If you are looking for a V8 supercar for less than the €250,000 mark you only really have three options; the McLaren 12C, Mercedes SLS AMG and Ferrari 458. The McLaren’s ability to be driven everyday and its Rolls-Royce rivalling ride often means it does not always feel as special or as passionate or the Merc or Ferrari. So here we have the other two options.
The SLS and 458, both so very different but both stunning. At this point you may be wondering where the Lamborghini Aventador is. Well a decently specced Aventador costs slightly more but more importantly it is a huge car that feels much more intimidating, a car that is great on track but a little scary on the streets. It also feels a little cumbersome and awkward at low speeds.
First up the German. The Mercedes SLS AMG is an angry beast that appears and feels more of a muscle car than anything else. Being sat over the rear axle with a seemingly never ending bonnet stretching out in front of you is a surreal feeling but as soon as you stamp on the accelerator pedal this car howls its presence and launches you towards the horizon in a cloud of smoke and noise! It is brutal.
The car is powered by a front mounted 6.2 liter V8 engine with double over head cams, its mated to a 7 speed automatic transmission and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 340 km/h.
Next up is the Ferrari 458. It’s lightweight design and 4.5liter V8 produce 562bhp and an engine tone that will melt your ears and get your heart racing. The 458 will smash past 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds onto a top speed of 325 km/h all whilst producing drama that only a Ferrari can.
The Ferrari is a precision tool built for speed, poise, balance and handling. Its a scalpel that carves and nicks compared to the likes of the Mercedes SLS that is a sledgehammer that batters and bludgeons roads into submission.
It seems that choosing between the two is not an easy task and one that will be decided deepening on which car suits your personality rather than anything else. A choice that will fuel arguments!
These three rouge beauties were photographed by DL Images in Australia.
