Butterfly Doors Vs Scissor Doors? Prices, Installation Cost, Best Brands, Pros and Cons

Exotic car door designs have captivated automotive enthusiasts for decades, with butterfly and scissor doors representing two of the most distinctive options available. These specialized door mechanisms offer both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits compared to conventional car doors, though they come with significant price differences and installation considerations. While scissor doors open vertically by rotating at a fixed hinge point, butterfly doors combine vertical and outward movement with hinges positioned on the A-pillar. Understanding the differences between these luxury modifications can help enthusiasts make informed decisions before investing in these high-end automotive features.

Butterfly doors are characterized by their unique opening mechanism that combines vertical and outward movement. Unlike conventional doors, butterfly doors are hinged along the A-pillar of the vehicle, allowing them to swing upward and outward simultaneously, resembling a butterfly’s wings when fully extended. This design creates a striking visual effect while also providing practical benefits in tight parking spaces.

First popularized by the McLaren F1 in the 1990s, butterfly doors have become a signature feature of many exotic supercars. The door’s movement requires both vertical clearance and some horizontal space, though typically less than conventional doors. The mechanism relies on specialized hinges and often hydraulic or pneumatic systems to support the door’s weight and provide smooth operation.

What Are Scissor Doors?

Scissor doors, also known as Lamborghini doors or vertical doors, operate on a completely different principle. These doors rotate vertically around a fixed hinge point at the front of the door, creating a scissor-like cutting motion as they open upward. When fully opened, scissor doors stand nearly vertical alongside the vehicle’s body.

This door style was pioneered by Lamborghini with the Countach in the 1970s and has since become synonymous with the brand. Scissor doors require minimal horizontal clearance, making them practical for tight parking spaces where conventional doors would be difficult to open. The mechanism typically uses gas struts or hydraulic systems to assist with lifting and holding the door in position when opened.

Key Differences Between Butterfly and Scissor Doors

The primary distinction between these door types lies in their opening trajectory and hinge placement. Butterfly doors sweep outward and upward on hinges mounted on the A-pillar, while scissor doors rotate vertically around a fixed point at the front of the door frame. This fundamental difference affects not only their appearance but also their practical applications.

Butterfly doors typically require more clearance space than scissor doors, as they extend outward from the vehicle’s body during operation. Scissor doors, conversely, need more vertical clearance but minimal horizontal space. The engineering complexity also differs, with butterfly mechanisms generally considered more intricate due to their dual-axis movement pattern.

Feature	Butterfly Doors	Scissor Doors
Opening Motion	Outward and upward	Straight upward (vertical)
Hinge Location	A-pillar (roof line)	Front edge of door
Space Required	Moderate vertical and horizontal	High vertical, minimal horizontal
Typical Vehicles	McLaren, Ferrari, some hypercars	Lamborghini, aftermarket mods
Visual Effect	Wing-like appearance	Vertical, knife-like appearance

Price Comparison: Factory Options vs. Aftermarket Kits

When it comes to pricing, both door types represent significant investments, whether factory-installed or aftermarket additions. Factory-installed butterfly or scissor doors are typically only available on luxury and exotic vehicles with price points starting at $200,000 and often exceeding $1 million. These doors come integrated into the vehicle’s design and engineering, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

For those looking to modify existing vehicles, aftermarket kits offer a more accessible option, though still expensive. Quality butterfly door conversion kits generally range from $2,000 to $5,000 per door, not including installation. Scissor door kits are slightly more affordable, typically priced between $1,500 and $3,500 per door before installation costs.

The price variation reflects differences in engineering complexity, with butterfly mechanisms generally requiring more sophisticated components due to their multi-directional movement pattern. Brand reputation and kit quality also significantly influence pricing, with premium manufacturers commanding higher prices for their proven reliability.

Installation Costs and Considerations

Installation represents a substantial additional expense beyond the cost of the door kits themselves. Professional installation of aftermarket door conversions typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the vehicle model and door type. Butterfly doors generally cost more to install due to their greater complexity and the additional structural modifications often required.

The installation process for both door types involves significant modifications to the vehicle’s body and structure. This includes removing the original doors, reinforcing mounting points, installing new hinges and support systems, and potentially modifying the vehicle’s electronic systems. Due to these extensive changes, professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure safety and proper function.

DIY installation is possible for those with advanced automotive skills, but mistakes can compromise vehicle safety and door functionality. The complexity of installation varies by vehicle model, with some requiring more extensive modifications than others to accommodate these specialized door mechanisms.

Installation Time Requirements

Professional installation typically requires 8-16 hours of labor per pair of doors. Butterfly doors generally take longer to install (12-16 hours) compared to scissor doors (8-12 hours) due to their more complex hinge systems and the additional structural reinforcements often required. This time investment translates directly to higher labor costs for butterfly door installations.

Best Brands for Butterfly Doors

Several manufacturers have established reputations for quality butterfly door systems, both as OEM suppliers and aftermarket providers:

• Vertical Doors, Inc. – Known for high-quality conversion kits compatible with numerous vehicle models, offering detailed installation instructions and customer support
• LSD Doors – German-engineered kits recognized for precision and durability, featuring proprietary hinge systems designed to minimize stress on the vehicle structure
• AutoLoc – Offers comprehensive kits with bolt-on designs that require minimal modification to the original vehicle structure
• Lambo Doors – Despite the name, they produce both scissor and butterfly door kits with solid warranties and technical support

For factory-installed butterfly doors, McLaren leads the market with their sophisticated dihedral door systems featured on models like the 720S and Senna. Ferrari has also incorporated butterfly doors in special models like the LaFerrari, while Pagani utilizes them in their exclusive Huayra hypercar.

Best Brands for Scissor Doors

The scissor door market features several established manufacturers:

• Scissor Doors, Inc. – Specializes exclusively in vertical door systems with bolt-on kits designed for specific vehicle applications
• Vertical Doors, Inc. – Also excels in scissor door kits with their patented bolt-on hinge system requiring minimal structural modification
• Siken Performance – Known for affordable yet reliable scissor door conversion kits with good customer support
• KingzAuto – Offers budget-friendly options with decent quality and compatibility across various vehicle models

Lamborghini remains the iconic manufacturer for factory-installed scissor doors, featuring them on models from the classic Countach to modern offerings like the Aventador. Their genuine scissor door mechanisms are widely considered the gold standard for vertical door systems, with unmatched reliability and engineering integration.

Pros and Cons of Butterfly Doors

Advantages

Butterfly doors offer several compelling benefits that explain their popularity in high-end vehicles. Their distinctive appearance creates an immediate visual impact, instantly elevating a vehicle’s perceived value and exclusivity. The outward and upward opening motion also provides practical advantages in tight parking spaces compared to conventional doors that require significant side clearance.

• Enhanced entry and exit access with a wider opening than conventional doors
• Improved visibility during ingress and egress
• Less vertical clearance required than scissor doors
• Unique aesthetic appeal and exotic appearance
• Potentially better structural integration on some vehicle designs

Disadvantages

Despite their benefits, butterfly doors come with significant drawbacks to consider:

• Higher cost for both kits and installation compared to scissor doors
• Greater mechanical complexity leading to potential reliability issues
• More difficult emergency exit in case of vehicle rollover
• Require both vertical and horizontal clearance
• More challenging to weatherproof effectively
• Higher maintenance requirements and potential repair costs

Pros and Cons of Scissor Doors

Advantages

Scissor doors have maintained their popularity for several practical and aesthetic reasons. Their vertical opening mechanism requires minimal horizontal clearance, making them ideal for tight parking situations where conventional doors would be impractical. This space efficiency is particularly valuable in urban environments with limited parking space.

• Requires minimal side clearance when opened
• Generally less expensive than butterfly doors
• Simpler mechanical design with potentially fewer failure points
• Iconic appearance associated with exotic supercars
• Relatively easier installation compared to butterfly mechanisms
• Better protection for door edges in tight spaces

Disadvantages

Scissor doors also present several challenges that potential buyers should consider:

• Requires significant vertical clearance (problematic in low garages)
• Can be difficult to reach and close from a seated position
• Potential safety concerns in rollover accidents
• May compromise structural integrity if improperly installed
• Weather sealing can deteriorate over time
• Limited practicality in heavy rain or snow conditions

Which Door Type Offers Better Value?

When considering overall value, the better option depends largely on individual priorities and circumstances. Scissor doors typically offer better value for those primarily concerned with cost and simpler installation, while butterfly doors may provide superior value for those prioritizing aesthetics and ease of entry/exit.

For vehicles frequently parked in tight spaces with adequate vertical clearance, scissor doors present practical advantages that may justify their cost. Conversely, in situations with limited vertical space but reasonable side clearance, butterfly doors might prove more functional despite their higher price point.

Ultimately, both door types represent luxury modifications that significantly impact a vehicle’s appearance, functionality, and resale value. The “better value” determination should consider not only initial costs but also long-term reliability, maintenance requirements, and alignment with the specific vehicle’s design and the owner’s usage patterns.