Did the ultimate no-no yesterday, let someone drive my Viper without me in it

[ViperSmith]

But, I got to chase him in this

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Lord, what a thrilling car. It is just crazy to drive something that accelerates endlessly. The shifting is flawless. The suspension is unreal - but I'd classify it more as driving a LS460 than anything, it was so smooth. I can see why it eats up anything on the drag strip that is RWD.

I'd buy one if money wasn't an issue, in a heartbeat. But, honestly, the Viper is more enjoyable to drive. The McLaren was great, but you just felt a bit disconnected. I liked it better than the 991 I test drove awhile ago. I wanted to love it more than my car, but I love the roar of that V10.

Friend liked the Viper. He remarked how much it has "grown up" in the last 20 years. He was also impressed how long the first year was when getting up and going.

 

[HogWhisperer]

Wow, if you are going to let anyone dive it, I'd say that would be a great reason to do so. Kudos! but more pics! BTW, need one more 1 in the lower right on the tach...

 

[Allan]

That's OK when it happens like that.

When you have a friend that cruises a pinto, that would be a problem.

 

[Policy Limits]

What year was it?

I test drove one last summer and honestly I felt the paddle shifters required too much effort to pull back to change gears. In comparison, the Lamborghini was done with ease/the tap of a finger. I hear lots of F car guys and Lambo guys that McLaren was trying to pull over on their side took notice of this complaint and improved the paddles to shift with more ease but I haven't driven one since so I'm not sure its been addressed.

I'll bet u got a great view of your tail lights since the MP car is 0-60 in 2 seonds and change

I remember when I test drove it last summer that the value was up near 300k and now they are listed for more than 30% less for a good one with low miles in the low 190's...holy depreciation. Definitely better off being the second owner with those.

The insect doors rock and performance is incredible but aesthetically otherwise most would choose the italia for the same dough as it seems to be missing just something.

What were your impressions with the car?

 

[kratedisease]

Interesting comparison...glad your friend gave the new Viper a good review...

 

[ViperSmith]

What year was it?

I test drove one last summer and honestly I felt the paddle shifters required too much effort to pull back to change gears. In comparison, the Lamborghini was done with ease/the tap of a finger. I hear lots of F car guys and Lambo guys that McLaren was trying to pull over on their side took notice of this complaint and improved the paddles to shift with more ease but I haven't driven one since so I'm not sure its been addressed.

I'll bet u got a great view of your tail lights since the MP car is 0-60 in 2 seonds and change

I remember when I test drove it last summer that the value was up near 300k and now they are listed for more than 30% less for a good one with low miles in the low 190's...holy depreciation. Definitely better off being the second owner with those.

The insect doors rock and performance is incredible but aesthetically otherwise most would choose the italia for the same dough as it seems to be missing just something.

What were your impressions with the car?

The car was incredible. I mean, the fit and finish are fantastic. It drives like a dream (Compare it to a LS460), but - is that what you want in a high performance car? Honestly, I think if you wanted a fun around town car, it would be absolutely perfect. He daily drove it for a long time.

It was crazy just being in something where you floor it (I had it in auto mode) and it just keeps accelerating - you don't feel a jolt of a shift at all. I noticed a weird griding noise when making a sharp left turn.

On the other hand, you have the Viper. Where it is terribly powerful and to put it lightly, rough. But, it is, for all intents and purposes, a "race car." So, it is to be expected.

(I think the resale value is a bit of a shell game, as Ferrari controls the resale values very tightly on their cars through the "you must offer it to us to buy first" contractual obligation, I am sure if McLaren was playing the same, prices would be higher).

It will be interesting to see what McLaren does when they roll out their "Baby Mac" in 2015. If it follows the lead of the 12C, it will be a complete killer. For the reported $100-120k starting, it is going to be a steal. But, a slightly used 12C at $190, imho is a great deal. I wish the funds were there.

Which did I have more fun driving? The Viper. It is just more visceral. I think that is the best word to describe the Viper all together.

 

[swexlin]

I live about 5 minutes from the McLaren dealership here in West Chester-Newtown Square. They usually bring a car to our cars and coffee every week. Amazing car. Except I cracked my head getting out of it! I'll still take a 458 first. Of course, that's like saying I'll take Brittany Daniel over Jamie Pressly (for you Joe Dirt fans!)

 

[Policy Limits]

I looked at a yellow Italia yesterday 2011 with about 600 miles. Drove the Viper to the Ferrari stealer ship. Trying to hold out for gallardo successor though.

 

[Newport Viper]

I live about 5 minutes from the McLaren dealership here in West Chester-Newtown Square. They usually bring a car to our cars and coffee every week. Amazing car. Except I cracked my head getting out of it! I'll still take a 458 first. Of course, that's like saying I'll take Brittany Daniel over Jamie Pressly (for you Joe Dirt fans!)

Tough call

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[Jance GTS]

+1 for Brittany Daniel

 

[BigDawg]

Nice! The problem with the McLaren is it's a tiny car. The 458 can fit a 6'8" driver somewhat comfortably. I doubt a 6'3" driver could get into the McLaren. Gallardo not a chance.

 

[plumcrazy]

love the mclaren

 

[ViperSmith]

Nice! The problem with the McLaren is it's a tiny car. The 458 can fit a 6'8" driver somewhat comfortably. I doubt a 6'3" driver could get into the McLaren. Gallardo not a chance.

I am 6'2'' and I didn't feel cramped at all. The owner is the same height too, so I am sure the car is setup correctly.

It was strange going from the Viper with the super long nose to the Mac where it feels liek you are looking at the pavement.

One thing I did not enjoy was the steering wheel. I love the big beefy wheel on the Viper. The McLaren's felt like a pencil.

 

[Policy Limits]

I like the spyder. the drop the top "on the fly" is a cool feature & the double humps in the rear with the top down look cool.

 

[NHL2133]

The only styling cue I don't like on the 12C is the front bumper, but McLaren offers a solution to that. The McLaren Special Operations front bumper...

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[PDCjonny]

Performs great, very high quality fit an finish. Cool doors.
I like everything about them but how it looks. Lotus Elise on steroids.

 

[ViperSmith]

Performs great, very high quality fit an finish. Cool doors.
I like everything about them but how it looks. Lotus Elise on steroids.

Yeah, if cash was there I'd be all over it.

I think it is very much a "function over form" car, it is undeniably fast.

Good time to be a car guy.

 

[vancouver-gts]

Friend has a 2009 Ferrari 599 GTB that I'd take over the Mac car for the reason some commented on space and getting in and out. Only problem I have with these excellent marks for only one reason, no manual gearbox offered!. My friend had a 550 Maranello manual before that I'd prefer with the 599's engine. The interior of the Ferrari 599 is unsurpassed IMHO. Depriciation of these F cars [ he only has 5K miles ] blows though if you check resale values on the net!

 

[PDCjonny]

Friend stopped by to get his McLaren detailed by me. Car is sick as hell.
Really seems well built and has a great sound with the sport exhaust.
Still think overall the SL looks better from a wow standpoint (although you always get points for insect doors... )

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[Pythonpete]

Friend stopped by to get his McLaren detailed by me. Car is sick as hell.
Really seems well built and has a great sound with the sport exhaust.
Still think overall the SL looks better from a wow standpoint (although you always get points for insect doors... )

Hey Jon, I don't see you working there. Define Detailed by me.

 

[PDCjonny]

Hey Jon, I don't see you working there. Define Detailed by me.

Hmm phrased that wrong didn't I.
Friend stopped by ME to get his car detailed by some OTHER guys.
I was in charge of drinking beer.

 

[BigDawg]

I am 6'2'' and I didn't feel cramped at all. The owner is the same height too, so I am sure the car is setup correctly.

It was strange going from the Viper with the super long nose to the Mac where it feels liek you are looking at the pavement.

One thing I did not enjoy was the steering wheel. I love the big beefy wheel on the Viper. The McLaren's felt like a pencil.

Hmm. I took one look in it and decided not to try and sit in it. After my traumatic Gallardo experience (sarcasm) I'm hesitant to squeeze into little cars. It must be deceiving then. Next time I see the guy I'm gonna hop in it.

 

[SlateEd]

Hmm phrased that wrong didn't I.
Friend stopped by ME to get his car detailed by some OTHER guys.
I was in charge of drinking beer.

haha I thought that looked like Nick Nice scene in your garage though Jon!


Does anyone know how the maintenance costs compare on the McLaren vs. the Italian comparables?

 

[Mister Viper]

But, I got to chase him in this

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Lord, what a thrilling car. It is just crazy to drive something that accelerates endlessly. The shifting is flawless. The suspension is unreal - but I'd classify it more as driving a LS460 than anything, it was so smooth. I can see why it eats up anything on the drag strip that is RWD.

I'd buy one if money wasn't an issue, in a heartbeat. But, honestly, the Viper is more enjoyable to drive. The McLaren was great, but you just felt a bit disconnected. I liked it better than the 991 I test drove awhile ago. I wanted to love it more than my car, but I love the roar of that V10.

Friend liked the Viper. He remarked how much it has "grown up" in the last 20 years. He was also impressed how long the first year was when getting up and going.

Thanks for sharing this Harold.

There are a lot of great cars in our era, and we should all be very proud of the great American cars that are among them. I am really glad to hear that you find the Viper more pure than these "highly refined" European cars (including the 991 I remember you dissing us for!...)

Electronic aids are good, but only to a point. Sometimes engineers take them too far, and we've tried to keep the Viper a pure driving experience, unlike many of the electronically castrated Germans and Brits. When a Porsche 911 does not oversteer when you drop the throttle mid-turn, you know they've gone too far... I'm happy to tell you that you can still make your Gen 5 Viper oversteer all day long when you want to!

And SRT Engineering has more dream machines on the way!

Enjoy the drive.

 

[mnc2886]

Thanks for sharing this Harold.

There are a lot of great cars in our era, and we should all be very proud of the great American cars that are among them. I am really glad to hear that you find the Viper more pure than these "highly refined" European cars (including the 991 I remember you dissing us for!...)

Electronic aids are good, but only to a point. Sometimes engineers take them too far, and we've tried to keep the Viper a pure driving experience, unlike many of the electronically castrated Germans and Brits. When a Porsche 911 does not oversteer when you drop the throttle mid-turn, you know they've gone too far... I'm happy to tell you that you can still make your Gen 5 Viper oversteer all day long when you want to!

And SRT Engineering has more dream machines on the way!

Enjoy the drive.

ACR!!!????

 

[PeerBlock]

Electronic aids are good, but only to a point. Sometimes engineers take them too far, and we've tried to keep the Viper a pure driving experience, unlike many of the electronically castrated Germans and Brits. When a Porsche 911 does not oversteer when you drop the throttle mid-turn, you know they've gone too far... I'm happy to tell you that you can still make your Gen 5 Viper oversteer all day long when you want to!

And SRT Engineering has more dream machines on the way!

Enjoy the drive.

I hope you keep the Viper "pure", I prefer it that way and I appreciate that there is still such an option on the market. Bringing back the Stealth?

The only styling cue I don't like on the 12C is the front bumper, but McLaren offers a solution to that. The McLaren Special Operations front bumper...

This is something that I feel ruins a lot of cars - the smiley face front end. It REALLY bugs me because I don't need a "happy face" on my car. Car designers need to get off this whole smiley face obsession that so many cars have. If you want aggressive looks, which is what performance cars should have, then you need to stick to straight lines, rectangular shapes and avoid "stretching" the front end over into the sides. On that same note, don't do the opposite either and make "angry face" cars like the current Lexus models and a lot of Audis.

Yeah, if cash was there I'd be all over it.

I think it is very much a "function over form" car, it is undeniably fast.

Good time to be a car guy.

Good time to be a car guy if you're raking in the big bucks. Seems like the sub $100K and sub $50K markets could use some love. Nothing I'd consider really exciting in those price ranges.

 

[VENOM V]

Lord, what a thrilling car. It is just crazy to drive something that accelerates endlessly. The shifting is flawless. The suspension is unreal - but I'd classify it more as driving a LS460 than anything, it was so smooth. I can see why it eats up anything on the drag strip that is RWD.

I'd buy one if money wasn't an issue, in a heartbeat. But, honestly, the Viper is more enjoyable to drive. The McLaren was great, but you just felt a bit disconnected. I liked it better than the 991 I test drove awhile ago. I wanted to love it more than my car, but I love the roar of that V10.

Friend liked the Viper. He remarked how much it has "grown up" in the last 20 years. He was also impressed how long the first year was when getting up and going.

Harold, you should take your friend for a hot lap in the Viper on a road course, then ride with him in his McClaren. I think you'll feel even stronger that the Viper is more enjoyable to drive. Straight line acceleration is fun, but nothing beats a road course as the true test for a supercar

 

[VENOM V]

Friend stopped by to get his McLaren detailed by me. Car is sick as hell.
Really seems well built and has a great sound with the sport exhaust.
Still think overall the SL looks better from a wow standpoint (although you always get points for insect doors... )

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Damn that's a sweet shot! Between the two, I'd take the Lambo in a heartbeat.