McLaren MP4-12c vs Ferrari 458 Italia - Fifth Gear

In this classic clip, Tiff and Jason test two beauties, the McLaren MP4-12c against the Ferrari 458 Italia.
For more fantastic car reviews, shoot-outs and all your favourite Fifth Gear moments, subscribe to our Official Channel - / fifthgearuk

[@johnmalandrino4843]

That was the most honest opinion on cars I have ever heard. You could see it in their faces.

[@wallstreetfox3]

I just sat in a 458 Italia spyder 4 days ago. The dealer was nice and let me sit in the car. I drove up in a new red convertible Mustang. They took me seriously but that doesn't mean I have 259,000 dollars.

[@nicwood04]

Wow i wish my local ferrari dealer was that nice. Went with my dad to look at a white 458 spider a few years ago and the person at the front desk only looked up from her phone as we were leaving to tell us there was more cars upstairs. We went up stairs and there was around 10 salesmen standing around some Maseratis talking about random crap, didn't even acknowledge us

[@lucianistoc1264]

Could've asked for a test drive

[@mykehyslop198]

A Mustang ! Lol Hope you don't crash driving in a straight line.🤣🤣

[@trevorastley1727]

Best review ever! watched it 11 teen times, I hired one in Italy!. best day of my life. the trip to Modena was a treat also.

[@TheBurtazam]

who noticed the top gears test track ?

[@BilmagasinUng]

+Berhan Çokusuğlu If you remember who designed the track and which car where developed on this track this would make sense. Lotus made Top gears test track and Mclaren developed the MP4 on that very track :)

[@venusreena2532]

Who like Cares?

[@chrismatt9869]

Yep. It also McLaren test track.

[@markfox1545]

@@venusreena2532 - 'who LIKE cares'? Like are you one of like those idiots who like puts the word 'like' in every like sentence? Moron.

[@Mpayne1472]

@@venusreena2532 like ! I like like it

[@english1midlands]

McLaren being the company they are didn't like this at all,they were most pissed.They are perfectionist,they went back and worked their magic and changed the car,its evolved every year.

[@nemsjones9307]

I bet these guys love their job, I know I would.

[@ItzHemp]

Put the 12-C into track mode, and turn off ESC. And turn on manual mode. Then throw it around the track.

[@JETZcorp]

I still think of the "Jenson's bottom" joke all the time.

[@nachiketjoshi6594]

This is the best ad for the 458! I love it

[@ianmalarkey]

I AM 😂😇🥰

[@alf2633]

458 - Sheer driving ecstasy ~ Tiff Needell

[@johnandmorehb3422]

Back in the days car journalism was always real.

[@itstheFRONZ]

I agree with them 100%. As a Ferrari 458 owner myself, it's easily the MOST FUN car I've ever driven. From the first time I ever sat it in, I was instantly engaged. You're actually a part of the car and the feeling is indescribable.

[@youngdrug5927]

Well it got defeated by the AMG GTS on the top gear track ☺

[@rrageneral1499]

Anish Ahuja The 458 is made in 2009 and the GTS in 2014-2015.The Ferrari is RWD and the Mercedes-AMG is AWD.Imagine how much technology has advanced since 2009.

[@youngdrug5927]

Jeremy Clarkson Jennifer. It even defeated the 911 carrera GTS on evo track battles and has clocked the ring in 7.30 without any special rubber compounds or aerodynamic enhancement. Its RWD. And its way cheaper and an achievement in itself for Mercedes AMG.

[@rrageneral1499]

You idiot the Mercedes AMG GTS is AWD.All S model Mercedes cars are AWD.

[@youngdrug5927]

Jeremy Clarkson get lost idiot do some research.

[@paulinthailand]

im a 458 owner, i absolutely love it.

[@ameyakabra449]

@HaB22 lol

[@dylans9764]

Looks like they took the Top Gear test track the other way around. Nice! But isn't Tiff moonlighting as the Stig?

[@rrioracing7783]

i just realised this was filmed on the top gear test track

[@mariostret]

A lot of people talking asking if you notice the top gear test track, without knowing that the top gear test track isnt the only airflield in all great britain used to test cars 😅

[@JoeyRos]

wait! is that the Top Gear test track

[@supremejezza1]

+Joey Ros Yes. Yes it is

[@pedrammaymand3195]

+Joey Ros Damn your're right :O never noticed it !!!

[@maxmusic2198]

I was literally just gonna comment that ! I noticed that straight away!

[@teddyjack3632]

Joey Ros your right I saw that too

[@ack434]

Bet this was taken when they burned the furniture. Just kidding.

[@Gibbo205]

MP4-12C has nothing on a 458, there is a good reason why the 12C is the bargain it is to buy and 458 values are still increasing. Driven both and the 458 is just a properly connected drivers car that is full of theatre and fun.

[@mohammedmazin4675]

MP4-12C’s driving experience is different, it’s very fun to drive, it’s better.

[@mvttx9851]

@@mohammedmazin4675 it certainly isn’t lmao. Even the updated model lacks the tactile feel of a 458 despite having better straight line performance.

[@auroshishswain9000]

@@mvttx9851 just say that you are a biased ferrari fan. If you see the recent mclarens, those are the best drivers car. Mclaren is one of the few brands to still use the hydraulic steering which gives maximum feedback to driver . Most of the other brands like ferrari have switched to power steering.

[@princesssolace4337]

In 2019 the 458 is better in every way even when it is broken, on fire at the side of the road it still looks vogue!😁

[@playgt326]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWqlo2mclKd2jMU

[@playgt326]

Yes, the 458 and 488 and f8 tributo haven't much changes, the changes are only the desing, torque, weight and acceleration, but the interior and max speed in the speedometer is the same, all must get the 360km/h (220 in mph case).

[@playgt326]

Top speed of the 458 is 339km/h of 370km/h range

[@sonnyreddevil69]

Play GT interior in the f8 is completely different

[@mohammedmazin4675]

12C still fantastic car

[@petyrkowalski9887]

I like how Jason says " and I will see how it will set the fastest possible lap time".... I know hes quick...put Lewis Hamilton in there and we will see the fastest possible.

[@andyelliott8027]

I doubt that Lewis could lap a road car any quicker than Jason.

[@OfficialKamz]

fifth gear at top gear test track?

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

The MP4-12C are insanely good values these days, perhaps that explains why a little bit.

[@alvaro1728]

Exactly, that and the shitty reliability that it became infamous for.

[@dustythemexii5278]

its cheaper to buy outright because the fees at the dealership for any work needed on the car overtime are gonna be dumb expensive and finding parts will be a nightmare and $$$$$. its like a f355. looks like a good deal but isnt

[@constantijnxenakis5357]

And imagine the 458 Speciale is even better !

[@buffe-b]

"Flick it! Catch it! Power it! Hold it! SMILE!!!"

[@TheNobleLoyalist]

British supercars rule!! The only MAJOR turnoff for me is the fact that manual transmissions are no longer made on such cars. Its friggen ridiculous!

[@heinedenmark]

The 458 series is mega!

[@marufadnan614]

exactly

[@andyfim]

What a coooool guys!!!! THNAKS!

[@joelklaus902]

This is an OLD review. McLaren has fiddled with the 12c since then and it is a better to drive car these days. That being said, I'm not so sure I could choose it over that Ferrrari.

[@BowenCamrez]

agreed...

[@Obi-WanKannabis]

LOL just in time they've just uploaded a review of the new 12c spyder

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

Joel Klaus it's interesting to watch this knowing what's come out since this was released. It really was ahead of its time, since it came out Ferrari copied the formula with the 488 and Ford with the GT. Low weight mid engine cars with small turbocharged engines. Honestly for what you get the Ford GT makes the 650S and even the 720S and 488 look like downright good values. Who would have ever thought the Ferrari would be considered a great value. I've already seen GT's listed for $700,000 on the secondary market. I think the 05-06 GT was an exceptional value when they could be had for under $200k, but that's just not there anymore

[@wlchan0916]

I think they might have forgotten to turn off TC. Theres a specific way to turn it off on the 12C.

[@armancz]

I fuking want that Italia even more now!

[@welshdragon2008]

no swearing!!!

[@vasantos-re4hb]

In all fairness to McLaren, this was their first attempt at a modern supercar. Ferrari owns this space, and the Italia reflects that.

[@woodystorey]

Just goes to show how much better the engineering is in the Ferrari...

[@spencer19811]

The engineering is far superior in the McLaren, the difference is that the Ferrari is more fun to drive. McLaren listened to feedback from the media, public and customers and the new 650S is sensational.

[@woodystorey]

Paul McGuire What I am saying is that the reason the 458 is more fun is because of the superior engineering, its not easy to build a car that easy to drive for almost anyone straight away. Ferrari has built more race winners building a lineage that is unmatched by any other car maker. Plus the name Ferrari instantly tells you quality, performance and prestige. The mystique of driving a Ferrari is almost everyones dream, I actually did get to drive a Ferrari "California" and a Maserati Quattroporte (I made friends with a salesmen at the Ferrari dealer where I live)...by far the most powerful cars I have ever driven and they were both comfortable and easy to drive as to working the clutches, steering, braking etc etc...now I have never driven a McLaren...I can only go by what I know, the Top Gear hosts and these 5th Gear hosts all back up my opinions...

[@spencer19811]

woodystorey I do agree with you to a certain extent, the 458 is a work of art. But you have to realise the 12C was McLarens first attempt at a road car, and technically it was better than the 458, it had a carbon fibre tub, was lighter, more powerful, had brake steer, and most importantly was faster. But where they fell short was that people said it was a bit boring. Even though it was lightning fast it only did what IT wanted to do. To take on Ferrari at their own game is no enviable task but McLaren have listened to the customers, the media and the public and the new 650S is enough to give Ferrari some sleepless nights! Personally I'd go for a McLaren but I wouldn't criticise anyone who bought a Ferrari!

[@woodystorey]

Paul McGuire ...If I was rich enough to buy either car, it would certainly be the 458...for me a car has to have a lineage, the McLaren doesn't have it yet. The McLaren did in fact win the Blancpain Endurance race at Silverstone today and the closest Ferrari was 7th. Although that is a feeder series for the WEC where the dominant car has been the 458, 3 LeMans wins in the last 4 years, plus 3 WEC drivers titles for Gianamria Bruni, Giancarlo Fisichella and Tomi Vilander, 4 manufacturer titles and team wins...no other car in the 458's class comes close. Next year when the 488 comes out, it will surpass everything the 458 is right now. The racing success is what does it for me, and I am sure I could never get out what the car is really capable of...the 458 is the finest road car there is...and has proven so since 2009...

[@samr1321]

+woodystorey Don't worry about that. Like all the other series, they'll soon change the rules to give a piece of action to Mclaren. It has always been like that. In F1, FIA GT1, rally, wtcc.... basically whenever they cant beat Italian cars, the change the rules, and if they can't beat them by changing the rules, they simply push them out of the competition.

[@CoyoteoverLS]

you do awesome videos about cars

[@BenTLador]

When you realise that they're testing them on the TOP GEAR TEST TRACK!!!!

[@richboy900]

How much would an mp4-12c be these days, gonna guess 90 to 115k

[@austintrajkovski3007]

mclaren made the mp4-12c at the top gear test track that why its so fast around it with the stig not Jason and tiff

[@masonclifton5236]

Is that the TG test track?

[@nimueh4298]

Owners report so many issues with the McLaren it's ridiculous. Beautiful car but too many problems.

[@cyberpun2552]

It’s not a daily car… like have you owned one? How can people complain about “issues” on a super car they drive once a week

[@theblacktrainboy373]

Thats why the 458 italia is my dream and favourite car

[@marufadnan614]

exactly

[@francescop1]

i love these two dudes

[@AnnelKadicc]

FORZA FERRARI🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@anguslovie4662]

is that on the top gear test track because I watch top gear every day an I recognise that track:)

[@thememers_dude]

Tiff is one of the best drivers out there

[@GOLDshred]

Quite would like to see a similar test featuring the 458 Speciale and the 650S!

[@DomDomChekwa]

Is that the top gear test track?

[@georgegomatos6356]

Brand new mp4-12c as loss 40-45 percent of it value you can pick one up 120-130k today but make su7you get a warranty

[@netweed09]

5:20 it's not known as the widowmaker for nothing wow, that was brutal, and that was just grass and turf!!

[@vividthespis]

4:49 "Alot of poo shot out there!!!" -Jezza

[@zhuangke28]

great job, this is top gear's track

[@heinman6250]

Wait a second, that’s the Top Gear test track.

[@greigsanderson]

It's just the fact the 458 is soooo good. When you compare them both together, the mclaren is shit.

[@fhhfgj]

And the McLaren is a mechanical nightmare on top of it. FERRARI FOR THE WIN!

[@playgt326]

Top speed 339km/h (211mph)

[@anurag15271]

458 is Ferrari's best product....same with p1...... laferrari is shit vs P1

[@FrostedSeagull]

@@anurag15271 I'm not sure about that. I've watched a few of these Porsche 918 v P1 McLaren v LaFerrari. The Porsche 918 consistently wins BUT only byhundredths of a second. The P1 . . . a distant and unreliable 3rd. LaFerrari - as the famous David Lee says. The Lafa makes you look omni. It's amazing to drive ! ! ! However, the super advanced drive system does all the driving for you. You back to your Enzo, 458 Speciale and TDF you realize how truly shit you are !

[@ameyakabra449]

The McLaren is not shit. Do not judge this car based on this video. I'd suggest watching motor trend or topgear. They show it as a very potent track car that has flaws in being a driver's car.

[@wd9165]

I think they're on Top Gear's test track. All the background looks exactly the same.

[@CheekyCultured]

It's the Top Gear Test Track !

[@srinitaaigaura]

Mclaren have come a very long way since then, but Ferrari have somehow managed to remove turbo lag from their V8s.

[@enzosperandio9481]

Ferrari doesn’t have a turbo in the 458. It’s not the 488

[@kelseysmith4380]

@@enzosperandio9481 he was talking about the more modern ferrari’s

[@thanosdv4501]

isnt that the top gear track backwards?? ??

[@isabellasjourneyandparents6786]

I can't find the video where u put gasoline on a diesel on a car and diesel on a gasoline car my question it's what happens if u put on both of the jet fuel would something happens

[@MGlMagico]

RIP McLaren with this video.

[@badvideopl]

Chaps... you shot this feature at Dunsfold Park, didn`t you?

[@humbleDon96]

is manuel cars really better to drive than automatic

[@AleCaptain]

love ya guys!

[@PG-20]

Ferrari vs McLaren the greatest F1 rivalry since 1966

[@TheNameIsCasper]

Would still pick the McLaren. The Ferrari is great fun (watching this video) to drive, but the McLaren is made to be the absolute best! I bet McLaren would leave out everything but a steering wheel to make this car better than anything else. And I love that.

[@pedrammaymand3195]

+Casper well, there are people who want their cars to be fast, and people who want to be fun. that is optional.

[@alvaro1728]

No, the McLaren is just designed to be faster than its competitors. That's what they wanted and that's what they've achieved with turbo charging + weight saving. But they're boring cars.

[@jokerml1]

top gear test track?

[@dnltbrca]

wanted to ask the same thing, it looks just like it!

[@jithesh51423]

Yep

[@harisdevedzic3167]

Theb458 is absolutly the most briliant car ever, and ofcourse is better then mp4, it was Mclarens first try, a good one but not good enough

[@omololashuaibu3005]

Who ever tagged it Top gear test track Pls

[@ameyakabra449]

The ferrari only edges out the mclaren in feel. Otherwise the McLaren is better in every way. Too bad feel is the most important part of a sports car. Also. The McLaren handles wayyy better than the 458, though both are good. Just because you had a tough time doesn't mean its worse. Check out motor trend or top gear.

[@srinitaaigaura]

@3:10 What a drift! Why does Mclaren insist on using an open Differential?

[@jihadjoe]

So they can do brake-steer.

[@yiannishayabusaofficial]

I LOVE FERRARI FOR ME IS AMAZING

[@morrisanderson818]

So after all these year's,,which of the two,,has held their value more,,

[@njabulogodfrey2039]

The McLaren needs to tested against the best. FERRARI 458

[@quentinhirschfeld9382]

You know, a lot of people come to ask me "what is so special about ferrari, they are not the fastest or the most efficient" and i always answer them "Never will any car give you that feeling of being one, of being as if you where the car

[@auroshishswain9000]

I didn't understood you but yeah nice lines 🙌. Anyways i love mclaren more than anything.

[@MultiWalrus1]

Just shows how far Mclaren has come with the 720s.

[@matzepizzaheld8541]

Matthew Hynds @ they just have to lines to develop, the McLaren f1 line and the 12c line, while Ferrari has like the enzo line, the 458 line, the f12 line, the California line, the XX line, and now the v8 Hybrid line

[@ybgethooo]

Mclaren is a better design...but in the end the legendary...will always better...

[@ranerish]

My 2 favorite cars

[@mohammedmazin4675]

12C is fantastic and perfect supercar,

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

For extra money you can get the old mclearn badge and Nissan helped developing that engine.

[@nastystew6942]

Any one noticed that their driving the car's on the Top Gear track!

[@denisaurusrex]

got to drive that McLaren a couple of weeks ago, it's a beast !

[@aaronstokes4203]

Why are they at the top gear test track

[@ScottPC]

This is at TopGear test track..

[@mrpositive7084]

First McLaren vs the next step in Ferraris evolution of consistently refined perfection. It takes many iterations to create perfection.

[@Albertoepicness]

well there go my dreams of owning the mclaren mp4 12c- spider

[@JohnStax98]

Anyone here after Drewpeacock got one?

[@jianh1989]

1:58: Serious cars require serious testing 2:03: our test, how much fun you'll get

[@Will-rj8hv]

who won?

[@ezique1]

Fifth gear reviewing a car on their nemesis's test track ? Mind you the 12C was developed on this track hence the reason. The new 650S should run rings around the 458 Speciale. But 458 is more fun they say !

[@TheMazza595]

ezique1 ..... errrr the 458 has no turbos nor any super charging, it is normally aspirated. Yes that’s how good it really is. Well to be exact probably the best road going, mass produced V8 car ever built. It will never be surpassed as from the era of the 588, all manufacturers started to design smaller more efficient engines incorporating turbo’s and such like. Soon all super cars will be hybrids and then all electric. IMO the 458 will become an absolute legend.

[@ParkerBarandon]

They need to do long term tests so they can test reliability

[@skylerssupercarlife348]

Funny to see these 2 fight over a 12C knowing what we know now.

[@jyjulianwong]

When Fifth Gear visit the Top Gear test track...

[@jerobbjardin1910]

the first guy who drove the 458 looks so cocky

[@allanjohnson6073]

Bruno from Dancing With the Stars at 180

[@luciobazzani855]

Yes it is Top Gear track, but on reverse!

[@skyline3071]

russian mi24 hind ??@3:49

[@ftghb]

The mclaren is certainly faster on paper, better stopping distance and more hp. But having driven both, the mclaren just refuses to be driven in any other way other than zero slip angle, grip. Even turning off TC (which is nearly impossible to do) won't correct this. Furthermore, there's a reason why TC has to be engaged almost all the time on the mclaren: it has terrible inherent torque steer. other than the driving experience, the looks are a bit of a downer as well. same guy who designed the look of the ferrari 430, which i was not the biggest fan of.

[@vincentdong9224]

There always has one program call top gear

[@pedrammaymand3195]

although I never liked Fifth gear, but I pretty Liked this part.

[@maxresenius3351]

Why the fuck are they at the top gear track?

[@THEVATICANTS]

Drove both. Forget the specs on paper, the 458 is untouchable. Pick your reason.

[@joshschnieder9671]

The 458 is by far the better car. I love mclarens and the new p1 is awesome but i think the 12c missed the mark.A refined interior is nice but the exterior on the 12c is very low profile for a supercar. Mclaren took notice of this and there p1 is insane on the exterior. I hope mclaren makes another car with the 3 seat driver in the middle set up like the f1 it really made that car stand out of the crowd. And mclaren is british even though the f1 used a bmw v12

[@vividthespis]

It seems The Stig left the track key under mat for this lot.

[@You_Can_Do_If]

Nice people enjoying nice cars