Which is the most "fun" McLaren to drive?
Discussion
I`ve owned a 12c for 5 years and had a years break. The 12c was a fabulous car and highly capable, but when in normal mode whilst it performed the everyday comfortable thing brilliantly, it was at times a bit slow to react quickly if you suddenly wanted instant response. No problems of course when in sport or track!
My thoughts are spread between the 570S, 600LT, or 675LT...forgetting relative costs for the moment.
My thoughts are spread between the 570S, 600LT, or 675LT...forgetting relative costs for the moment.
Very difficult to put a definition on "fun" for each individual, but i would say the 570s/600lt are probably high up there though because of the conventional anti roll bar set up and the connection to the road that gives and without being grip monsters it allows for a more playful feel.
I've driven almost all the McLaren cars and owned a 12C for 2.5 years and 14k miles and now a 675LT for 2 years. I couldn't own another McLaren after owning the 675LT, its just so alive and visceral. It never feels normal like the 12C can, its always an event and one of the few McLarens that feels alive at low speed yet is still usable and comfortable on a long trip. The 570S is a nice drive but I have done many miles in them and borrowed one for a week and Its just not the same as a 675LT. The 600LT is one of the few I haven't tried so can't comment but it has no active suspension or aero which are 2 of the most exciting elements of the super series.
I think it depends on your definition of fun, what floats your boat. I own a track focused Exige S and a Fireblade engined Westfield, I love the raw, connected feel, that's what I enjoy out of a car.
Early last year I put a deposit down on a 570s, it was like an Exige with the dial turned up. Awesome thing. Circumstance, covid etc and I pulled out of the deal. 6 months later I was looking again and increased my budget. 600LT / 720s money. I went to test drive a 720s with the expectation it wouldn't appeal, I'd read various opinions on them, not feeling as connected. Well they were wrong! Very wrong.
I think a lot of people confuse a car with anti-roll bars being unsettled on an uneven road as feeling connected! That's not connection, that a tyre losing contact with the road! Do away with anti-roll bars and the wheels stay in contact with the road and you have a much better idea of what is happening beneath you! You have so much more confidence, the perfect B-road basher (especially on UK roads!) And put the TC into Dynamic mode, it's playful! Trust me on that one!
But then, put it into comfort and its relaxing. The odd time I've been at an event all day, have to drive home shattered, stick it in Auto and Comfort, it's bliss.
I was lent a Mclaren GT for a week when mine when in, took it down some of my favourite B-roads, it was fun, but not as much fun as the 720.
Based on what I've learnt over the last 2 years of driving Mclarens. If it's a track car, ie will spend most of its time on smooth track surfaces, 600LT would be my choice. But for a road car, sub £100k: 650s. If budget allows 720s, and further up the price, a 675LT. I've not driven the later so that's just based on the great reviews those cars get.
Early last year I put a deposit down on a 570s, it was like an Exige with the dial turned up. Awesome thing. Circumstance, covid etc and I pulled out of the deal. 6 months later I was looking again and increased my budget. 600LT / 720s money. I went to test drive a 720s with the expectation it wouldn't appeal, I'd read various opinions on them, not feeling as connected. Well they were wrong! Very wrong.
I think a lot of people confuse a car with anti-roll bars being unsettled on an uneven road as feeling connected! That's not connection, that a tyre losing contact with the road! Do away with anti-roll bars and the wheels stay in contact with the road and you have a much better idea of what is happening beneath you! You have so much more confidence, the perfect B-road basher (especially on UK roads!) And put the TC into Dynamic mode, it's playful! Trust me on that one!
But then, put it into comfort and its relaxing. The odd time I've been at an event all day, have to drive home shattered, stick it in Auto and Comfort, it's bliss. I was lent a Mclaren GT for a week when mine when in, took it down some of my favourite B-roads, it was fun, but not as much fun as the 720.
Based on what I've learnt over the last 2 years of driving Mclarens. If it's a track car, ie will spend most of its time on smooth track surfaces, 600LT would be my choice. But for a road car, sub £100k: 650s. If budget allows 720s, and further up the price, a 675LT. I've not driven the later so that's just based on the great reviews those cars get.
I just sold my 570S after 2.5 years of ownership. Was a great car, immensely quick and capable, and I got a big thrill by looking at it, but it was ultimately lacking something for me in terms of driving enjoyment and I would not describe the driving experience as fun.
Am looking to get back into something more raw, if it’s another McLaren would have to be an LT, other option I am being drawn to is a 430 Scuderia.
Am looking to get back into something more raw, if it’s another McLaren would have to be an LT, other option I am being drawn to is a 430 Scuderia.
Bispal said:
I've driven almost all the McLaren cars and owned a 12C for 2.5 years and 14k miles and now a 675LT for 2 years. I couldn't own another McLaren after owning the 675LT, its just so alive and visceral. It never feels normal like the 12C can, its always an event and one of the few McLarens that feels alive at low speed yet is still usable and comfortable on a long trip. The 570S is a nice drive but I have done many miles in them and borrowed one for a week and Its just not the same as a 675LT. The 600LT is one of the few I haven't tried so can't comment but it has no active suspension or aero which are 2 of the most exciting elements of the super series.
I am with you on this Bispal.If not already not the case, I think the 675LT shall be seen as when McLaren got it 'just perfect'.
However, all of them are very good; whichever model you have feels special and more engaging than similar offerings from Porsche, Lambo or Ferrari in my opinion and experience.
To boost your level of driving engagement you don’t need hydro susp nor active aero. Actually the opposite.
Reality is 600LT is already too ballistic for the road.
Unless you’re after something more curated and rare like a Scud (but slower….which not necessarily is a con), then 600LT should be the answer.
All LTs are great though.
Reality is 600LT is already too ballistic for the road.
Unless you’re after something more curated and rare like a Scud (but slower….which not necessarily is a con), then 600LT should be the answer.
All LTs are great though.
The 765LT Coupe is undoubtably the most fun and the Spider might take it to another level. Personally I much prefer the Purity of a Coupe , but all personal taste!
However the 675LT while compromised aesthetically and with the older tub is a great car but the 600LT gets my vote because at it’s price point it offers so much and allows you to properly drive it and not be too precious about it.
However the 675LT while compromised aesthetically and with the older tub is a great car but the 600LT gets my vote because at it’s price point it offers so much and allows you to properly drive it and not be too precious about it.
Edited by Rocketreid on Friday 3rd December 17:43
Another vote for the 600LT Spider. I've had 12C Spider, 675LT Spider, 570GT, 720S and Senna and the 600 is my favourite out of all of them.
Did 60 miles in it today collecting from its annual service at Mac Brum and it reminded me how much fun it is. Just like a go-kart. Even on a cold, damp day, you can drop the rear light and get full exhaust volume, the Spider is worth it for this alone. Sensibly priced too unlike its bigger LT brothers.
Did 60 miles in it today collecting from its annual service at Mac Brum and it reminded me how much fun it is. Just like a go-kart. Even on a cold, damp day, you can drop the rear light and get full exhaust volume, the Spider is worth it for this alone. Sensibly priced too unlike its bigger LT brothers.
HJG said:
675LT spider.
Just done 500 miles in a 765LT spider but still maintain the 675LT is the 'more fun' of the two. Perhaps because its performance is a little more accessible.
I decided against my 765 spider allocation as I did not feel that being faster made it better.Just done 500 miles in a 765LT spider but still maintain the 675LT is the 'more fun' of the two. Perhaps because its performance is a little more accessible.
Time will tell if I made the correct descion.
GT3ZZZ said:
Another vote for the 600LT Spider. I've had 12C Spider, 675LT Spider, 570GT, 720S and Senna and the 600 is my favourite out of all of them.
Did 60 miles in it today collecting from its annual service at Mac Brum and it reminded me how much fun it is. Just like a go-kart. Even on a cold, damp day, you can drop the rear light and get full exhaust volume, the Spider is worth it for this alone. Sensibly priced too unlike its bigger LT brothers.
Should have added that I prefer the suspension on the 600 v 675, more feel and feedback at the expense of the slightly better trick system on the Super Series. Did 60 miles in it today collecting from its annual service at Mac Brum and it reminded me how much fun it is. Just like a go-kart. Even on a cold, damp day, you can drop the rear light and get full exhaust volume, the Spider is worth it for this alone. Sensibly priced too unlike its bigger LT brothers.
So a lot of love for the 600LT on here, mostly from 600LT owners not surprisingly, so from a Mclaren owner (570s) of 6 months to other Mclaren owners, being the only other Mclaren ive driven is a 720s and on the radar and therefore in 600LT budget, i am really struggling to see how 30hp and some stiffer springs makes the 600LT the night and day driving experience over a 570s as it sounds on here (not taking into account looks or spider as prefer coupes), can you please educate or elaborate for me please.
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