Ferarri 458 vs Mclaren mp4-12c

From the report I read at the time the MP4/12C was a kind of disappointment. In spite of more power and apparently more advanced technology (carbon tub, tricky suspension) its balance and performance were no match for the 458 which outperformed it on any track; the MP4/12C was only able to win drag races due to its higher power. It needs the 650S with even more power and improved dynamics to compete with the 458.
I guess you should also ask the question on a McLaren forum to get a different view

 

I'd say your username answers your question.

 

I've driven both. The 12c is just not as organic as the 458. It seems more "computerized". The sound is artificial, the suspension handles great but is disconnected from you, and I don't like the paddle shifters on the wheel.

Oh, and I don't like that it creeps in first gear.

The newer ones are better. If you are considering a Mac that's where I would go.

Oh, and if you think Macs are cheaper to fix, you're wrong.

 

Been a few threads about this ovr the years - start here http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/458-italia-488/378087-any-458-owners-driven-mac-12c.html

 

Seams like a dated discussion. Haven't heard many choosing the mac over the 458-especially on this forum.

 

I've owned them both.
1. Mac is faster in straight line and around a track
2. Mac has a lot of electronic issues
3. Gear box on mac not as good
4. Mac doesn't sound as good
5. Mac is harder to service and as or more expensive to service
Ferrari
1. Sounds better with better gearbox
2. Easier to service
4. One of the best v8 ferraris ever built
5. Overall package just more complete
6. Fit and finish about equal
If I could only choose one it would be the 458 but if you really want a Mac seek out a used 650s for not that much more

 

I've driven the 12c enough times and distance to determine for myself that the 458 is indeed superior in many ways. I own a 458 Italia but not the 12c. The 12c and the 650s are both great track cars but are 'clinical.' They are so over-engineered that they begin to lose connection with the driver. If I purchase the car for the track only and lap time is paramount, then the McLaren is probably a better choice. I particularly dislike the interior design of the 12c/650s. It is purposeful but it's cramped. It is well built but lacks the Italian bespoke touch and spaciousness (of the 458), especially with the CF race seats in the 458. McLaren has better paint jobs and better CF options. The 458 has a slightly more exotic presence, especially with certain colors (i.e., triplo strato.) The DCT in the 458 is more engaging and reliable. Lastly, NA engines in the 458 are always more fun to drive - responsiveness and sound. There's nothing that compares to a 2010-2011 458's original sound at 9K RPM, nothing! The 2012 12C's with low mileage are now at $130K; certainly not the case with the 458, around $180K now in the USA. If 12c is your final choice, I'd suggest the spider (2013 or later). Because of the CF tub, McLaren's spiders are very close to the coupe in rigidity and hold their values much better. It's very difficult to put in words about the Ferrari mystique. One has to own one to truly understand it. IMHO, a Ferrari is still the best choice among extoic cars under $300K.

 

+1 on all of this, I have a lot of miles in an mp4-12c (to be fair, that was in PP01, production prototype #1), I'd go with a 458 (or a newer mclaren).

 

I sold the 12C and the 650, I just bought another Speciale. The 675 is a great car, not so for the 12C or 650, IMO. If it were 675 or 488, I'd say 675. But 458 or 12C? 458.

Natural aspiration generally inspires me far more than a turbo. Of the six cars mentioned above, only the 458s are NA.

Oh, and look at a Scud. Seriously.

 

Does 12c price level? The depreciation of M is much more than F. It is like iphone literally with new model coming out every 2 years or so. The moment you get delivery, the moment the new car is announced.

 

I think 12c's have pretty much bottomed. Both will slowly sink over time.

The 458 has an advantage as it may be the last normally aspirated V8 we see from Ferrari.

The 458 at 9 Grand will make your hair stand straight up. I didn't get that with the Mac's redline.

 

Completely agree. Go with 458 then. Plus the maintenance plan is still free. How much is a oil change for 12c?

 

Fifth Gear gave a very blunt answer to this question:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTPdfZ8nqc4

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

458 with no question, it is just a more complete package

 

According to Jason Plato and Tiff Needel, 5th Gear presenters and professional racing drivers, 458>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mclaren

 

If you're in England (reference to 'Autotrader'), be aware that there are very few service centres for McL. They are struggling to provide the proper after-sales service that owners expect.

Mclaren are making too many variations of the boosted 3.8L car, imho, across too wide a price range. 12C-540-570-650-675, meh - they are all powered by the same turbo'd motor in different states of tune. Nothing inspiring about a boosted motor getting cheap power. They all look similar, yet cost between 150k - 350k. So prices are sure to plummet quickly once the P14 is released. The product is sterile, and the product feels devoid of anything beyond Top Trumps.

Speed/pace wise, there is nothing between the cars (in reality). Other than speed, the 458 is everything the Mclaren is not, and all the better for it too.

 

I drove a 650S before I got my 458. The 650S was faster, looked meaner, and had the retractable hard top. On paper I can see how the 650S would be the better car.

However, the interior felt sparse and cheap to me. It was just completely un-interesting, and the materials didn't seem as nice as on the 458. I also prefer the 458 looks, even though it's more "tame" than the 650S. To me McLaren spent a ton of money on the chassis (makes sense to get a good base) but then had to skimp a bit on the interior.

The 650S also didn't sound as good as the 458, even though the salesman said it had some kind of sport exhaust.

It was crazy fast though - no problem at all breaking loose in 2nd at any speed.

 

Agree. Had 458 and a Speciale and 650s...the 650s by far quicker but least favorite by a mile. Boring as hell car.

 

I'd buy a 570S. Better than all of the above IMO.