Ferrari 12Cilindri vs McLaren 570S
Compare the Ferrari 12Cilindri vs McLaren 570S. The McLaren 570S is £250,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 570S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri is priced from £395,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 819 hp (830 PS), with 678 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 2.9 s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The McLaren 570S is priced from £95,000, powered by a 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 562 hp, with 600 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.2 s, a top speed of 204 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) warranty. The McLaren 570S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 570S is £250,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the McLaren 570S is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 12Cilindri has 92 L fuel tank, the McLaren 570S has 72 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs McLaren 570S
The 12Cilindri defines a new peak for front-mounted V12 performance, combining an 830hp naturally aspirated powerplant with a remarkably agile rear-wheel-drive chassis. The four-wheel steering system effectively masks the long wheelbase, granting this grand tourer a nimbleness that defies its size. While the 6.5L engine demands high-rev engagement for maximum effect, the chassis balance remains composed even when pushing near the limits of adhesion. It represents a sophisticated evolution of the 812 lineage, ensuring that the raw, mechanical intensity of the V12 remains the primary focus of the driving experience.
The McLaren 570S stands as the quintessential entry-level supercar, utilising a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque that provides unmatched structural rigidity. Its 3.8L twin-turbo V8 delivers 562 hp, propelling the car to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds. The hydraulic-assisted steering is widely regarded as the benchmark for the segment, offering granular detail that feels missing in its competitors. While the engine displays noticeable turbo lag at lower rpm, the chassis balance is sublime, providing a sense of fluidity and poise that invites the driver to push harder through every apex with complete confidence.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri — 6.5L V12 engine; delivers legendary naturally aspirated power and high-frequency revving capabilities; the McLaren 570S — Most accessible McLaren; V8 with 562hp tuned for enjoyment over extremes. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Rear-wheel drive chassis; refined suspension tuning provides exceptional poise on fast road sections. For the McLaren 570S: Balance and agility of McLaren platform available at a lower price tier. In outright terms it is 819 hp against 562 — a 257 hp gap — and the Ferrari 12Cilindri reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs McLaren 570S
Inside, the dual-cockpit dashboard draws clear inspiration from the 365 GTB/4, blending classic design motifs with a modern digital architecture. The interior feel is focused squarely on driver immersion, with the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system seamlessly integrated into the minimalist aesthetic. Materials are finished to an exceptional standard, reflecting the car's grand touring intent. While the cabin is clearly a masterclass in modern Ferrari ergonomics, the rear seats remain purely vestigial, serving as additional storage rather than a functional space for passengers.
The cabin focuses on a minimalist, driver-centric design that eschews excessive ornamentation in favour of functional elegance. High-grade leather and Alcantara dress the interior, creating a cabin that feels both sophisticated and purposeful. The vertical infotainment screen is undeniably dated compared to modern rivals and can be unresponsive, which remains the system's primary weakness. Visibility is genuinely impressive, thanks to the thin A-pillars and the unique dihedral door design, which not only eases ingress but also makes the car feel like a significant event every time the driver settles into the cockpit.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri — Modernised cockpit layout; integrates digital gauge clusters with classic leather-wrapped luxury surfaces; the McLaren 570S — Dihedral doors; McLaren cockpit experience at more attainable price. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Driver-focused ergonomics; controls are positioned to minimise distraction during rapid driving. For the McLaren 570S: Sports Series interior practical by McLaren standards; reasonable storage.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs McLaren 570S
Despite its performance pedigree, the 12Cilindri offers a practical, if physically imposing, approach to daily grand touring. The 270L boot provides genuine capacity for luggage, making it a viable companion for extended journeys. In urban environments, the four-wheel steering is indispensable, allowing the driver to navigate tight streets with a precision that belies the car's significant length and width. However, the long bonnet and expansive bodywork require a cautious approach in city centres and parking facilities, where the car’s sheer footprint can make tight manoeuvres feel somewhat daunting.
For a mid-engined supercar, the 570S is remarkably accommodating in day-to-day scenarios. The suspension setup is soft enough to handle urban speed bumps and undulating B-roads without breaking the driver’s spine, cementing its status as the most road-biased model in the McLaren stable. With a usable 150-litre rear boot and an additional front storage area, it manages supermarket runs and light luggage far better than its rivals. However, the low ride height makes parking kerbs a genuine hazard, necessitating the optional nose lift system to protect the front splitter from unnecessary and expensive damage.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri — Refined grand touring character; sufficient comfort for extended drives between city centres; the McLaren 570S — 150L boot and front storage make the 570S usable for solo touring. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: 270L boot space; provides practical room for two people on international road trips. For the McLaren 570S: Comfort setting genuinely comfortable on motorway journeys. that means 270 litres of boot space against 150, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 570S, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren 570S at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 12Cilindri vs McLaren 570S
Ownership of the 12Cilindri is defined by its status as a bastion of the naturally aspirated V12 in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape. The standard 7-year warranty and maintenance programme provide a high level of security for what is fundamentally a complex, high-performance machine. While fuel consumption remains notably high and insurance costs will inevitably reflect the vehicle's extreme performance potential and price point, the long-term collector appeal of such a pure-engine model remains incredibly strong, ensuring robust residual values for those who manage the ongoing running costs.
As the gateway to the McLaren family, the 570S represents a balanced proposition for the aspiring supercar owner. Residuals have remained robust across the Sports Series, helped by a reputation for being the most usable model in the range. Maintenance is a significant consideration, with annual servicing costing around £2,800, and owners must be prepared for the specific costs associated with DCT transmission care. The McLaren network is comprehensive and highly professional, ensuring that support is readily available, though the high performance of the twin-turbo V8 means regular, proactive inspection is non-negotiable for long-term health.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri — Prestige brand legacy; Ferrari status ensures sustained long-term desirability and valuation stability; the McLaren 570S — Entry point to McLaren ownership; strong performance-per-pound value. Characteristic of the Ferrari 12Cilindri: High-performance maintenance; routine servicing requires authorised dealer access for complex systems. For the McLaren 570S: Wide used market availability; relatively accessible pricing tier. On the wallet the two diverge at £395,000 versus £95,000 — a £300,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £2,800, and warranty cover of 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) versus 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover).