The Number game: Ferrari 458 Italia vs. McLaren MP4-12C

The Challenge

Ferrari and McLaren have announced their heavyweights to take on the Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz SLS, Lamborghini Gallardo and others. They are Ferrari 458 and McLaren MP4-12C respectively. Now, here we’ve put both the giants face to face and only you are the judge to decide as to which of the two is wins over the other. If you really are interested, read ahead.

ferrari 458 italia vs mclaren mp4 12c

Ferrari 458 Italia

It is a Pininfarina design with two-seat mid-rear engine layout. The design is very compelling with its sharp edges and curves. Even with these looks the aerodynamics is not compromised. Ferrari 458 is more curvaceous than any other car from Ferrari. The 458 amazes one with its looks. The car front is designed with sharp angular edges which flow in to smooth curves in rear. The curves flow from front to back. At door the crease flows downwards and leads to curved rear fenders. This beauty allows direct airflow to the radiators. The hood design along with new headlights provide an interesting look and the 458 have small air inlets. The 458 is equipped with an exquisite triple exhaust pipe and it is centered in the rear. Air outlets connect to the tail lights similar to the front headlights connect to the air inlets. The 458 interiors resemble an F1 cockpit.

McLaren MP4-12C

It is a complete McLaren product. It has a two-seat and mid-engine layout. MP4-12C has an all new Carbon Monocell, carbon fiber chassis. This not only helps in reducing the weight but also brings in performance gains. MP4 is more compact due to its narrow structure ensuring greater control of the car. This car is more traditional in shape and is similar to any other super car – with every surface line and detail in the vehicle built for only one purpose – performance. In all the design is intended to look timeless over the years. The double gill side air intakes remind one of the Saleen S7. MP4-12C is aggressively designed. The exhaust pipe goes straight through the middle of the rear. This ensures that the weight is reduced as the length is minimized. Radiators are positioned closed to the engine at the rear to reduce weight. MP4-12C is really aesthetic with an extremely clean and minimalist design.

Comparison Attribute: Engine

Ferrari 458 Italia: Ferrari 458 has a 4499 cc V8 engine from Ferrari/Maserati design

McLaren MP4-12C: McLaren MP4-12C is powered by M838T 3800cc 3.8litre twin-turbo V8 engine from McLaren developed in partnership with Ricardo.

Winner: Ferrari wins hands down.

Comparison Attribute: Torque

Ferrari 458 Italia: Ferrari 458 Italia has a torque of 540 Nm @ 6000rpm.

McLaren PP4-12C: McLaren PP4-12C is capable of producing a torque of 360.1Nm @ 8300rpm

Winner: Ferrari wins outright here as well

Comparison Attribute: Power

Ferrari 458 Italia: Ferrari’s V8 engine provides whopping 563hp.

McLaren MP4-12C: McLaren’s 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 engine churns out 600hp.

Winner: McLaren pips Ferrari in case of power.

Comparison Attribute: Performance (0-62mph)

Ferrari 458 Italia: Ferrari 458 Italia accelerates from 0-62mph under 3.4 seconds.

McLaren PP4-12C: McLaren PP4-12C accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds.

Winner: McLaren outperforms Ferrari.

Comparison Attribute: Top Speed

Ferrari 458 Italia: Ferrari 458 Italia has a top speed of 202mph.

McLaren MP4-12C: McLaren MP4-12C can speed up to 200mph.

Winner: Ferrari outpaces McLaren with a little margin.

Comparison Attribute: Fuel Economy

Ferrari 458 Italia: Ferrari 458 Italia consumes 13.3l for 100km.

McLaren MP4-12C: McLaren MP4-12C fuel consumption is not available at this point.

Comparison Attribute: Co2 Emission

Ferrari 458 Italia: Co2 emission for Ferrari 458 Italia is 307g Co2/km.

McLaren MP4-12: Co2 emission for Mclaren MP4-12 is 279g co2/km

Winner: McLaren MP4-12 pollutes the environment less than Ferrari 458.

Comparison Attribute: Price

Ferrari 458 Italia: The cost of Ferrari 458 Italia is $220,000

McLaren MP4-12C: McLaren MP4-12C costs $ 229,000

Winner: Ferrari 458 is less expensive compared to MP4-12C