Wow, everyone seems to like the 458 better.
I wonder what it is about the engine that they didn't like? The turbos, I imagine. From someone who has never driven either obviously, I imagine the 458's engine is a lot more smooth in its delivery and easier to use, more consistent. Whereas the McLaren, in all its glory, is too fiddly with turbos and whatnot.
But still, that engine is amazing. It weighs 150kg and makes 600 HP. It's the world's most efficient engine, in terms of emissions to power ratio. I love that engine. I'm sad that it isn't as good as it sounds.