12c v 650s

[Jim82]

Hi everyone- there’s not a Maclaren that I don’t like, but given how close the prices have become, is there any reason to chose a 12c over a 650s?

[AndM]

There's still a reasonable difference between the two in price (about 20k).

I prefer the look of the 12c. Same interior in both but I dislike the 'add on' side air intakes on the 650 and prefer the more classic nose of the 12c. I'm biased though - I have a 12c and have loved the two years I've had with it.

I think you'd need to have owned both to say if there is significant difference in terms of driving experience. Performance wise there would nothing to speak of between them I would imagine.

Is it worth the extra 20k for a slightly younger car? I guess you pay your money and take your choice.

Edited by AndM on Tuesday 29th December 10:52

[Jim82]

Thanks for this and I do prefer the front of the 12c. I’ve been looking at a 2014 spider at 85 and a 659 s spider at 93 and there are several other examples where the differential is less than 10k - this is what makes it a more difficult decision !!

[AstonExige]

It's funny, I prefer the front of the 650s to the 12c, looks more modern imo. I haven't owned either (I've got a 720s) so not talking from experience, but when I carried out my research I found that there were a number of improvements with the move to the 650s. I can't recall what they were though (being really helpful here aren't I) Do some research and you'll find out what they are then you can determine if they're worth the premium.

[12pack]

650 fascia means it’s the McLaren most recognizable as one. 12 C looks a bit generic to me, but this said as a 650 owner. Of course, this is subjective.

What is not subjective is the performance, the bigger difference between the suspension modes and the reliability. Was certainly well worth the price difference to me (was more like £60k when I bought it).

Edited by 12pack on Tuesday 29th December 15:05

[jerrytlr]

This is one of the best vids I saw comparing the two, as it includes a fair bit of tech info too - the differences run deeper than you might think.... https://youtu.be/OMB4TS6sCYo

[JP616]

One thing you might want to consider is the potential longer term value of the car based on rarity. The 12C Spider is relatively rare with around 80 in the UK Vs 350 for the coupe. The 650 Spider is much more common variant, with the coupe being the rare one, as both were offered for sale at the same time. I'm biased, as a previous 12C Spider owner, so would recommend a 12C Spider, had mine for 3+ years, 9,000 miles with no issues but would recommend you get one with an extended McLaren warranty as a precaution.

[12pack]

TBH, as much as we love our 12C/650s, I don’t think they are in any way considered special or rare editions, and as such their future values will simply be judged by their popularity. Hence, in fact it will be the most popular, the 650 spider, that will continue to likely to hold the highest value.

I for one would not have considered any other variant, if only for the backlight. With it you get the best sounding Mac (for the driver) especially if you prefer a big rumbling V8 roar rather than a flat plane crank noise.

[supersport]

I never liked the 12C when it was new. But they now look gorgeous. Not really looked at the 650 to have a proper opinion.

Not a missive fan of the rear end on either car.

At the moment I am in love with the 720, but must wait.

[macdeb]

Well, I have a 12c coupe and actually prefer the looks of it over a spider. Back in early summer there was a low miles 650 coupe that went for 87k from main dealer, Bargain, though not sure about the difference in price is as great but they do seem to be on an upward trend which in Winter is strange. I paid considerably for my 12c, mind you it's absolutely top spec and was £231,500 when new! and low spec' vs high spec' makes a difference if a car is to sell. 650's are stunning (aren't all McLarens) now, I know I may sound biased but I do think the front and sides of the 12c are more suited and coherent with the rear and it is the original super series. 650's are going to be a little better as you'd expect with updates etc with more power, though 616 vs 640 odd? Both more than enough. I just don't get Clarksons view at all, 'no zing' ffs yet it bettered the 458 in every way and his analogy of tights/stockings for me is nonsense as if McLaren made stockings the seam would be pin sharp straight whereas the Ferrari's would be laddered and crooked. Perhaps if it were a McLarenari it may fair better. I'm going on now so best get me coat. All Mac's are FAB! and we are damn lucky to drive one.

Edited by macdeb on Tuesday 29th December 20:12

Edited by macdeb on Tuesday 29th December 20:14

Edited by macdeb on Tuesday 29th December 20:30

[12pack]

macdeb said:

Well, I have a 12c coupe and actually prefer the looks of it over a spider. Back in early summer there was a low miles 650 coupe that went for 87k from main dealer, Bargain, though not sure about the difference in price is as great but they do seem to be on an upward trend which in Winter is strange. I paid considerably for my 12c, mind you it's absolutely top spec and was £231,500 when new! and low spec' vs high spec' makes a difference if a car is to sell. 650's are stunning (aren't all McLarens) now, I know I may sound biased but I do think the front and sides of the 12c are more suited and coherent with the rear and it is the original super series. 650's are going to be a little better as you'd expect with updates etc with more power, though 616 vs 640 odd? Both more than enough. I just don't get Clarksons view at all, 'no zing' ffs yet it bettered the 458 in every way and his analogy of tights/stockings for me is nonsense as if McLaren made stockings the seam would be pin sharp straight whereas the Ferrari's would be laddered and crooked. Perhaps if it were a McLarenari it may fair better. I'm going on now so best get me coat. All Mac's are FAB! and we are damn lucky to drive one.

Edited by macdeb on Tuesday 29th December 20:12

Edited by macdeb on Tuesday 29th December 20:14

Edited by macdeb on Tuesday 29th December 20:30

+1

About the ‘no zing’: I’ve had several high performance cars, and indeed the 12C/650s are more comfortable.

But the important thing is they let steering and pedal feel through better than the Italians, and keep the wheels planted on bumpy tracks, while filtering out extraneous NVH.

To the talkers (like Clarkson) this may mean ‘less zing’ but to drivers this is excellent signal to noise ratio of the important “feel” items.

[Bispal]

I owned a 12C for 2.5 years and did 14k miles in it. I adored it, so much so I bought another P11 car but I skipped the 650S and bought a 675LT.

My own view is the 12C looks better, its classy and understated but the 650S does everything 10% better. Bit quicker, bit sharper but you would have to drive back to back to appreciate it, it would be difficult to pick up otherwise. The 12C is a bit more refined in the suspension.

The biggest 650S improvement are the ceramic brakes. If I left my 12C for over a week with damp wheels the brakes would seize and this doesn't happen with ceramics. Most 650 also have nose lift although I never had an issues without in the 12C which has a higher nose.

This is very personal so don't have a go at me but as much as I love a convertible, they are my default preference, I do not like the look of the 12C/650S spiders. The coupes are so much cleaner, you can see the engine bay and there are no lines in the roof and the buttress flies through. Also the coupes have a huge shelf and its amazing what you can get on them which makes them excellent for touring.

If I was looking for a McLaren under £100k now there would be 3 I would be looking out for:-

1. 12C coupe with chassis number under 100
2. 650S coupe (only 35 UK RHD as everyone bought the spider)
3. 12C coupe late as possible with ceramics and / or MSO front splitter / bumper combo.

If you do find a car you like make sure it has a transferable McLaren warranty and as soon as you buy it change the PZero tyres for MPS4S and enjoy. 12C or 650s are both amazing cars.

[Jim82]

Thank you for all this input. I have the same problem with the steel brakes on my Alfa 4c. I can’t wait to get my first McLaren. Frankly I’d be happy with any model and I absolutely get the warranty issue.

[AndM]

Jim82 said:

Thank you for all this input. I have the same problem with the steel brakes on my Alfa 4c. I can’t wait to get my first McLaren. Frankly I’d be happy with any model and I absolutely get the warranty issue.

Jim Im sniffing around 720s and might be selling my warranted 12c in the new year. Feel free to private message me if you want to know more about it.

[jerrytlr]

Bispal said:

This is very personal so don't have a go at me but as much as I love a convertible, they are my default preference, I do not like the look of the 12C/650S spiders. The coupes are so much cleaner, you can see the engine bay and there are no lines in the roof and the buttress flies through.

If I was looking for a McLaren under £100k now there would be 3 I would be looking out for:-

1. 12C coupe with chassis number under 100
2. 650S coupe (only 35 UK RHD as everyone bought the spider)
3. 12C coupe late as possible with ceramics and / or MSO front splitter / bumper combo.

I have the 650s spider.... and I agree, the coupe does look better!

[650spider]

Prices are a bit all over the place at the moment...it may be sensible to hold off a little to see what happens in spring.

I was sent this the other week...was almost tempted to get back into a 650 for a bit, but am trying to sticki to my own advice...

[Jim82]

Is it private ? If not (need to finance (pcp etc) please send to me.
Thanks
Jim

[Jim82]

The hell with it, send me the details anyway please!!
Ta
Jim

[650spider]

Jim82 said:

The hell with it, send me the details anyway please!!
Ta
Jim

Hi Jim.

It was sent to me from a trader pal maybe 10 days ago whom is within a group for underwriting cars.

He sends me any McLarens that comes up as he knows I am looking for another.

Will ask him if it is still available and p/m you if it is.

[Jim82]

Nice one - thank you.