spider.
2 year newer car
8K less miles
Remainder of manufacturer's warranty
Not as much carbon, but enough in the key places
Price to change £37K
Key differences to me:
Increased torque, drop it one gear instead of two to get it going from top
Sharper throttle response, feels nippier at normal speeds
Steering more responsive, turns in quicker
Definitely screwed together better, some trims and little bits are better put together
I loved my 12C, but from some angles the front looked frumpy, 650 appeals to my eye better.
Lower nose, scrapes a little more than 12C
Roof down it drives exactly the same as roof up, plus if you go to a Spider, you can drop the rear window with the roof up and still enjoy the engine note.
The move from Coupe to Coupe or Spider to Spider won't be huge money at the moment.
I drove a 570S for half a day and enjoyed it, but didn't get the same feedback that the 12C/650 platform provided, at that time there was no 570 Spider and I really fancied being able to drop the roof.
There... hopefully a straightforward response that is of some help!
To answer your question, I made the move earlier this year from a 12C Coupe to 650 Spider.
2 year newer car
8K less miles
Remainder of manufacturer's warranty
Not as much carbon, but enough in the key places
Price to change £37K
Key differences to me:
Increased torque, drop it one gear instead of two to get it going from top
Sharper throttle response, feels nippier at normal speeds
Steering more responsive, turns in quicker
Definitely screwed together better, some trims and little bits are better put together
I loved my 12C, but from some angles the front looked frumpy, 650 appeals to my eye better.
Lower nose, scrapes a little more than 12C
Roof down it drives exactly the same as roof up, plus if you go to a Spider, you can drop the rear window with the roof up and still enjoy the engine note.
The move from Coupe to Coupe or Spider to Spider won't be huge money at the moment.
I drove a 570S for half a day and enjoyed it, but didn't get the same feedback that the 12C/650 platform provided, at that time there was no 570 Spider and I really fancied being able to drop the roof.
There... hopefully a straightforward response that is of some help!
Gameface said:
RamboLambo said:
Gameface said:
Just for the avoidance of doubt Rambolambo, how much did it cost you to change up?
Just some lose change I found down the sofa !Some great replies thanks and generally make sense as they are essentially the same car...clearly the 650S is updated, but the differences can only be small given it is the same hardware.
I have a coupe so would change to a spyder. Good idea re 720S although again would want to be a spyder. I also really like the 570 spyder but have yet to drive one although numerous comments seem negative when compared to the 12c/650S suspension set up.
I have a coupe so would change to a spyder. Good idea re 720S although again would want to be a spyder. I also really like the 570 spyder but have yet to drive one although numerous comments seem negative when compared to the 12c/650S suspension set up.
12C coupe to a 650S spider is a big change IMHO. from a driving experience the extra torque , sound and open top motoring will make it feel completely different and at £50k a reasonable cost for the upgrade.
The spec difference is £40k alone.
Get it bought at winter prices spring is on its way
The spec difference is £40k alone.
Get it bought at winter prices spring is on its way
M838T said:
CTE
To answer your question, I made the move earlier this year from a 12C Coupe to 650 Spider.
2 year newer car
8K less miles
Remainder of manufacturer's warranty
Not as much carbon, but enough in the key places
Price to change £37K
Key differences to me:
Increased torque, drop it one gear instead of two to get it going from top
Sharper throttle response, feels nippier at normal speeds
Steering more responsive, turns in quicker
Definitely screwed together better, some trims and little bits are better put together
I loved my 12C, but from some angles the front looked frumpy, 650 appeals to my eye better.
Lower nose, scrapes a little more than 12C
Roof down it drives exactly the same as roof up, plus if you go to a Spider, you can drop the rear window with the roof up and still enjoy the engine note.
The move from Coupe to Coupe or Spider to Spider won't be huge money at the moment.
I drove a 570S for half a day and enjoyed it, but didn't get the same feedback that the 12C/650 platform provided, at that time there was no 570 Spider and I really fancied being able to drop the roof.
There... hopefully a straightforward response that is of some help!
To answer your question, I made the move earlier this year from a 12C Coupe to 650 Spider.
2 year newer car
8K less miles
Remainder of manufacturer's warranty
Not as much carbon, but enough in the key places
Price to change £37K
Key differences to me:
Increased torque, drop it one gear instead of two to get it going from top
Sharper throttle response, feels nippier at normal speeds
Steering more responsive, turns in quicker
Definitely screwed together better, some trims and little bits are better put together
I loved my 12C, but from some angles the front looked frumpy, 650 appeals to my eye better.
Lower nose, scrapes a little more than 12C
Roof down it drives exactly the same as roof up, plus if you go to a Spider, you can drop the rear window with the roof up and still enjoy the engine note.
The move from Coupe to Coupe or Spider to Spider won't be huge money at the moment.
I drove a 570S for half a day and enjoyed it, but didn't get the same feedback that the 12C/650 platform provided, at that time there was no 570 Spider and I really fancied being able to drop the roof.
There... hopefully a straightforward response that is of some help!
Don’t think you’ll get a more thorough opinion than that
You can pick up a good, well specced 12C at the moment for £100-£140k. A 650S for £130-£190k. So for me the question is, having driven many examples of both over 15,000 miles has to be "Is the 650S 30% better"?
Well it is better, but not by that much. Its around 5-10% better in most areas and that number is reducing as the 12C gets better as they are continually upgraded with the latest software and parts when serviced. The 12C gearboxes are now pretty good with updates, within a whisker of the 650S. The 650S has slightly more torque but not £30k more and the 12C is plenty fast enough, still shocks me with the acceleration! I can't tell any difference in suspension or steering.
What you do get with the 650S is a newer car with lower miles and all that comes with a newer car and that will account for a lot of the additional sale price. Stick a private plate on and a 650S can look like a £190k car (if you are bothered about such things).
So you need to get the one which suits your budget and you wont be disappointed either way. They are both incredible bargains at the moment and now is the time to buy. Personally I slightly prefer the looks of the 12C but the 650S has grown on me to the point that its not a problem and If I was buying now I would just get the best one of either example I could find, within my budget, and I would not be concerned if it was a 12C or 650S. To me they are both the best looking McLarens produced to date (bar the F1) and the most usable (largest boot space, great for touring).
IMO the coupes look better and the rarest of all McLarens is the 650S coupe. I believe only 35 RHD cars in the UK (as they released simultaneously with the spider) so in future they will be the ones to own, rarer than almost any other McLaren, 280 12C coupes in comparison. In fact "How many left" list only 19 maximum but some early 650's were registered as 12C's. In fact If you can afford it and will own long term the 650S coupe is the one to go for and is sooooooo cheap at the moment considering its as rare as hens teeth, you are 4 times more likely to see a 675LT coupe than a 650S coupe in the UK!
Well it is better, but not by that much. Its around 5-10% better in most areas and that number is reducing as the 12C gets better as they are continually upgraded with the latest software and parts when serviced. The 12C gearboxes are now pretty good with updates, within a whisker of the 650S. The 650S has slightly more torque but not £30k more and the 12C is plenty fast enough, still shocks me with the acceleration! I can't tell any difference in suspension or steering.
What you do get with the 650S is a newer car with lower miles and all that comes with a newer car and that will account for a lot of the additional sale price. Stick a private plate on and a 650S can look like a £190k car (if you are bothered about such things).
So you need to get the one which suits your budget and you wont be disappointed either way. They are both incredible bargains at the moment and now is the time to buy. Personally I slightly prefer the looks of the 12C but the 650S has grown on me to the point that its not a problem and If I was buying now I would just get the best one of either example I could find, within my budget, and I would not be concerned if it was a 12C or 650S. To me they are both the best looking McLarens produced to date (bar the F1) and the most usable (largest boot space, great for touring).
IMO the coupes look better and the rarest of all McLarens is the 650S coupe. I believe only 35 RHD cars in the UK (as they released simultaneously with the spider) so in future they will be the ones to own, rarer than almost any other McLaren, 280 12C coupes in comparison. In fact "How many left" list only 19 maximum but some early 650's were registered as 12C's. In fact If you can afford it and will own long term the 650S coupe is the one to go for and is sooooooo cheap at the moment considering its as rare as hens teeth, you are 4 times more likely to see a 675LT coupe than a 650S coupe in the UK!
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