458 V McLaren MP4-12c's dilemma

I would too... The SLS is most practical

Sometimes, I learn not to prejudge. I used to think that SLS' doors were impractical but I find that it requires less space than the doors on my California! It is quite superb for me although everyone disagrees from a closing perspective. I am 6"4 so closing is not a problem.

2 feet clearance and what about height clearance. 1.9 m is what I have in my garage.

In general, most places I go to should be ok. I am sure extremely tight places I need to avoid.

There won't be any demo, let alone a show car. The dealer's showroom is not even open and pricing not firmed and spec. So I am warming up to take a dive.

The intuitively obvious is always a 458 as resale is not a problem but judging from past experience, by 2013, the 458 will be quite visible everywhere. The 430 is quite a Ferrari with good achievements but it is definitely easily visible as well as Lamborghini.

I suspect for a different experience, the McLaren will give exclusivity.

I have a few qualms, warranty, service level/centre, turbo engine high maintenance and reliability. Honestly, the California is rock solid so all the Ferrari glitches didn't happen to me despite low mileages. They are also going to roll out 7 year maintenance plan which to me is very competitive.

If I buy now, I know I am buying a mold breaking car that's innovative, rare and different. It is not something everyone knows but it will be my car n driver's car. The look, yes, I prefer 458 but I think the McLaren will be more timeless iconic. Also, McLaren is a more focused company at the present moment. Only one car. For e.g., I find my California's knobs on air con and gear box to be shared by 458 and FF to some degree. Hence, there will be less motivation for me to upgrade to a 458 as the experience, while different, would not be extremely different (given my style of driving of being comfy, relaxed...). I do want something special I think McLaren is special.

However, one last concern is that money is an object to me and I hard earned it so maintenance matters. Considering that McLaren is a small conglomerate (much smaller than Ferrari), would the support and maintenance be there in the future? Would it have financial problems in the future in terms of expansion and R&D? Ferrari has a lot more to spend I'd suspect.

McLaren is mold breaking but the last thing anyone wants is to buy a car with a good company which ultimately is in need for cash. Niche sports car makers tend to run into problems. Maybe I am being too forward looking. Tks.

At the end of the day, it is summarzied below:


1. 458 - a flamboyant, user-friendly competent sportscar using an established but old proven formula,with a luxurious but fussy interior, with broad appeal to common customers who are mostly sold on the brand name and the commercialness of the network.
2. McLaren - On the other side, a very cool, extremely high tech weapon-like supercar with state-of-the-art engineering, exclusive, less daily friendly, with obvious focus on actual driving and less appeal to the masses, very driver orientated with meticulous details and no unnecessary luxury.

To me, one is evolutionary and the other is revolutionary. One is a follower and other is a leader. I'm sure you know which one is which. I don't know about 2nd hand values in the short term, but I think in the long run the MP4 will be significantly more valuable.

Howver, without any history and with the car in its infancy (first 12 to be delivered in 2011), I would have to say that the 458 is a lot more proven and liquid in second hand market.

I am ready to take the plunge and the wait begins. Now, what colour? White seems good.