Aston Martin Vantage vs McLaren 720S
Compare the Aston Martin Vantage vs McLaren 720S. The Aston Martin Vantage is £104,100 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 0.7s quicker to 60mph. The Aston Martin Vantage is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Aston Martin Vantage is priced from £120,900, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 503 hp, with 685 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 195 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The McLaren 720S is priced from £125,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 710 hp, with 770 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.8s, a top speed of 212 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Aston Martin Vantage offers a 350-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The McLaren 720S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Aston Martin Vantage is £104,100 cheaper than its rival, the Aston Martin Vantage costs less in annual maintenance (£900 versus £3,000), the Aston Martin Vantage is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £110 for the Aston Martin Vantage and £80 for the McLaren 720S.
Driving Character: Aston Martin Vantage vs McLaren 720S
The Vantage utilizes a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 to deliver a punchy 503 hp that defines its boisterous character. Its short wheelbase and wide track create a nimble, almost twitchy handling profile that demands constant input from the driver. The steering is direct, and the rear-wheel-drive architecture allows for significant adjustability through corners, though the traction control often intervenes aggressively in wet conditions to manage the 685 Nm of torque. It is a sports car that rewards experienced hands, trading absolute refinement for an engaging, visceral experience that feels decidedly more muscular than many of its rivals.
The McLaren 720S remains a benchmark for mid-engined supercar performance, pairing a 710 hp twin-turbo V8 with a sophisticated Proactive Chassis Control system. This allows it to span the gap between a supple grand tourer and a track-slaying weapon with a simple mode adjustment. The carbon fibre monocoque provides a remarkably rigid platform, allowing the suspension to work with precision. While turbo lag is present at low revs, the relentless mid-range surge is intoxicating. Steering remains communicative, though the sheer scale of the performance often outpaces the driver’s ability to fully explore the car's limit on public tarmac.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 84 against 93. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Vantage: Sharp, engaging chassis with a thunderous AMG-sourced V8. For the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. In outright terms it is 503 hp against 710 — a 207 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.7s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin Vantage vs McLaren 720S
The interior is a focused, driver-centric environment, though the reliance on older-generation Mercedes-Benz switchgear is increasingly apparent against modern standards. The cabin is trimmed in high-quality Alcantara and leather, conveying a sense of purpose rather than pure opulence. The rotary infotainment controller is functional but lacks the slickness of current touchscreen interfaces. While the driving position is low and perfectly suited for spirited work, some materials in the lower dashboard areas lack the premium feel one might expect given the brand’s positioning. Practicality is limited, yet the space feels appropriate for a focused sports machine.
The cabin design prioritises visibility and function, featuring a unique folding instrument display that creates a clean, distraction-free environment for circuit work. Carbon fibre and Alcantara are the primary materials, imparting a tech-forward, high-end feel that justifies its market position. The primary weakness lies in the infotainment system, which is notoriously dated and struggles with basic connectivity compared to its rivals. However, the F1-inspired driving position and the sheer amount of glass in the dihedral doors create an airy, commanding environment that makes the 720S feel far more approachable than its rivals from Maranello or Sant'Agata.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Vantage takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 80 against 74. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Vantage: Significantly improved cabin quality and tech over the outgoing car. For the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin Vantage vs McLaren 720S
Daily usability is a mixed bag, with the Vantage excelling on open roads while requiring caution in urban settings. The front trunk provides a modest 325L of storage, which is surprisingly practical for short trips, provided one watches the low front splitter on kerbs and speed bumps. The ride is notably firm, especially in Sport mode, which can be fatiguing over longer distances on poor road surfaces. However, for a high-performance sports car, its compact dimensions make it relatively easy to place in traffic, provided the driver is mindful of the wide bodywork during parking.
For a vehicle capable of 212 mph, the 720S is surprisingly adept at daily errands. The adjustable suspension mode turns the car into a compliant, smooth-riding machine that handles city driving with unexpected composure. The front trunk provides a modest 150-litre space, perfect for an overnight bag, though owners must rely on the front nose lift to negotiate even minor driveways. Ingress is made easier by the dihedral doors, but the wide sills still demand a degree of flexibility. Provided one keeps a close eye on ground clearance, it is perhaps the most versatile supercar of its generation.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Vantage takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 62 against 55. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Vantage: More usable day-to-day than previous Vantage generations. For the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. that means 350 litres of boot space against 150, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 720S, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin Vantage at the pumps.
Ownership: Aston Martin Vantage vs McLaren 720S
The ownership proposition of the Vantage has improved significantly, with an expanding dealer network that makes servicing more accessible than in previous years. Maintenance costs are relatively modest at £900 annually, though turbo-related upkeep can add up as the car ages. The Vantage badge retains considerable brand cachet, which keeps residual values strong in the competitive sports car market. It remains a popular choice for those who want a blend of heritage, performance, and day-to-day usability without the extreme costs associated with the ultra-luxury, low-volume models in the Aston Martin stable.
Maintaining a 720S is a significant commitment, with annual service costs averaging £3,000, though this is a standard entry fee for the tier of performance provided. The McLaren dealer network is well-established, and the 3-year unlimited mileage warranty provides necessary coverage for the complex drivetrain. Used prices have settled into a range that offers significant value for money compared to the original £225,000 sticker price, making it an attractive prospect for performance-focused buyers. While turbo and transmission maintenance costs are non-trivial, the car’s desirability and strong standing in the enthusiast community ensure that it remains a sound long-term investment.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 58 against 70. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Vantage: Entry-level Aston with a strong enthusiast following. For the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. On the wallet the two diverge at £120,900 versus £125,000 — a £4,100 difference, with annual maintenance of £900 against £3,000.