McLaren 570S or GT?
Discussion
I know this is quite a common topic, but I now find myself with this genuine quandary and would appreciate any advice or opinion.
After briefly considering an R8 V10 Plus, I think I’ve finally decided to go with heart rather than head and purchase my first McLaren. I test drove the R8 back-to-back with a 570S and although both are fantastic cars that achieve a similar result in very different ways, for me the R8 felt just a bit too sensible and too similar to some of the Porsches I’ve previously owned. I was a little underwhelmed to be honest. The 570S on the other hand just felt special from the off and although the Audi / Lambo V10 sounds incredible, I love the feel of turbocharged cars.
Initially I was only considering the 570S. However, I prefer the looks of the 570GT (in my mind the rear deck of the S looks a bit fussy) and like the idea of a lighter cabin, but it’s not as if the S is an ugly duckling is it? It’s also never made sense to me that the list price of the GT is around £10k more than the S, yet you lose what must be the most expensive difference – the ceramic brakes! However, I’ve found my near-perfect spec in a used GT and I’m now wondering if actually it makes sense. The salesman reckons that the differences in the ride, steering and brakes compared with the S are really only noticeable on the track or pushing very hard at illegal speeds on the road. In his opinion, for a road car he’d always take the GT, if doing lots of track days, he’d take the S. Also, he says the factory optional sports exhaust is identical on the two cars (although still too quiet in my opinion). But is this just salesmanship, would I always be wishing I’d held out for the perfect S if I buy this GT? When buying into the driver-focussed, dynamic brand that is McLaren, why buy a driver-focussed, dynamic model dialled back from 10 to 8?
I am planning to test-drive the GT this week, but I fear this may not help, as I drove the S a few weeks ago and driving unfamiliar cars on unfamiliar roads with a salesman talking in your ear isn’t the best for a fair comparison. I’d be really interested to hear any views, particularly those that have owned both or driven both back-to-back. As a bit of background, I don’t intend this to be a daily driver as I have another car, but I do want to get a decent amount of use out of it and will probably drive it to work 2-3 days per week and use for weekends away. Most of my driving is on twisty bumpy B-roads and although I may do the odd track-day, this isn’t what I’m buying the car for. My last car was a 981 Cayman S PDK.
I’d also be interested in views on values and residuals as this is quite a big purchase for me, I don’t have exceptionally deep pockets. It’s a little unnerving that when I started looking at values just under 3-months ago, entry-level for an S was £130k and there were literally one-or two (low spec / higher mileage) cars at that level. Now the start-point is more like £125k and there are 10+ on the market at £130k. Help!!
After briefly considering an R8 V10 Plus, I think I’ve finally decided to go with heart rather than head and purchase my first McLaren. I test drove the R8 back-to-back with a 570S and although both are fantastic cars that achieve a similar result in very different ways, for me the R8 felt just a bit too sensible and too similar to some of the Porsches I’ve previously owned. I was a little underwhelmed to be honest. The 570S on the other hand just felt special from the off and although the Audi / Lambo V10 sounds incredible, I love the feel of turbocharged cars.
Initially I was only considering the 570S. However, I prefer the looks of the 570GT (in my mind the rear deck of the S looks a bit fussy) and like the idea of a lighter cabin, but it’s not as if the S is an ugly duckling is it? It’s also never made sense to me that the list price of the GT is around £10k more than the S, yet you lose what must be the most expensive difference – the ceramic brakes! However, I’ve found my near-perfect spec in a used GT and I’m now wondering if actually it makes sense. The salesman reckons that the differences in the ride, steering and brakes compared with the S are really only noticeable on the track or pushing very hard at illegal speeds on the road. In his opinion, for a road car he’d always take the GT, if doing lots of track days, he’d take the S. Also, he says the factory optional sports exhaust is identical on the two cars (although still too quiet in my opinion). But is this just salesmanship, would I always be wishing I’d held out for the perfect S if I buy this GT? When buying into the driver-focussed, dynamic brand that is McLaren, why buy a driver-focussed, dynamic model dialled back from 10 to 8?
I am planning to test-drive the GT this week, but I fear this may not help, as I drove the S a few weeks ago and driving unfamiliar cars on unfamiliar roads with a salesman talking in your ear isn’t the best for a fair comparison. I’d be really interested to hear any views, particularly those that have owned both or driven both back-to-back. As a bit of background, I don’t intend this to be a daily driver as I have another car, but I do want to get a decent amount of use out of it and will probably drive it to work 2-3 days per week and use for weekends away. Most of my driving is on twisty bumpy B-roads and although I may do the odd track-day, this isn’t what I’m buying the car for. My last car was a 981 Cayman S PDK.
I’d also be interested in views on values and residuals as this is quite a big purchase for me, I don’t have exceptionally deep pockets. It’s a little unnerving that when I started looking at values just under 3-months ago, entry-level for an S was £130k and there were literally one-or two (low spec / higher mileage) cars at that level. Now the start-point is more like £125k and there are 10+ on the market at £130k. Help!!
I'm watching this thread with interest as I really want a 570 Spider but would struggle to justify to myself an extra £40K when I too would be concerned about total loss over a few years.
I still love the purity of the S but the practicality of the GT is hard to ignore. I've driven S and Spider but not the GT but I think a test drive would help you decide if you really were not sure.
I still love the purity of the S but the practicality of the GT is hard to ignore. I've driven S and Spider but not the GT but I think a test drive would help you decide if you really were not sure.
I had a GT for two months on loan from McLaren whilst waiting for my S last year............
After two months in the GT the difference in the S is marked. If you drove a GT for 20 mins and then get in an S you probably wouldn't feel the difference so much, it's when you've had it for a while....
The GT rear looks better, most agree there.
The rear parcel shelf was never used by me so no benefit there...........and I wouldn't have liked leaning against the car and lifting bags in the rear hatch.
GT has loads more sound deadening......sounds very muted int he cabin........also the "sports" GT Exhaust is the "standard" S exhaust.
I thought I would prefer the glass roof but it's tinted so there was no more real light in the cabin therefore only noticeable when looking directly up....not advisable when driving! lol
The S is mapped to feel more urgent/immediate.....feels quicker and louder at lower speeds......and stops much better with CCB's.
It naturally comes down to what use you will have for the car...........weekend hooning/track days.....definitely the S.................longer drives, need more comfort and practicality then the GT may be the one.
After two months in the GT the difference in the S is marked. If you drove a GT for 20 mins and then get in an S you probably wouldn't feel the difference so much, it's when you've had it for a while....
The GT rear looks better, most agree there.
The rear parcel shelf was never used by me so no benefit there...........and I wouldn't have liked leaning against the car and lifting bags in the rear hatch.
GT has loads more sound deadening......sounds very muted int he cabin........also the "sports" GT Exhaust is the "standard" S exhaust.
I thought I would prefer the glass roof but it's tinted so there was no more real light in the cabin therefore only noticeable when looking directly up....not advisable when driving! lol
The S is mapped to feel more urgent/immediate.....feels quicker and louder at lower speeds......and stops much better with CCB's.
It naturally comes down to what use you will have for the car...........weekend hooning/track days.....definitely the S.................longer drives, need more comfort and practicality then the GT may be the one.
Sarnie said:
I had a GT for two months on loan from McLaren whilst waiting for my S last year............
After two months in the GT the difference in the S is marked. If you drove a GT for 20 mins and then get in an S you probably wouldn't feel the difference so much, it's when you've had it for a while....
The GT rear looks better, most agree there.
The rear parcel shelf was never used by me so no benefit there...........and I wouldn't have liked leaning against the car and lifting bags in the rear hatch.
GT has loads more sound deadening......sounds very muted int he cabin........also the "sports" GT Exhaust is the "standard" S exhaust.
I thought I would prefer the glass roof but it's tinted so there was no more real light in the cabin therefore only noticeable when looking directly up....not advisable when driving! lol
The S is mapped to feel more urgent/immediate.....feels quicker and louder at lower speeds......and stops much better with CCB's.
It naturally comes down to what use you will have for the car...........weekend hooning/track days.....definitely the S.................longer drives, need more comfort and practicality then the GT may be the one.
Thanks, that's very interesting. How do you find the CCB's when cold / on short journey's? On my test drive in the 570S I wasn't convinced by the feel of the brakes and the pedal needed pressing hard. It was a short and not particularly fast test drive though and I'd just been driving the wife's 640D, so probably not a fair representation.After two months in the GT the difference in the S is marked. If you drove a GT for 20 mins and then get in an S you probably wouldn't feel the difference so much, it's when you've had it for a while....
The GT rear looks better, most agree there.
The rear parcel shelf was never used by me so no benefit there...........and I wouldn't have liked leaning against the car and lifting bags in the rear hatch.
GT has loads more sound deadening......sounds very muted int he cabin........also the "sports" GT Exhaust is the "standard" S exhaust.
I thought I would prefer the glass roof but it's tinted so there was no more real light in the cabin therefore only noticeable when looking directly up....not advisable when driving! lol
The S is mapped to feel more urgent/immediate.....feels quicker and louder at lower speeds......and stops much better with CCB's.
It naturally comes down to what use you will have for the car...........weekend hooning/track days.....definitely the S.................longer drives, need more comfort and practicality then the GT may be the one.
By the way, just realised I bought your Gallardo in 2008!! How I wish I'd kept that car. What a small World.
Dazmo said:
Thanks, that's very interesting. How do you find the CCB's when cold / on short journey's? On my test drive in the 570S I wasn't convinced by the feel of the brakes and the pedal needed pressing hard. It was a short and not particularly fast test drive though and I'd just been driving the wife's 640D, so probably not a fair representation.
By the way, just realised I bought your Gallardo in 2008!! How I wish I'd kept that car. What a small World.
Ah, Darren! By the way, just realised I bought your Gallardo in 2008!! How I wish I'd kept that car. What a small World.
I wished I'd kept that car too!!
It's in Malaysia now!!
With regards to the CCB's not had any problems or issues with them, may just take a bit of time to get used to the peddle feel.......
Daren I had use of a GT for a month before deciding on the S. IMHO the GT is the prettier car but I was not a fan of the glass roof, the rear hatch isn’t that practical and if you did use the hatch the rear view is impeded. The rear deck and glass hatch got very very hot and some of the glass seals were drying out probably from the heat. The ride is softer but the S ride isn’t exactly hard and I’ve got the sports seats in mine. My wife found the viability in the S better which was important for her. The car is used for fun and we opted for the S. My wife loves the car and I don’t get to drive it as much as I would like as I find myself in the passenger seat a little too often. Steel rotors on the GT should will be cheaper to handle if you intend to track the car. The brakes on both are perfectly adequate for road use. I’m sure once you’ve made your decision you will be happy with your choice, both are very good cars.
If you went new you could get the looks of the GT and S suspension set up.
Add MSO racing seats and MSO Titanium exhaust and that would be my perfect spec. A proper GTS
That option wasn't available when I bought mine back in Sept 2016 so I chose the S fro the driving characteristics although I much prefer the GT looks. It was just too tame and more of a GT cruiser than sports car for me
Add MSO racing seats and MSO Titanium exhaust and that would be my perfect spec. A proper GTS
That option wasn't available when I bought mine back in Sept 2016 so I chose the S fro the driving characteristics although I much prefer the GT looks. It was just too tame and more of a GT cruiser than sports car for me
Edited by RamboLambo on Tuesday 29th May 22:24
They are both awesome. I have a GT with a Larini exhaust which looks and sounds the best. Mine was bought for regular use, not just track days and weekends, and the GT meets my needs perfectly.
Buy whichever you prefer, it sounds like you’re already looking at cars which have sufferered their first big drop in value anyway. Get as much warranty as possible, while mine has had no problems I think this is wise to have.
Buy whichever you prefer, it sounds like you’re already looking at cars which have sufferered their first big drop in value anyway. Get as much warranty as possible, while mine has had no problems I think this is wise to have.
Dazmo I really do not know what i'm saying as too new to Mac ownership, but i seem to think I read the Gt with S
spec is available now? All the glass and the S responses?
Anywho the 540 does it for me , Jeeeeeeeeeesus Cripes its run in now and i'm not sure i have the words
to explain in sport mode it hangs on to 9,000 (well maybe 8,500) then changes, boom, boom boom! Shake the room !
Every over take at 40-60 means well over 100 leptons when you see the speedo ! gulp !
Standard Iron brakes and yes now run in you can PRESS them hard and hell fire , they work!
Why do you need more,,,,, Ok track gods do no doubt.
Volcano orange so at least the subtle of all the oranges?
My sum up is " It's like a fast Bike but has 4 wheels" I'm talking Blades,Ri's etc etc
Ok not German buils its no Audi or Porky, but Hey In 1 hour jorney I saw 4 R8's
Only seen one Other mac thus far, North of Watford, yorkshire keeping it real
Soon to go on my !st Mac meeting in Harrogate , Looking Forward to it
spec is available now? All the glass and the S responses?
Anywho the 540 does it for me , Jeeeeeeeeeesus Cripes its run in now and i'm not sure i have the words
to explain in sport mode it hangs on to 9,000 (well maybe 8,500) then changes, boom, boom boom! Shake the room !
Every over take at 40-60 means well over 100 leptons when you see the speedo ! gulp !
Standard Iron brakes and yes now run in you can PRESS them hard and hell fire , they work!
Why do you need more,,,,, Ok track gods do no doubt.
Volcano orange so at least the subtle of all the oranges?
My sum up is " It's like a fast Bike but has 4 wheels" I'm talking Blades,Ri's etc etc
Ok not German buils its no Audi or Porky, but Hey In 1 hour jorney I saw 4 R8's
Only seen one Other mac thus far, North of Watford, yorkshire keeping it real
Soon to go on my !st Mac meeting in Harrogate , Looking Forward to it
Targarama said:
They are both awesome. I have a GT with a Larini exhaust which looks and sounds the best. Mine was bought for regular use, not just track days and weekends, and the GT meets my needs perfectly.
Buy whichever you prefer, it sounds like you’re already looking at cars which have sufferered their first big drop in value anyway. Get as much warranty as possible, while mine has had no problems I think this is wise to have.
Thanks Targarama. Any warranty issues upgrading the exhaust? If not, I would probably be tempted.Buy whichever you prefer, it sounds like you’re already looking at cars which have sufferered their first big drop in value anyway. Get as much warranty as possible, while mine has had no problems I think this is wise to have.
I'm looking at cars 12-18 months old, so with a reasonable amount of warranty remaining. I gather it's possible to extend the warranty for £3500 PA. Not cheap, but probably worth it, especially with no independent specialist dealers to help take some of the financial pain out of longer-term ownership like Ferrari, Porsche etc.
ATC100ASLs said:
Sorry for all the spelling Mistakes a little too much Red at this hour !
No worries, nothing like a nice bottle of red on a Tuesday night 
Glad to hear you are enjoying your 540. Loving the Volcano orange.
How did you find McLaren Ascot, as they would be my 'local' ? I've heard mixed reports, in fact one previous owner of two 12C's I was speaking to this evening said his aftersales experience was so poor he ended up using Rybrook even though he lives around 10 miles from Ascot.
Dazmo said:
No worries, nothing like a nice bottle of red on a Tuesday night
Glad to hear you are enjoying your 540. Loving the Volcano orange.
How did you find McLaren Ascot, as they would be my 'local' ? I've heard mixed reports, in fact one previous owner of two 12C's I was speaking to this evening said his aftersales experience was so poor he ended up using Rybrook even though he lives around 10 miles from Ascot.
They are kicking cars out of the factory quicker than they are building servicing infrastructure..........McLaren are still a new company......they are playing catch up with the big boys.......there are a LOT of negatives posts on the owners group about Ascot.......some positive though too.....approach with your eyes wide open......don't assume that an expensive car, service and premises automatically gets you premium service and experiences........the cars are so good though! Glad to hear you are enjoying your 540. Loving the Volcano orange.
How did you find McLaren Ascot, as they would be my 'local' ? I've heard mixed reports, in fact one previous owner of two 12C's I was speaking to this evening said his aftersales experience was so poor he ended up using Rybrook even though he lives around 10 miles from Ascot.
S for me
But beware of residuals compared to a huracan or Ferrari for example
Imho Mclaren are building far too quickly and need to slow down
Rolex and Porsche with Gt3s etc have it right, supply a few less than demand to keep buyers interested
If they keep churning out this many people will stop buying as used values drop
But beware of residuals compared to a huracan or Ferrari for example
Imho Mclaren are building far too quickly and need to slow down
Rolex and Porsche with Gt3s etc have it right, supply a few less than demand to keep buyers interested
If they keep churning out this many people will stop buying as used values drop
was out most of Yesturday afternoon hooning about the Dorset countryside what a car the handling is sublime.Dazmo said:
No worries, nothing like a nice bottle of red on a Tuesday night
Glad to hear you are enjoying your 540. Loving the Volcano orange.
How did you find McLaren Ascot, as they would be my 'local' ? I've heard mixed reports, in fact one previous owner of two 12C's I was speaking to this evening said his aftersales experience was so poor he ended up using Rybrook even though he lives around 10 miles from Ascot.
Dazmo Ascot were Superb , Chris H was my sales person Top man Glad to hear you are enjoying your 540. Loving the Volcano orange.
How did you find McLaren Ascot, as they would be my 'local' ? I've heard mixed reports, in fact one previous owner of two 12C's I was speaking to this evening said his aftersales experience was so poor he ended up using Rybrook even though he lives around 10 miles from Ascot.
Also note i was going used 1yr to 18 months (less than 5kmiles)
An astounding deal was done on a brand new showroom car , I'm from Yorkshire!
Full 3 yrs warranty.
just check with Chris at Ascot if he has any Gt's kicking around new
Read my Post "6 Sleeps " on this very forum
Regarding residual value , partly that would be down to trying to buy smart, I bought 570s from Alastair bols, and for what I paid I couldn’t get anything close at dealers , and warranty till summer next year , so hopefully I won’t get hit hard and ,, if you buy a amg gets you’ll then know what blowing is , lthimg will lose as fast and as much my brother bought in summer last big spec 8k on clocks in white sold April blew 16,450 which is ludicrous
Jack-flash said:
Regarding residual value , partly that would be down to trying to buy smart, I bought 570s from Alastair bols, and for what I paid I couldn’t get anything close at dealers , and warranty till summer next year , so hopefully I won’t get hit hard and ,, if you buy a amg gets you’ll then know what blowing is , lthimg will lose as fast and as much my brother bought in summer last big spec 8k on clocks in white sold April blew 16,450 which is ludicrous
In English please?I agree the GT looks better, I had a look at one along with an 570S, 540C and 12C. All great cars in their own right.
I'm just not convinced I fully get the GT. It's not that much different to the S, and would imagine if people want to get into McLaren of some sort most will want the S. I'd assume the residuals will be stronger on the S, but then again if they build more of them, maybe not.
I'm just not convinced I fully get the GT. It's not that much different to the S, and would imagine if people want to get into McLaren of some sort most will want the S. I'd assume the residuals will be stronger on the S, but then again if they build more of them, maybe not.
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