Skip advert
Advertisement

Ferrari 458 beats McLaren MP4-12C

The Ferrari 458 Italia wins supercar clash of 2011, beating the new McLaren MP4-12C

In the biggest clash of 2011, Ferrari 458 Italia beats McLaren MP4-12C. The 202mph, 562bhp 458 is resoundingly more emotive than the 205mph, 592bhp McLaren.  Contrary to predictions, the Ferrari lapped Bedford over a second faster than Woking’s baby with our own Roger Green at the wheel. With the hype surrounding the McLaren’s outright speed and efficiency we thought it would trump the Ferrari not only on pace, but also detailing and user-friendliness. At eight-tenths on the road, the Mac does not feel as thoroughly resolved as we expected it to be.  The MP4-12C is quicker in a straight line, rides better, is more economical and more stable. However, the brakes’ initial bite is hard to modulate, the gearbox’s paddle action is not to our taste and overall, the McLaren MP4-12C lacks the emotional pull of the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Uprated, faster versions of both cars will come along in due course and the balance may change. Huge picture galleries: Ferrari 458 and McLaren MP4-12C Video reviews: Ferrari 458 Italia and McLaren MP4-12C Track test video: Ferrari v McLaren v Porsche v Noble Buy evo’s McLaren v Ferrari issue in paper, iPad or Zinio form

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
Ferrari F80 2025 review – near-1200bhp tech tour de force tested on road and track
Ferrari F80 review
Reviews

Ferrari F80 2025 review – near-1200bhp tech tour de force tested on road and track

Maranello’s latest hybrid hypercar and successor to the LaFerrari blends mind-bending capabilities with deeply intuitive character
10 Jul 2025
New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo
Festival of Speed 2025
News

New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo

The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway. Here’s what’s in store from the biggest British motoring event of the year
11 Jul 2025