McLaren 12C Spider Facts

The McLaren 12C Spider is forcing me to break a lifelong rule. Never, ever, compare siblings' strengths and weaknesses. Saying to a teenager, for example, that your sister has ten G.C.S.E. qualifications and you only have three causes family friction. However, there is no choice on this occasion. We must compare the new McLaren 12C Spider with the more established McLaren MP4-12C. But first things first... what is this newcomer? It is, in fact, the convertible version of the MP4-12C - one of the most entertaining, hard- core, and enticing machines ever to sit its G.C.S.E. exams. As such, the 12C Spider is based on its brother's carbon fibre MonoCell chassis but it has a retractable hard-top roof.

The McLaren 12C Spider – like its sibling – also has a 3.8-litre 625PS V8 engine. This propels both family members to 62mph in 3.1 seconds. However, this consistency cannot last. The tin top charges from 0 to 100mph in 6.0 seconds but the Spider requires 6.1 seconds. The latter is also slower from 0 to 124mph and over the quarter mile. It has a slower top speed too 204mph rather than 207mph. Big brother clearly knows a thing or two, as I have frequently explained to my younger siblings. And guess what? The slower McLaren 12C Spider costs a bank-busting £195,500 whereas the MP4-12C is only £176,000. Oh oh, this sibling rivalry could become nasty. Best let Mum and Dad sort it out.