In the world of supercars certain models remain perennial favourites and a few special cars stand out from the crowd. By our measure, the question of the moment is this: should we stick with the tried and true McLaren 570S Spider Sports Series we know and love, or will the 2019 Aston Martin DB 11 Volante steal our hearts? Read on to see which of these super sports cars is faster, more comfortable, and the best to impress on the road in 2018.
Fan Favourite: McLaren 570S Spider Sports Series
McLaren’s road cars have all the sheer power of its famed Formula 1 models with all of the comforts of top grade convertibles. And when we say sheer force, this is literal. The car’s twin V8 engines is like nothing you have ever experienced. If you’re not used to acceleration or unusual amounts of g-force, you’ll quite possibly never be the same again. The 570’s numbers give a clear indication of what level it’s operating at: 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-124mph in 9.6, with a top speed (roof up) of 204mph. The Spider is fitted with a two-piece composite hard-top that folds away in under 15 seconds beneath a sculpted rear deck. The engineering team who designed the car managed to fit an entire roof between the engine – which sits in the middle, as in all McLarens – and the passenger compartment. The main core of the car is its MonoCell II carbon fibre tub, which is so strong the Spider has the same rigidity as the Coupe. The Spider is probably the most attractive car that McLaren has ever done. The dihedral doors are a little awkward to lift, and getting in and out takes some practice, but we had no problem becoming accustomed to this. The cabin is relatively simple, but still gives the feeling of driving in a comfortable and sleek fighter jet that makes driving a whole new experience. One of our favourite features of the Spider is that it is easy to position on the road, the driving position is near-perfect, and the 570S it has arguably the best steering of any car currently on sale. It has accuracy and feel in equal amounts.
Aston Martin DB 11 Volante
This new 2019 model has made some improvements on the previous model and as a result the DB 11 is giving the Spider a serious run for its money—and not just in terms of speed. The new model is heavier, but this is a good thing. Combined with stiffer spring and more shocks and paired with Aston Marton’s active damper settings, which vary on-road pliability from sofa-smooth to firm and level, the new Volante has a pleasing a brightness and precision. Although the Volante is very wide on the road, the structure of the car is such that even on winding roads the ride is smooth and flawless. The Volante does zero to 62 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds and the top speed is 187 mph. With the top down, the Volante’s visual proportions are faultless. The roof folds nicely and does not obscure the rear view when the top is down. Aston Martin’s designers have smoothed out every transition between top and body. It has an interior that’s as premium as a private jet, with myriad exotic-wood options for the wide, swooping dashboard and bolstered seats stuffed under thick leather. While the Spider is McLaren’s most gorgeous model to date, the Volante may be the most visually appealing super convertible on the road today, in line with Aston Martin’s reputation for making stunningly beautiful vehicles.
While the Aston Martin DB 11 Volante is giving the McLaren 570S Spider Sports Series a real challenge, we still think the Spider has it. The Volante may be visually stunning above and beyond competitors, but the comfort, speed, and handling of the Spider are unmatched in 2018. As the DB 11 words out some of its new-release issues we expect the challenge to continue, but for the moment we are sticking with the tried and true Spider.
By Kate Dannies
