Discussion
Anyone know the exact width of the 12c when the mirrors are folded?
About to go for a 458 spider but keeping my options open.
Only thing is I have double doors on the garage and can't get planning permission to convert it to a single, large door.
I've got a few mm either side with the Italia.
Thanks
About to go for a 458 spider but keeping my options open.
Only thing is I have double doors on the garage and can't get planning permission to convert it to a single, large door.
I've got a few mm either side with the Italia.
Thanks
Not only is the 12C currently better priced, but I am coming to the realisation that (despite me being a Ferrari nut) the 12C is a better car too, having owned one for 6 months. I know what the press have said but I believe them to be wrong.
I know for definite that I would not swap my 12C for a 458 Spider, even on a like for like basis. I haven't had loads of 458 seat time but I know enough to be very clear about that.
I know for definite that I would not swap my 12C for a 458 Spider, even on a like for like basis. I haven't had loads of 458 seat time but I know enough to be very clear about that.
LukeyLikey said:
Not only is the 12C currently better priced, but I am coming to the realisation that (despite me being a Ferrari nut) the 12C is a better car too, having owned one for 6 months. I know what the press have said but I believe them to be wrong.
I know for definite that I would not swap my 12C for a 458 Spider, even on a like for like basis. I haven't had loads of 458 seat time but I know enough to be very clear about that.
Exactly this. I know for definite that I would not swap my 12C for a 458 Spider, even on a like for like basis. I haven't had loads of 458 seat time but I know enough to be very clear about that.
The only thing missing from the 12C is the noise, but TBH when I drive it I dont miss the wail of a Ferrari, and in any case if I want to make loads of noise I take the Strad or CLK BS out
Alot of people are waking up to how good the Macca is, and prices seem to be (happily) firming up nicely.
carpov said:
Test drive arranged. Will let you know how I get on...
Only thing to beware of, probably like a lot of cars, you get a certain part of the experience on a test drive but it takes time and familiarity to find what it's really like, especially at the limit and living with it through lots of different circumstances. With a 12C, so much of the car is about tech you only find out about under extremes. There is also a two stage throttle - push it fully to the floor above 3k to see your salesman get very nervous!I had already worked out it was the car that I thought I wanted, the test served to not put me off but not show me why I was right
Being polite lets say its an acquired taste. Having driven a few now I know its a very fast and capable car but as all the reviews and journalists say its missing something and is not quite as good as it should of been.
Watched a repeat of a 5th gear episode the other day comparing a 458 and MP4 12C and Tiff Needall and Jason Potatohead absolutely slated the car but heralded the 458.
Whilst at £130k I think its good value in comparison to a 458 personally I would pay the extra £30k for the noise of the Ferrari alone.
12C spiders are now at a similar price to 458 Italia and whilst open top motoring adds to the appeal to me personally I still think the noise is a crucial part of the whole experience.
Hopefully Ferrari will bring out a speciale spider for next summer
Watched a repeat of a 5th gear episode the other day comparing a 458 and MP4 12C and Tiff Needall and Jason Potatohead absolutely slated the car but heralded the 458.
Whilst at £130k I think its good value in comparison to a 458 personally I would pay the extra £30k for the noise of the Ferrari alone.
12C spiders are now at a similar price to 458 Italia and whilst open top motoring adds to the appeal to me personally I still think the noise is a crucial part of the whole experience.
Hopefully Ferrari will bring out a speciale spider for next summer
As expected, don't really agree with much of that. Even the noise is no issue - the McLaren sounds fantastic with sports exhaust. I don't feel short-changed in the noise department. On a recent trip to MC the 12C attracted huge attention (not really why I buy a car) and received many positive comments about the sound from my mates driving Ferraris, Lamborghinis etc.
I didn't get tired of the noise either. The exhaust is constantly chattering away which I love plus it breathes fire, which is always good! It's a different sound to a Ferrari, not quite as sweet but no less engaging.
Honestly, there is so much guff written about the Mac it's unbelievable. My experience is of a later build 12C and so I don't know about the earlier ones, perhaps these are different but I doubt they are that different.
I didn't get tired of the noise either. The exhaust is constantly chattering away which I love plus it breathes fire, which is always good! It's a different sound to a Ferrari, not quite as sweet but no less engaging.
Honestly, there is so much guff written about the Mac it's unbelievable. My experience is of a later build 12C and so I don't know about the earlier ones, perhaps these are different but I doubt they are that different.
Most of the negativity comes from people who either havent driven one or driven one breifly, but this is a car that DEFINATELY takes time to engage with. My first drive of a mates car left me a bit cold, but the more I drive it the more I love it, its spread and depth of ability is ashtonishing, it really is. There have been some dealer horror stories but if my more recent experience is anything to go by, McLaren must have got their act together as my experience is nothing but positive.
The lack of noise initially IS a dissapointment, no question, but it would seem a sports exhaust takes care of that now too.
The lack of noise initially IS a dissapointment, no question, but it would seem a sports exhaust takes care of that now too.
hazy said:
Most of the negativity comes from people who either havent driven one or driven one breifly, but this is a car that DEFINATELY takes time to engage with. My first drive of a mates car left me a bit cold, but the more I drive it the more I love it, its spread and depth of ability is ashtonishing, it really is. There have been some dealer horror stories but if my more recent experience is anything to go by, McLaren must have got their act together as my experience is nothing but positive.
The lack of noise initially IS a dissapointment, no question, but it would seem a sports exhaust takes care of that now too.
I have an early Coupe. The only problems I had were with the MK1 Iris system and tyre pressure monitoring being too sensitive when cold. As you say it does take time to be at one with the car though! Once you get to grips, it is utterly amazing to drive!The lack of noise initially IS a dissapointment, no question, but it would seem a sports exhaust takes care of that now too.
If your garage wall goes straight back from the door you might struggle but if there is a little more width (about 18 inches to the edge of the car once in) its ok either with the door half open & resting on the carpet or through the window - note I did this as a brief test using a tape measure not a garage - you might want to get others' confirmation and/or try a physical test before laying out your hundred grand !
OK maybe 20 inches http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
OK maybe 20 inches http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by johnnyreggae on Thursday 19th March 08:15
I'm surprised by that - I would have thought that with the doors opening upwards rather than outwards that it would be easier to get in and out of than a regular door.
Anyway, I finally went down the 458 spider route. It's a squeeze getting through the opening, but once inside the garage, it's fine.
Anyway, I finally went down the 458 spider route. It's a squeeze getting through the opening, but once inside the garage, it's fine.
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