I have been driving the 2013 MP Spider a couple of weeks, and can compare , to some degree to my 2011 458 Coupe.
I think my McLaren dealer put it best when he said, "you really need to own both." It is hard to choose one over the other. I am trying to avoid the typical "rooting for the newest purchase " syndrome, but the Mac does have a lot going for it for sure.
Both cars are heavily optioned. Both have top of the line stereos, seats, front lifters, etc. . Rather than write a heavily detailed comparison , which I frankly am unqualified to pen , I will just provide a few bullet points which are highly subjective :
Exterior--slight edge to 458. Some have been critical of the Mac calling it bland--certainly not bland IMO
Paint---Mac, I have a Volcano option (red) . It has to be seen to be believed.
Interior--Mac by far IMO, best laid out of any car I have owned . very intuitive , functional. But, 458 roomier. I am 6'4" and it is a stretch . My son is 6'7". He drove the 458 to the car show--could not get in the Mac.
Sound system--a tie at best.
Performance--not fair to give an opinion other than based on highway driving. The Mac with the twin turbo sure seems a LOT quicker, and power to weight in its favor. Both absurd, but to me Mac for sure.
Mileage--I only add this (who cares?) because remarkably the Mac does well---no gas guzzler.
Exhaust note---heretofore this is where Mac gets crushed in the reviews. I have the 2013 power upgrade and sport exhaust and I actually give the edge to the Mac. The 458 in race mode has a great, higher pitched note. The Mac has a deeper muscle car note. But when you raise the rear window it is as quiet as an Accord and could easily be a daily driver.
Fit/finish --Mac. Never thought I would say that about a British car. Also dealer care rivals Lexus even though only 8 in US.
In the end , I find the 458 more elegant , and the Mac more of a blast to drive-- and that says a lot since the 458 is one of the most wonderful drivers on the planet. If pressed, I would not give up the GTs for either one, but these are 2 great, great cars and McLaren deserves huge credit for all they have done in 2 model years.
I think my McLaren dealer put it best when he said, "you really need to own both." It is hard to choose one over the other. I am trying to avoid the typical "rooting for the newest purchase " syndrome, but the Mac does have a lot going for it for sure.
Both cars are heavily optioned. Both have top of the line stereos, seats, front lifters, etc. . Rather than write a heavily detailed comparison , which I frankly am unqualified to pen , I will just provide a few bullet points which are highly subjective :
Exterior--slight edge to 458. Some have been critical of the Mac calling it bland--certainly not bland IMO
Paint---Mac, I have a Volcano option (red) . It has to be seen to be believed.
Interior--Mac by far IMO, best laid out of any car I have owned . very intuitive , functional. But, 458 roomier. I am 6'4" and it is a stretch . My son is 6'7". He drove the 458 to the car show--could not get in the Mac.
Sound system--a tie at best.
Performance--not fair to give an opinion other than based on highway driving. The Mac with the twin turbo sure seems a LOT quicker, and power to weight in its favor. Both absurd, but to me Mac for sure.
Mileage--I only add this (who cares?) because remarkably the Mac does well---no gas guzzler.
Exhaust note---heretofore this is where Mac gets crushed in the reviews. I have the 2013 power upgrade and sport exhaust and I actually give the edge to the Mac. The 458 in race mode has a great, higher pitched note. The Mac has a deeper muscle car note. But when you raise the rear window it is as quiet as an Accord and could easily be a daily driver.
Fit/finish --Mac. Never thought I would say that about a British car. Also dealer care rivals Lexus even though only 8 in US.
In the end , I find the 458 more elegant , and the Mac more of a blast to drive-- and that says a lot since the 458 is one of the most wonderful drivers on the planet. If pressed, I would not give up the GTs for either one, but these are 2 great, great cars and McLaren deserves huge credit for all they have done in 2 model years.
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