McLaren MP4-12C vs Ferrari 458 | Top Gear 

Whenever I see the Ferrari 458 and Mclaren 12c begin thrown against each other, I kinda see Niki Lauda and James Hunt's rivalry (just saw Rush). Strangely enough, though, Lauda was the calculated one, but he drove for ferrari, which has produced the passionate live for the minute car. And Hunt was the chaotic partyman, and he drove for Mclaren, who have produced the clinical, precise instrument. It feels like the spirits of the two driver got put in the opposite cars.

the MP4 and 458 are the best of their generation in my eyes, right there with the Aventador. They all look so good 10+ years on - they really were the end of an era for supercars.

Ferrari is about passion and flare, McLaren is about skill and performance. Both are specieal

"the flap in the back raises while you brake hard so that you can't see what's hitting you in the back" classic clarkson👌🤣

McLarens are like Porsches: They’re more math and science than passion and enthusiasm, but this by no means says they’re boring.

I think the car looks wonderful, even as a Ferrari fan. The very low, yet smooth and un-aggressive roofline is a true work of art, combine it with the alien-like rounded rear wing, the overall smooth shape of the car, the expressive headlights, the aggressive taillights and those wonderful gills, and you've got a perfect blend of futuristic engineering and modern art. A beautiful car.

You know what else is missing zing? its a show called Top Gear US

30 MPG??? Damn that things better then my "hybrid"

You get more of a jolt if you.. Drove a Rolls Royce over a jaffa cake. The sh*t that guy says lmaooo

So hamilton watch and learn how to pass Massa without crashing. Classic Jeremy.

Anyone else here after a decade? Man I missed out on these but glad to see them now

I still think 12C is the best looking McLaren ever since they restarted making their own cars.

p1 has zing

I think the 12C aged well. Considering you can pick them up for around 80k used now it is a very good entry super car on the used market. I however probably would still go for a first gen R8 V10, that sound is lovely

MP4-12C very well may be ahead of it's time. That might explain why the popular opinion is "It's dull" or "doesn't have 'it' ", because you never truly know "it" when it's staring you in the face initially. Anyway, frankly I really dig it and it's a car that I keep in my mind and coming back to. Its quiet styling and stellar engineering. The color. Just something about it.

God l miss these guys, watching this just reminds me how good TG was with d these three, and just how bad it is now,sad really:-(

''hmmmm fun, i must look that up in a dictionary'' XDD 4:38

0:30 that's such a sweet shot with the Ferrari

6:07 dat girl in the bottom left corner with a shirt saying ''i am the stig'' :D

IMHO, I would imagine that the McLaren engineers intend for the "zing" Clarkson refers to, to be derived from the meticulous and scientific engineering precision used to craft the 12C.

I had the absolute joy of stumbling upon a trailer today that was unloading a 12C from maintenance in Philly. Side note, there was a P1 and a 650S in the trailer going to someone else. Anyways, after about 10 minutes of me fawning over the car the owner invited me to ride shotgun in it, and let me say it was like nothing else. Criticizing a car that fast for being boring is like criticizing Chuck Norris for not being badass enough. It was an absolutely wonderful experience. In my eyes the McLaren is at least the Ferrari's equal

I'm sorry Jeremy, Ferrari have now become a cooperate machine. McLaren now has more zing than Ferrari, more than they ever had.

I love how Top Gear reviews their cars and makes them not seem like just machines, but automobiles that are very much "alive". Covering every aspect of each vehicle and making the specs come alive so to speak. This car is amazingly engineered, put this next to a Bugatti Veyron as far as mathematics and science goes.

anyone remember when Clarkson made fun of this car? "does anyone want a drive around in my MP4--12C"

1:03 anybody else noticed the music from Carbon?

how times have changed. 675lt is more drama and the 488gtb is sensible choice

I personally love the MP-412C, I fell in love with it the second I saw it.

It feels as though half of the people supporting the 458 think ferrari waved it's magic wand and created a masterpiece. The same people think the 12C is a result of perfectionist, OCD engineers. FUN FACT: the ferrari contains just as much technology, they are built in very similar looking factories with people who love cars the same amount. Yes the ferrari sounds better and has lighter steering; but, it is slower in every aspect, is worse in quality and has a harsh ride.

6:12. I hope people saw that and the ones in the wheel chais in front of the guys in the hoodie. I'm not from the UK, but I do say thank you for your service :)

LONDON CALLING !! oh my god i felt so excited when i saw 2:38 and then rudie can't fail appeared on the track player

I remember watching that episode when it came out and I was absolutely amazed at how much faster it was than the 458. Still a great car.

amazing car, my friend works for McLaren and he had one for the weekend (as it was his 30th) i had a 1hr 30 min road trip init, simply amazing. Super car with luxury

The 458 is bang on amazing! Respects for the MP4.

30mpg O.o what?!?!?! Insane...

oh man id wish to have both these cars... just to look at them, to drive them is a different story.

id take the 12c...idk it just looks better ☻

5:43 - james and his favourite place to rant about

thank gosh i saw this car on NFS: Hot Pursuit... this is my favorite car now

@3:45 Any normal guy who is not a millionaire would find joy 🤣

Next episode, please take us to the Ferrari factory, so we can see where all the passion coming from, and how they putting souls into their cars.

both the Ferrari and the McLaren are great, but i think we can all agree that Jeremy Clarkson's narration is truly a work of art.

Does any know what the soundtrack at 1:15 is? The one where he's talking about the rear spoiler and suspension. Please I really need it.

"Millimetrically perfect!" Ha ha. Brilliant Jeremy. Stockings indeed!!

Of all the things I miss about Top Gear. I think I miss the OG magnetic lap board the most

I'd love to have either of them, but the mp4 is just like my dream car it looks nice, sounds nice, and drives nice.

what was that background music at 5:00? like it very much

1:12 you know it's jeremy clarkson who made up this sentence even if it's someone else saying it.

I sat in one of these today at a car show, things are sweet... Although there was also a 458 italia there, the guy wouldn't let me sit in it since he was no wheres to be found, but so the coolest guy for sure had a f430, he didn't only let me sit in it, but also start it and rev it up too

The launch control on this beautiful machine.

That Ferrari 458 is still an all time greatest looking car

Fron Miami USA.... Thanks for the Super Program Dios Les De Mucha Salud. .....Gracias

This is the best review in Top Gear history if we’re talking editing and production

Have you guys noticed the small man on the right with both of his feet missing at 6:00

Clarkson : Lewis Hamilton this is how you pass a Ferrari without crashing into it BRUH XD

The wing mirrors are the coolest design cue!

The coolest thing about the car I think is how you open the door, I saw it at a dealership and the guy (who owned it) showed me around the car, its really comfortable and all.

3:27 Could you imagine putting a whoopee-cushion on Enzo Ferrari's chair? You wouldn't wake up with a horse's head on your pillow... you wouldn't wake up at all!

what I love about McLaren is that they seem to listen to customers and their cars just keep getting better and better

2018 HERE. I MISS JEREMY HAMMOND AND MAY BRING THEN BACK PLEEEEEAAAASSSEEEEE !!!!!!!

I love Top Gear. But Jeremy, Richard and James have always been huge Ferrari fan boys

"When you driving a Lamborghini, it's like operating a horse with a mustard stuck on its bottom "

I agree with Jeremy totally on the 12C. Its scientifically and mathematically better than ferraris but there is something missing that is key in a supercar and that is style and that aggressive sharp, rugged look that you should get such as in a lamborghini.

If you guys are wondering what is that song at 0:57, it's Ekstrak - Limited Slip.

So true what jeremy said about the mcLaren's style

Nissan GTR + Tesla Model S = Mclaren MP4-12C Speed, power, comfort, technologie, rounded curves, big touchscreen interface.

I love the taglines on this show! 4:55 - That, is a pair of stockings. 5:59 - Some say that he refuses to acknowledge the existence of Nottinghamshire. Who comes up with them LOL!

Years later, th 600LT was put up against the 488 Pista, and it reminded me of this video.

Wait wait wait... That thing's faster than the Veyron SS AND Gumpert Apollo on the track!? Okay, now I'm really sold.

during fifth gear it was slower than the ferrari, because the driver was fighting the traction control, and the presenter said that it was programmed to work with mclarens drivers. In this video, the stig and the mclaren are a dream team with staggering results. Also, the mp4-12c was developed at the top gear track. I think the stig is a f1 driver from mclaren.

I'm a bigger fan of the MP4-12C as well. I think it looks beautiful, and I don't think the name is all that bad. I was lucky enough to see one in traffic, and I live in Oklahoma. Miracle.

Can't wait to see the p1

The lap time is fast but Mclaren claimed with a lighter package a time of 1:12.915. I love to see them test the Sprint Gt. It is 5 sec faster then 12c says Mclaren.

This McLaren is one of my favorite overall cars ever

so in other words its too perfect

THE GRIP!! Very rarely can a car go around that track without a tad of oversteer! It look like it was full pelt and didn't worry

This video was made about 8 years ago and those cars still look fresh in 2020

7:10 bet that would have upset the Ferrari.

pick up truck tow and load as heavy as possible, Hybrid car as efficient as they possible, Family car as reliable as they can. So why not a Supercar be as quick as possible instead of as fun as possible?

Really want one now. Looks more timeless than the revised ones

I love the mp4 but you gotta admit that a car developed and tuned at that very track has a crazy advantage for just a stock lap time

1:59 why the blur?

MP4 still the nicest looking mclarren in my opinion

I loved the race at the start

A decadr on and every mid engine car just feels like a derivative of these somehow design wise. What an era

Love the 12C, it's my perfect dream car. Most prefer super cars that perform well, but also put up a fight; that have a sense of risk and thrill to them. I on the other hand, am in no mood for such things; I prefer only the fastest, and smoothest of rides, one that feels like your everyday automatic street car... going at 200 mph. It's effective, simple, and precise. A cold, calculative car that gets the job done without error. As for the look, the front reminds me of my favourite Ferrari, the 430. And the back is easily distinguishable to all other super cars on the market, crept for later McLaren models like the 650S and 675LT. The car isn't all that exotic looking, but isn't bland or boring either, it's a good medium between the two.

Beginning is traction control on versus the Ferrari with it off. Of course it's going to slide.

it's actually possible, it would make each turbo faster, pushing more air into the engine, the only problem is that the exhaust gas has to be able to push both turbines, and it would probably be harder until you reach higher speeds where the turbo really kicks in.

This is one of the most underrated supercars ever tbh

There's no denying that the 458 is a brilliant car, it truly is one of the greats. However, if I had the money for only one of these, it would be the 12C. It's a much better everyday car as well as being a more planted track car with the pedigree of McLaren's F1 history. The dual personality of this car is what makes it great, a calm everyday car that. in the next moment, can take your face off. It is understated perfection that will be very difficult for anyone else to match

All mclarens are amazaballs

I like it when they got the MClaren again and they left a whoopie cushion for Jeremy. 😂🤣

Even today I find it incredible to see the McLaden drive that well, look that good, and sound that terrible. Sounds a lot like the cars in Broderbund's Stunts video game. Good thing they got it right with the recent models.

1:41 Jeremy i got 1 question for you WHAT ARE THOOOOOSE

05:25 Angela Merkel on bottom left :D LMAO

I believe they are still using that chassis, just tweaked and modified obviously. Such a good blend of "super" and "car." Absolutely love it! And the styling isn't in your face like the Ferrari.

the soundtrack from 01:11 to 01:45..... I need it bad... T.T its beautiful

1:25 HOW

Thats why Its really beautiful even without the zing. Ps: I own one and i have never broken down once it also spits fire

" It lets you drive hard, but with out killing your self" lololol

I cannot believe how old this car is I remember this review being on TV