Vs SLS vs F458 vs MP4-12C
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Zafiro
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Now you missunderstood me, maybe I wrote in a strange way but let me explain: SLS is a sportscar but not in the same league as 458/Mclaren.
(Of course Im just guessing since we dont know anything about these three but looking at the specs, 458 and Mclaren is above the SLS and thats why my votes gos to either Ferrari or Mclaren.)
NarutoRamen
Kraftwagen König
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HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
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SLS AMG – Is simply mind blowing beauty and sure to be an MB classic
Ferrari 458 – Irresistible design and has the engineering to back it up
McLaren – Sure it looks fast and has the right “equipment”, but it looks like your average sports car. Nothing about it looks seem special.
It really comes down to the SLS and Ferrari 458. Since both look extraordinary as far as exterior I will have to use interior to decide. In that case….the SLS wins.
Ferrari 458 – Irresistible design and has the engineering to back it up
McLaren – Sure it looks fast and has the right “equipment”, but it looks like your average sports car. Nothing about it looks seem special.
It really comes down to the SLS and Ferrari 458. Since both look extraordinary as far as exterior I will have to use interior to decide. In that case….the SLS wins.
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Classic Battle! Britain vs. Germany vs. Italy
I'm surprised that this discussion hasn't seen more airtime. After all, it's an epic intra-continental stand-off between the world's top 3 supercar-building nations.
It's a very interesting contest with so many outright similarities but also some distinct and defining differences. What's nice to see is that - true to the economic climate - the stand-off doesn't feature pinnacle hypercars with maxed-out engine sizes and power outputs and unimaginable pricetags. There are no twin-turbo V12s or W16s with 800 plus horses; nope, here we see sensible outputs relative to the performance gains from comparatively modest V8s (in the supercar scheme of things).
The Common Ground
Each of these cars brings a V8 coupled to a sophisticated 7 speed dual clutch transmission, in turn, mated to an advanced chassis with cutting edge suspension: all clothed in svelte, sexy bodyshells that are, in their own way, a definitive expression of their respective makers' core DNA. Each comes from a multiple world-championship winning Formula 1 competitor - active participants in today's premier motorsport series. Weight distribution and the mounting of the engine inboard of the two axles is another common trait - they're all technically mid-engined. And, of course, then there are the interiors... the focus is the same - a driver-oriented, strictly two-seater sporty cabin - but the execution is dramatically different.
The Difference is in the Details
Styling: Let's kick off with the obvious - the SLS looks very different to the 458 and MP4-12C. It's a design that not only presents a fresh and beautiful look for a sporting Mercedes Benz but one that also makes lavish use of emotive, retro styling cues that evoke the heritage of this longstanding and proud marque. The SLS is low with a long bonnet and distinctive, pod-like, cab-backward design. With its gullwing doors and rock-solid, foursquare stance, the SLS is a modern day chariot of fire - it's fu cking biblical.
The Ferrari and the McLaren are more like two peas in a pod. Their bodyshells are far more the product of wind tunnel fine-tuning and engine placement than concession to incorporating traditional styling features.
It's the McLaren though, that looks more generic despite some interesting design details. For whatever reason it, stylistically, doesn't distinguish itself from the British-back-shed-brigade a.k.a. Ascari, Farbio and Arash. In my opinion, it lacks the clean, purposeful yet artistically intriguing lines of the F1. I also think that less garish colours than “burnt orange” will improve the overall impression of the car. White ought to look much better.
In contrast, the 458 Italia is the quintessential mid-engined Ferrari, in spite of its fancy aerodynamics and swoopy new curves. It’s concentrated Enzo meets Modena-family – precisely what Ferrari prepared us for with the Mille Chili concept. The parabolic curve with its apex at the front of the door handle is an exquisite styling detail. If you know anything about fighter jets, you’ll know of the concept called area-ruling which was aerodynamically fundamental to fighter jets being able to surpass the sound barrier. Area-ruling involves the concave tapering of fuselage surfaces and the 458 Italia features a similar “tightening of the waist-line”. It endows the car with a taut athleticism not often seen in side-on views of a car. The 458 Italia is thus a stunning 21st century Ferrari, a stark reminder to its competitors that Maranello is still very much at the top of its – or anyone else’s – game.
The Stuff that makes ‘em Go: Three V8s, three different approaches to making very similar power. With 420 kW, 425 kW and 440 kW respectively the SLS, 458 and MP4-12C are all on the socially responsible side of 600 horses – well, in the case of the Macca, just. It’s how they make this power that’s different. In this company, the 7000rpm red-lined SLS is the low revver of this lot! The Merc uses AMG’s tried and tested recipe of unstressed, big capacity engines to push out the requisite rotational force. And what a force it is, for, at 650 Nm from a naturally aspirated engine, the 6.2 litre M159 is the heavy hitter here. It’s where the SLS’ engine is located that truly sets it apart from the other protagonists here. Whereas the McLaren and Ferrari locate mid-mounted engines behind their cabins, the AMG’s is front-mid mounted just ahead of the cabin bulkhead. But this didn’t hinder Merc’s pursuit of superior front-to-rear weight distribution. In an unforeseen masterstroke, Mercedes Benz engineers employed a carbon-fibre propshaft housed in a torque tube that delivers drive to a rear transaxle 7 speed dual clutch gearbox. Very unusual for a Mercedes Benz and mechanically very sexy! Surprisingly, all of this fancy construction still makes for a heavy Mercedes Benz at 1620 kg. So, its power-to-weight ratio of 259 kW/ton is the lowest here with torque-to-weight at 401 Nm/ton.
The Ferrari represents the middle ground here. It’s naturally aspirated 4.5 litre flat-plane crank V8 revs to a dizzying 9000 rpm and, allied to its light weight of 1485 kg, power to weight comes out at 286 kW/ton and 370 Nm/ton (the lowest of this trio). These numbers don’t do justice to Ferrari’s achievement with this engine. Its specific outputs are record-breaking for a production naturally aspirated engine, marking this as another milestone in Ferrari’s illustrious flat-plane crank V8 history. Coupled with the most advanced integration of engine and transmission software management seen in a road car to date, the 458 Italia really does represent a technical tour-de-force. Raw numbers can’t tell the full story and I have a suspicion that this new Ferrari will set new standards for dynamic performance in its class. If only it weren’t for...
The McLaren’s, again, different approach involves the application of turbocharging a small capacity V8 – at just 3.8 litres – to achieve 600 Nm of torque and 440 kW of power. These outputs, coupled to an expectedly low kerb weight circa 1300 kg should ensure that the MP4-12C scoots off the line and into the sunset faster than its two handsomer rivals. Clearly, the Macca will vindicate itself in the performance stakes. Generic looks? By the time you’ve spelt “generic” the MP4-12C will have a sizeable lead with its superior projected ratios of 338 kW per ton and 461 Nm per ton. The McLaren’s V8 revs to an impressive 8500 rpm – surely a landmark for a turbocharged production engine.
Engines aside, the fact that all three cars make use of a 7 speed, dual clutch transmission, is indicative of where the leading edge technology in terms of gearboxes is at.
True to motorsport idealism, all three cars feature independent double wishbone suspension all round, each with very elegant spring and damper configurations. The McLaren is slated to be the most advanced in terms of its damper adjustability and control.
The Driver Interface: Let’s start with the MP4-12C. For all its wrap-around, driver orientation, the driver’s environment in the McLaren is the least inviting, with a very industrial look and feel not unlike that of its F1 forebear. It’s clearly motorsport-derived and very businesslike but lacking in flair in my opinion. Ought to be very successful in complementing the car’s high performance raison d’être though.
The SLS’ interior is firstly, more conventional and secondly, less overtly motorsport orientated. It’s an elegant, classical layout in the truest Germanic idiom. It looks to be built solid like a brick shithouse, a perception conveyed by the squared off instrument panel design.
Saving the best for last, oh, it has to be that fantastic, ground-breaking 458 Italia’s driver interface. No steering mounted stalks, just ergonomic perfection when the brief is geared toward high-speed driving. The futuristic design of the instrument cluster which concentrates all the necessary driver information into one area – Formula 1 style – coupled with the avant-garde styling of the air vents and other dashboard features makes this interior the one I’d most like to experience of the three. The fact that it incorporates all of this innovation into what is still unmistakeably a Ferrari interior makes it all the more of a success.
In any event, the only truly objective opinion is that with these three amazing cars, you’d be dead right regardless of your choice.
I'm surprised that this discussion hasn't seen more airtime. After all, it's an epic intra-continental stand-off between the world's top 3 supercar-building nations.
It's a very interesting contest with so many outright similarities but also some distinct and defining differences. What's nice to see is that - true to the economic climate - the stand-off doesn't feature pinnacle hypercars with maxed-out engine sizes and power outputs and unimaginable pricetags. There are no twin-turbo V12s or W16s with 800 plus horses; nope, here we see sensible outputs relative to the performance gains from comparatively modest V8s (in the supercar scheme of things).
The Common Ground
Each of these cars brings a V8 coupled to a sophisticated 7 speed dual clutch transmission, in turn, mated to an advanced chassis with cutting edge suspension: all clothed in svelte, sexy bodyshells that are, in their own way, a definitive expression of their respective makers' core DNA. Each comes from a multiple world-championship winning Formula 1 competitor - active participants in today's premier motorsport series. Weight distribution and the mounting of the engine inboard of the two axles is another common trait - they're all technically mid-engined. And, of course, then there are the interiors... the focus is the same - a driver-oriented, strictly two-seater sporty cabin - but the execution is dramatically different.
The Difference is in the Details
Styling: Let's kick off with the obvious - the SLS looks very different to the 458 and MP4-12C. It's a design that not only presents a fresh and beautiful look for a sporting Mercedes Benz but one that also makes lavish use of emotive, retro styling cues that evoke the heritage of this longstanding and proud marque. The SLS is low with a long bonnet and distinctive, pod-like, cab-backward design. With its gullwing doors and rock-solid, foursquare stance, the SLS is a modern day chariot of fire - it's fu cking biblical.
The Ferrari and the McLaren are more like two peas in a pod. Their bodyshells are far more the product of wind tunnel fine-tuning and engine placement than concession to incorporating traditional styling features.
It's the McLaren though, that looks more generic despite some interesting design details. For whatever reason it, stylistically, doesn't distinguish itself from the British-back-shed-brigade a.k.a. Ascari, Farbio and Arash. In my opinion, it lacks the clean, purposeful yet artistically intriguing lines of the F1. I also think that less garish colours than “burnt orange” will improve the overall impression of the car. White ought to look much better.
In contrast, the 458 Italia is the quintessential mid-engined Ferrari, in spite of its fancy aerodynamics and swoopy new curves. It’s concentrated Enzo meets Modena-family – precisely what Ferrari prepared us for with the Mille Chili concept. The parabolic curve with its apex at the front of the door handle is an exquisite styling detail. If you know anything about fighter jets, you’ll know of the concept called area-ruling which was aerodynamically fundamental to fighter jets being able to surpass the sound barrier. Area-ruling involves the concave tapering of fuselage surfaces and the 458 Italia features a similar “tightening of the waist-line”. It endows the car with a taut athleticism not often seen in side-on views of a car. The 458 Italia is thus a stunning 21st century Ferrari, a stark reminder to its competitors that Maranello is still very much at the top of its – or anyone else’s – game.
The Stuff that makes ‘em Go: Three V8s, three different approaches to making very similar power. With 420 kW, 425 kW and 440 kW respectively the SLS, 458 and MP4-12C are all on the socially responsible side of 600 horses – well, in the case of the Macca, just. It’s how they make this power that’s different. In this company, the 7000rpm red-lined SLS is the low revver of this lot! The Merc uses AMG’s tried and tested recipe of unstressed, big capacity engines to push out the requisite rotational force. And what a force it is, for, at 650 Nm from a naturally aspirated engine, the 6.2 litre M159 is the heavy hitter here. It’s where the SLS’ engine is located that truly sets it apart from the other protagonists here. Whereas the McLaren and Ferrari locate mid-mounted engines behind their cabins, the AMG’s is front-mid mounted just ahead of the cabin bulkhead. But this didn’t hinder Merc’s pursuit of superior front-to-rear weight distribution. In an unforeseen masterstroke, Mercedes Benz engineers employed a carbon-fibre propshaft housed in a torque tube that delivers drive to a rear transaxle 7 speed dual clutch gearbox. Very unusual for a Mercedes Benz and mechanically very sexy! Surprisingly, all of this fancy construction still makes for a heavy Mercedes Benz at 1620 kg. So, its power-to-weight ratio of 259 kW/ton is the lowest here with torque-to-weight at 401 Nm/ton.
The Ferrari represents the middle ground here. It’s naturally aspirated 4.5 litre flat-plane crank V8 revs to a dizzying 9000 rpm and, allied to its light weight of 1485 kg, power to weight comes out at 286 kW/ton and 370 Nm/ton (the lowest of this trio). These numbers don’t do justice to Ferrari’s achievement with this engine. Its specific outputs are record-breaking for a production naturally aspirated engine, marking this as another milestone in Ferrari’s illustrious flat-plane crank V8 history. Coupled with the most advanced integration of engine and transmission software management seen in a road car to date, the 458 Italia really does represent a technical tour-de-force. Raw numbers can’t tell the full story and I have a suspicion that this new Ferrari will set new standards for dynamic performance in its class. If only it weren’t for...
The McLaren’s, again, different approach involves the application of turbocharging a small capacity V8 – at just 3.8 litres – to achieve 600 Nm of torque and 440 kW of power. These outputs, coupled to an expectedly low kerb weight circa 1300 kg should ensure that the MP4-12C scoots off the line and into the sunset faster than its two handsomer rivals. Clearly, the Macca will vindicate itself in the performance stakes. Generic looks? By the time you’ve spelt “generic” the MP4-12C will have a sizeable lead with its superior projected ratios of 338 kW per ton and 461 Nm per ton. The McLaren’s V8 revs to an impressive 8500 rpm – surely a landmark for a turbocharged production engine.
Engines aside, the fact that all three cars make use of a 7 speed, dual clutch transmission, is indicative of where the leading edge technology in terms of gearboxes is at.
True to motorsport idealism, all three cars feature independent double wishbone suspension all round, each with very elegant spring and damper configurations. The McLaren is slated to be the most advanced in terms of its damper adjustability and control.
The Driver Interface: Let’s start with the MP4-12C. For all its wrap-around, driver orientation, the driver’s environment in the McLaren is the least inviting, with a very industrial look and feel not unlike that of its F1 forebear. It’s clearly motorsport-derived and very businesslike but lacking in flair in my opinion. Ought to be very successful in complementing the car’s high performance raison d’être though.
The SLS’ interior is firstly, more conventional and secondly, less overtly motorsport orientated. It’s an elegant, classical layout in the truest Germanic idiom. It looks to be built solid like a brick shithouse, a perception conveyed by the squared off instrument panel design.
Saving the best for last, oh, it has to be that fantastic, ground-breaking 458 Italia’s driver interface. No steering mounted stalks, just ergonomic perfection when the brief is geared toward high-speed driving. The futuristic design of the instrument cluster which concentrates all the necessary driver information into one area – Formula 1 style – coupled with the avant-garde styling of the air vents and other dashboard features makes this interior the one I’d most like to experience of the three. The fact that it incorporates all of this innovation into what is still unmistakeably a Ferrari interior makes it all the more of a success.
In any event, the only truly objective opinion is that with these three amazing cars, you’d be dead right regardless of your choice.
lambornima
Porsche Perfektionist
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SLS-might be fast, but is not in the league of the other two in my opinion. visually it is disproportional and just doesnt have it next to the others.
F458- going to be a hell of a performer. unfortunately, its rumored to be the same weight, infact slightly heavier than a F430. in a straight line it will likely have trouble outgunning its rival, the LP560 (which we know is far underrated in power to protect LP640 sales). around a track, from what ive read on ferrarichat, its about the same as the Scuderia. its also not the prettiest of cars. the front is a complete mess and in my opinion the Scuderia looks much better from the front. the rear and side are very nice.
MP4-12C- the rear of the car looks fantastic and overall it is far better looking than the F458. unfortuntaly in a world of sharp and dramatic LP560s and F458, it doesnt stand out next to them. ive heard this car is going to weigh 2800ish lbs and have 600 hp. it will be out of the Lp560 and F458's league performance wise (and probably closer to the Zonda F). I have also heard there will be 1000 made per year. overall, I doubt the price tag will also be in the lambo and ferrari league. perhaps more of a competitor to the murcielago's successor, in which case its design will fall short even more (going by the extremeness of the SV and Reventon).
My pick: Not knowing the price and assuming its a competitor for the LP560 and F458, I would take the Mclaren in this trio. But if it turns out the Mclaren in really in Murcielago-599 price range, then I would take the Ferrari. The SLS just doesnt do anything for me. It gets beat by the F458 in terms of looks and performance. I would like to note that I would take the 458 in or dark grey to hide the ugly front lol.
F458- going to be a hell of a performer. unfortunately, its rumored to be the same weight, infact slightly heavier than a F430. in a straight line it will likely have trouble outgunning its rival, the LP560 (which we know is far underrated in power to protect LP640 sales). around a track, from what ive read on ferrarichat, its about the same as the Scuderia. its also not the prettiest of cars. the front is a complete mess and in my opinion the Scuderia looks much better from the front. the rear and side are very nice.
MP4-12C- the rear of the car looks fantastic and overall it is far better looking than the F458. unfortuntaly in a world of sharp and dramatic LP560s and F458, it doesnt stand out next to them. ive heard this car is going to weigh 2800ish lbs and have 600 hp. it will be out of the Lp560 and F458's league performance wise (and probably closer to the Zonda F). I have also heard there will be 1000 made per year. overall, I doubt the price tag will also be in the lambo and ferrari league. perhaps more of a competitor to the murcielago's successor, in which case its design will fall short even more (going by the extremeness of the SV and Reventon).
My pick: Not knowing the price and assuming its a competitor for the LP560 and F458, I would take the Mclaren in this trio. But if it turns out the Mclaren in really in Murcielago-599 price range, then I would take the Ferrari. The SLS just doesnt do anything for me. It gets beat by the F458 in terms of looks and performance. I would like to note that I would take the 458 in or dark grey to hide the ugly front lol.
coolraoul
Torque Titan
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I didn't reply, because of the lack of technical details (weight of the Macca?), and of course the lack of any testdrive. These cars are build to be drive, to make a choice based on looks is only half of the story.
Based on looks, the Macca is the third by far. Generic. The Ferrari is spectacular, a bit too much for my taste (like any Ferrari should be). So the SLS takes the cake for me, easily. A stunning, historic car!
As far as the interior goes, same story. Macca looks average, the ferrari spectacular, the SLS just perfect.
As far as the technics are concerned... Next round!!
Based on looks, the Macca is the third by far. Generic. The Ferrari is spectacular, a bit too much for my taste (like any Ferrari should be). So the SLS takes the cake for me, easily. A stunning, historic car!
As far as the interior goes, same story. Macca looks average, the ferrari spectacular, the SLS just perfect.
As far as the technics are concerned... Next round!!
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HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
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^Lol @ When the doors are opened
Well honestly all three bring something to the table. The Ferrari is simply amazing and the styling is exotic yet sophisticated. The SLS you really have to appreciate the history behind it to fully understand it's looks. I think the car looks absolutely stunning and a Mercedes-Benz Masterpiece.
The McLaren I could care less about.
Well honestly all three bring something to the table. The Ferrari is simply amazing and the styling is exotic yet sophisticated. The SLS you really have to appreciate the history behind it to fully understand it's looks. I think the car looks absolutely stunning and a Mercedes-Benz Masterpiece.
The McLaren I could care less about.
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