This sounds crazy, because there should be no fair comparison. But, in some important areas, the Black Series is better.
1. Engine presence- The BS engine is much more exciting in terms of sound, and low rpm power
2. Around town quickness- The McLaren needs to be kept over 3,000 rpm to really impress. From low to highway speeds, the BS feels quicker
3. Cabin amenities- things like the sound system, phone operation, heating/air, and nav are better in the BS. That's expected as MB has made hundreds of thousands of these units, while McLaren is at a relative beta test stage for some of theirs
4. Utility- having a trunk is clearly under-rated for daily livability. Yes, the McLaren has a small front trunk, but the Benz trunk is much more usable for things like a tennis bag. This is a universal truth for all mid engined cars, except the Boxster.
5. Letting the valet park it- You need 5 minutes to explain how to get in the car, start it, and put it into gear. In the meantime, you see the guy turning on the wipers and washers, trying to find a gear.
The McLaren does have important huge advantages
1. Ride- for a car that handles like this, there is nothing that can approach the ride comfort
2. Steering- The Black Series is nearly unequaled, except by Lotus. The McLaren is better. You need to try it.
3. Handling- still too soon to have track experience (just got our first snow), but the McLaren is faster with no drama. Will update this after tracking-but I don't expect the turn-in oversteer of the BS
4.Maximal quickness- the McLaren is significantly faster, when you are above 5,000 rpm. There is no question about which would turn in faster lap times.
5. Trans- the dual clutch paddle shifter is really great in manual mode
Draw:
Seats- both have great seats.
Gas mileage-surprisingly similar in my first 700 miles
And, if you like street cars that can go straight to the track, you will love both
1. Engine presence- The BS engine is much more exciting in terms of sound, and low rpm power
2. Around town quickness- The McLaren needs to be kept over 3,000 rpm to really impress. From low to highway speeds, the BS feels quicker
3. Cabin amenities- things like the sound system, phone operation, heating/air, and nav are better in the BS. That's expected as MB has made hundreds of thousands of these units, while McLaren is at a relative beta test stage for some of theirs
4. Utility- having a trunk is clearly under-rated for daily livability. Yes, the McLaren has a small front trunk, but the Benz trunk is much more usable for things like a tennis bag. This is a universal truth for all mid engined cars, except the Boxster.
5. Letting the valet park it- You need 5 minutes to explain how to get in the car, start it, and put it into gear. In the meantime, you see the guy turning on the wipers and washers, trying to find a gear.
The McLaren does have important huge advantages
1. Ride- for a car that handles like this, there is nothing that can approach the ride comfort
2. Steering- The Black Series is nearly unequaled, except by Lotus. The McLaren is better. You need to try it.
3. Handling- still too soon to have track experience (just got our first snow), but the McLaren is faster with no drama. Will update this after tracking-but I don't expect the turn-in oversteer of the BS
4.Maximal quickness- the McLaren is significantly faster, when you are above 5,000 rpm. There is no question about which would turn in faster lap times.
5. Trans- the dual clutch paddle shifter is really great in manual mode
Draw:
Seats- both have great seats.
Gas mileage-surprisingly similar in my first 700 miles
And, if you like street cars that can go straight to the track, you will love both
Great quick write up!
I think for the money the BS is a steal right now. You can get a used one anywhere around $69+ while the McLaren is around $250k-$300k.
I think for the money the BS is a steal right now. You can get a used one anywhere around $69+ while the McLaren is around $250k-$300k.
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