Emira vs McLaren 570S

[K_Squared]

This is slightly off-topic but since much of the comparison between these two cars includes the Emira being underpowered vs. the 570, I feel it's worth mentioning:

If you feel like the Emira is underpowered, at a relatively low cost you can make it significantly more punchy and sound way better than stock with the following:

1. GRP 3rd cat delete - $249
2. Milltek Valve Controller - $396
3. Eventuri Intake - $1,545
4. JB4 (Map2) - $760

All-in you're right at $3,000 USD for parts (from https://www.gregsraceparts.com) which is very low compared to the cost of the car.

I didn't include installation costs but all of these are easy installs. I don't consider myself that much of an automotive DIYer but these were relatively simple and not intimidating to do myself.

Anyways, with that setup the sound/power complaints (I had them myself) are completely gone. The car sounds incredible (compliments galore at every event) and I never feel like I need more power like I did when the car was stock. I know it still isn't as fast as the 570s but it is more than I need on any roads and had plenty for the track as well.

 

[seriously]

No complaints about the sound. It’s fantastic.

 

[freefall_junkie]

Very interesting thread. One thing I don't think has been mentioned is the driving position. The 570 and the Artura have a fantastic, low set driving position. In the Emira I always felt perched up a bit too high, and in nearly 3 years of ownership this is the one thing that persistently bugged me about the car. The seats are easily the Emira's worst feature. Yes, this is fixable with the excellent Tillet seats, but you really shouldn't have to replace the seats on a car that lists at £100k+ .

 

[Frimley111R]

I did look at the 570S (and 540) before buying but, although I am sure the 570 would be fine, the running costs and potential for big bills meant I gave it a miss. The Emira is pricey enough for me but with a new one I have a warranty for 3yrs (although I suppose the McLaren could have one). In the end I man-mathed myself to one I liked which was about £40k more than a new Emira! Lovely car but you have to stop somewhere otherwise there's always something a bit nicer for just a few thousand more...

 

[NicolasB]

Very interesting thread. One thing I don't think has been mentioned is the driving position. The 570 and the Artura have a fantastic, low set driving position. In the Emira I always felt perched up a bit too high, and in nearly 3 years of ownership this is the one thing that persistently bugged me about the car. The seats are easily the Emira's worst feature. Yes, this is fixable with the excellent Tillet seats, but you really shouldn't have to replace the seats on a car that lists at £100k+ .

Buy the seats (or seat) and fall in love with your car all over again. 110% worth it.

 

[Joeyz10]

Hello everyone, I've been away due to some significant life changes and have the itch now that life has settled.

First of all, glad to see new colors in the configurator, I'm kind of digging the green/black pack. I've also read about a darker green being available to dealers and not public. It looks like the new Emira's, configured the way I'd like are around $125k. Are dealers selling at sticker or is that negotiable? Here's a build I like: https://www.lotuscars.com/short/en-US/HBYMN7?shortUrl=true

I've been going back/forth between an Emira and a 2018-2020 McLaren 570S. The McLaren is more money and used. If I get the Emira, I will lightly mod it (intake/exhaust/tune). McLaren will remain in whatever state I get it in, most likely. It doesn't need the power and plenty fast.

First, the numbers, based on Autotrader/CarGurus asking price/BaT:
2024 Emira with low mileage is ~$90k
2026 as Spec'd would be ~$125k
McLaren 570S $140-160k

McLaren Pros:
- More exotic/rare/"sense of occasion"
- Butterfly doors
- Mo powah/faster
- Spider is an option (which would be the one I get)
- Depreciation hit has already happened

McLaren Cons:
- Ab-used (typically multiple owners, who knows how the car was used/abused?)
- Questionable reliability/build quality
- Bespoke/expensive parts, higher running/maintenance costs
- Potential for serious expenses is very high
- Doesn't sound as nice IMO

Emira Pros:
- Looks beautiful!
- Option of V6 manual or AMG DCT (in theory I'm partial to the manual, but driving in traffic and tuning potential of the M139 are hard to ignore)
- Can option however I want if I go new
- V6 sounds amazing with exhaust mods (which I'd opt for)
- Newer, more reliable (and maintenance/parts/aftermarket are a lot more affordable)
- "Old school" recipe in a modern package (thinking about the epitome of car/tuning in the 90's)

Emira Cons:
- Underpowered
- Depreciation if going with new
- No Spider option

I've driven the pre-production Emira V6, since I was one of the original early deposit holders and recall it being pretty fun/nice/comfy, but didn't like certain things like automatic parking brake engagement (minor), power left much to be desired (can be fixed with some mods??), clutch felt muddy (hard to feel engagement compared to my previous manual cars - albeit with aftermarket mods/clutches/etc). This is just going based on memory.

I've never driven a McLaren 570S, however I can see myself being in it with the top down 90% of the time.

I have a daily driver, just looking for a "toy." It won't be raced/see the track, just a piece of art for my garage that I'll enjoy on a regular basis.

Did I miss anything? What are your thoughts? What would YOU go with and why? What's your recommendation for ME?

Thanks all!

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I was on the same boat as you a month ago. I wqs eyeing on another 570S as I sold mine. Then I considered what you are saying and finally went to Emira i4. Lesser headache, with warranty and fast enough!

 

[LotusB]

I was on the same boat as you a month ago. I wqs eyeing on another 570S as I sold mine. Then I considered what you are saying and finally went to Emira i4. Lesser headache, with warranty and fast enough!

Can you offer more info please? Why did you sell yours? What, specifically, did I say that you considered? Have you had any issues with yours in ?? years of ownership? I assume you made the decision before I made my post? Thanks!

 

[chrisday1990]

I think of an FN2 civic when I look at the 570 exhausts, I also don’t think it’s aging well it looks like a toy car, the emira my choice

 

[nickorette]

Sound: Emira
Looks: Tie
Handling: Tie
Steering Feel: Tie

If you want a 6 speed manual and like better sound, get the Evora, if you want a DCT or a Spyder get the McLaren

 

[RPM]

Currently have the Emira and an Elise.

The McLaren is special, but special has a cost; higher insurance, higher maintenance, less reliable, etc. A some point that cost can steal any enjoyment you have from the car. You have to decide how big a repair bill is too much and how often a service visit is too much. If the car is your only hobby, maybe you can tolerate more. If you have a dozen other things to deal with in a week then, maybe you need a car that just runs.

I really like the open top on the McLaren, but that is the only advantage for me. I like the Emira's manual, even though the 1-2 shift is kinda crap. I like the interior, the looks, and the Toyota reliability. If it was a Targa like the Elise it would be perfect.

As for power, 400hp is enough. I can actually rev the engine in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and not go to jail. That 4 second 0-60 is lying to you. The 1-2 shift really slows the car down and with good synchros it is likely doing it in the 3's. In the Throttle House lap times, the Emira was faster than a Cayman GTS and a C8. It is a fast car. No matter what you get some tool in a Telsa can beat you at the stop light, I think the Emira is just fun all the time.

 

[Jarhead_1899]

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses so far!


1. Not sure, at times I do like the engagement, other times I just want to get in and not worry about it
2. Not required, but definitely a nice perk
3. Haven't really thought about this. I just assumed all "modern" cars have good infotainment and all I need is some streaming music (SiriusXM would work) and my phone can serve as navigation in a pinch. Will research, thanks for bringing this up!
4 & 5. I have service centers nearby for every car under the sun. I'm in South Florida. I'm also pretty handy, I've rebuilt engines, designed custom turbo kits, etc. I trust me over a dealer, but having said that, I'm no longer a kid I once was and may prefer to pay someone else to do the work. I don't think the Emira is easier to wrench on than the McLaren (?). Especially for bolt-ons/basics... but maybe I'm wrong? The things that scare me are electrical problems, not as much mechanical.

I guess overall the problem with a decision like this is that I ultimately have no "use/utility" for this car, so there isn't a specific differentiator (e.g. manual/convertible/etc) that tilts the scales. It's just a toy to go to the gym or other local places. There are no "twisties" in SFL, so ultimate handling is moot, although I have a sensitive butt-dyno (used to race) and can feel differences in handling even in day to day driving. Used to drive a 2018 M2 and the steering felt like crap, stock suspension was crap, etc. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio that replaced it felt worlds better in both regards. Speaking of QV, the transmission in that is so nice, I'm worried that the I4 DCT with its delays would be annoying. Hopefully the 2026 car and/or software updates will fix that, otherwise manual V6 Emira may be the only option.

Thanks for the thought provoking response!

Dude, the car has zero utility like you mentioned. However, I own two 2020 Jag F-Type SVRs a roadster and a coupe, they are a blast to drive. They don't have much utility either, other than a golf bag will fit in the boot when I go to the club. The Jags are the big girls, 580 HP, all-wheel drive and can get me into a lot of trouble. I can do 100 mph in a heartbeat and not feel it. But the Lotus, at 400 Hp, she has spunk, incredible sound and a much more physical driving experience. When I am running her at 100 mph I feel it, every bump in the road, manually shifting to pass others between 3/4/5/6 gears. It is amazing. The experience of driving an Emira is one I have never had before, and I truly love it. We don't drive these cars for utility. We drive and own these cars because they are different than all the other sport cars on the road. They twist heads when people see them. In the end it is all about fun. Life is short, enjoy it. Her name is Gemma, she is British.

 

[chirowolf]

When the 12C came out I was in love with the McLaren, but the later generations lost me. Can't argue with the performance, but maintenance and reliability are questionable.
Now a 720S! I could give up a lot for one of those

 

[Rcktmn]

Speaking of the 570s… this might be my favorite spec. The black hides the weird multi-color rear end and side colors

6k-Mile 2018 McLaren 570S Spider Launch Edition

Bid for the chance to own a 6k-Mile 2018 McLaren 570S Spider Launch Edition at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #226,385.

bringatrailer.com

 

[LotusB]

Speaking of the 570s… this might be my favorite spec. The black hides the weird multi-color rear end and side colors

6k-Mile 2018 McLaren 570S Spider Launch Edition

Bid for the chance to own a 6k-Mile 2018 McLaren 570S Spider Launch Edition at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #226,385.

bringatrailer.com

Was watching it, but even at $142k (+ $7.1k buyers fee) it's RNM

 

[LotusB]

It's been a while since my last post. Just wanted to come back here and mention that I did end up getting a McLaren 570S Spider. I paid a pretty penny for a clean CPO car. As many have mentioned, the insurance is actually much higher than anticipated (as is everything to do with this car). However, I love it! Mine has the sports exhaust and sounds amazing... it's friggin' fast too! Fast enough for me, don't need any aftermarket bits.

Love the drama with the doors. I just smile every time I see it in my garage. Very happy with my decision. If anyone is in the same boat, let me know if you have any questions.

 

[VR1]

Congrats! Like the lotus, a tremendous amount of car for the $

 

[R35_J]

I'm fortunate enough to have both (570s is a Spyder). While the Emira chassis is great, the carbon tub is on another level. The 570s somehow feels a lot lighter than the Emira. The seating position is also way better in the 570s even with my Tillett seat in the Emira.

I prefer the heavier steering feel in the Emira and the manual just adds another level of engagement you don't get in the McLaren. They're both incredible cars in their own way.

 

[Emira Fan]

[I'm fortunate enough to have both (570s is a Spyder). ]

How's the reliability been on 570s?

 

[R35_J]

So far so good (knocking on wood). I bought it last summer with 10k miles and it has 18k on it now, zero issues.

 

[LotusB]

I'm fortunate enough to have both (570s is a Spyder). While the Emira chassis is great, the carbon tub is on another level. The 570s somehow feels a lot lighter than the Emira. The seating position is also way better in the 570s even with my Tillett seat in the Emira.

I prefer the heavier steering feel in the Emira and the manual just adds another level of engagement you don't get in the McLaren. They're both incredible cars in their own way.
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Very nice! I've been seeing a few Emiras on the road while driving and although they do look beautiful, lack of interesting engine or something else would bother me.

We do weekend runs with a bunch of Lambo's, Ferrarri's, McLarens and Porsches and my car has no trouble keeping up with (most of) them. Just love driving it, the sound, the high RPM, the DCT, dihedral doors, top down, the vibration of that race engine, etc.

Maybe if I lived somewhere where I can go on solo back-country roads to just "enjoy the drive" the Emira (manual) would be a better choice.
If you had to keep just one of those two, which would you keep and why?