POLL: Battle of the Spiders - Ferrari 458 vs McLaren MP4-12C

[martinbo]

Which do you prefer?

With the advent of McLaren's Spider derivative of its MP4-12C supercar the scene is set once more for a proper head-to-head in the closest of comparisons possible. Just as it was for the coupé versions some months back - these two folding hard-top, mid-engined V8 supercars are direct rivals in the truest sense. If anything, it's even closer now that the Spider treatment has given the MP4-12C the visual panache its fixed roof sibling was criticised for lacking.

So, which one would you spend your money on or wish to win in a toss of a coin? Consider all aspects: design, dynamics, usability, interior etc...

Feel free to post facts and pics to support your choice.

 

[klier]

The Ferrari because the McLaren looks like a 1995 EA videogame car.

Plus, I love Ferrari

 

[Monster]

No contest, 458 for me, the design looks much better resolved than the MP4-12c. That black panel/fake window behind the side windows makes the car looks more like a targa than a proper convertible.

 

[Deckhook]

Can you tick for both in the poll...........please, because frankly I would love to own both of them.

 

[Levi68]

I voted McLaren. But if to be possible, better to have both. However Aventador Roadster beats them all. What more can one want ?

 

[klier]

I voted McLaren. But if to be possible, better to have both. However Aventador Roadster beats them all. What more can one want ?

A 'simple' F12, any day of the week. No matter the hardtop

 

[Levi68]

A 'simple' F12, any day of the week. No matter the hardtop

I agree, but in this case it is more a question of situation. Imagine youself drivng at the Promenade des Anglais in South France, center of Rome in a hot summer day or Miami South Beach or any other of such places, it would be an Aventador Roadster, probably the most stunning looking car for the avarage, awesome sound, thats is the head turner at the moment. Having see both closely, the Aventador is still more bling-bling than the F car. You see what I mean ?

Edit: LOL, I'm talking about a car that isn't out yet.

 

[Deckhook]

^Agreed, nothing quite hits the spot visually like the Aventador and the Roadster version only lifts this to a whole other level.

 

[Tumbo]

McLaren get my vote. Looks amazing!!!

 

[Levi68]

McLaren get my vote. Looks amazing!!!

Best drop-top on earth for me though?
Of course:
R8 Spyder

Of course everybody is entitled to their opinion. Mine is any open top 2 seater performance car, should look good even with top up, and the best looking cars with top up are coupés. If a convertible can look like a coupé when its roof is closed it is a win/win. Now, my criticisme at the Z4, SLK/SL is that there is no proper coupé that is lighter. Of course I agree a soft top has its charm, and IMO is only good for cars with 4 seats like 1 Series, A5, GranCabrio and Continental GTC. I like the 458 Spider more than the 458 Italia, but in the case of R8/Gallardo I'd prefere the Coupé version over the Spyder versions, not about looks but for practical reasons. To make it simple (IMO):
2 seater = hardtop
4 seater = softtop

 

[martinbo]

This thread isn't about any VAG products thanks very much.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Tough one...Both look good as both look very similar in profile and execution except for the details. However, the Ferrari eeks out a win in my books.

What tipped the Ferrari to my favor? Both are a technically up to snuff and Ron Dennis' team did a fantastic job with the MP-something, especially in Spider form. Their mechanics and powertrain are downright impressive, and how their ProActive Chassis Control is nothing short of amazing where the driver has the best of both worlds. But the Ferrari has a classically NA, high-revving V8 that'll have you seek out tunnels throughout your journey just so you can surround yourself in symphonic delights reverbing off the tunnel walls, leaving your ears wanting more and your mouth smiling from ear to ear.

 

[ateekt]

McLaren for me please. Looks less generic & is more interesting package from an uncommon source!

 

[klier]

^^ That's funny, because I think the McLaren is the generic looking car....

Having see both closely, the Aventador is still more bling-bling than the F car. You see what I mean ?

You keep comparing the 458 Spider to a non existing Aventador Spider.
I'll say it again, the Aventador is to be compared to the F12 Berlinetta. And the F12 Berlinetta eats the Aventador for breakfast.

This thread isn't about any VAG products thanks very much.

Some people will never understand that... we start with Ferraris and McLarens, and people start about an R8 Spider....LMAO!!!

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

One of the things I forgot to consider more thoroughly, is that the McLaren is able to use an honest-to-goodness CF monocoque. That's a big deal, IMO, esp. at that price point. After considering that, it would become tougher to decide, but I'd still stick with my original statement. That Ferrari is almost as aurally inspiring as a 599 GTO or LFA. Almost.

 

[ateekt]

^^ That's funny, because I think the McLaren is the generic looking car....

To each his own. Imo, 458's lines & curves are new for a Ferrari. However, McLaren has always done that, from F1 to SL-R.

 

[Monster]

To each his own. Imo, 458's lines & curves are new for a Ferrari. However, McLaren has always done that, from F1 to SL-R.

Mclaren has done 3 road cars and one was designed by Mercedes. Ferrari has more than 60 years of history to look back to for inspiration, the lines and curves on the 458 aren't new for a Ferrari.

 

[Deckhook]

^And I believe most have been styled by Pininfarina.

 

[klier]

^And I believe most have been styled by Pininfarina.

Not that it's true, but what if? It wouldn't change anything. Ferrari has a rich history with lots of cars and lots of designs. Mclaren has nothing, pretty much.

 

[Deckhook]

Why do you always think my posts are there as an argument, Monster stated Ferrari have 60 years of cars to draw inspiration on, I was only adding that most of these were styled by one designer, that was all.