Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren 570S
Compare the Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren 570S. The McLaren 570S is £96,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 296 GTB is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari 296 GTB is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is priced from £241,000, powered by a 3.0L V6 Hybrid, producing 819 hp, with 740 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 2.9 s, a top speed of 205 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 296 GTB offers a 202-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 35 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 £96,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 296 GTB has 65 L fuel tank · 7.45 kWh declared battery; usable boundary unspecified, the McLaren 570S has 72 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren 570S
The Ferrari 296 GTB redefines mid-engine dynamics by integrating a hybrid system that provides instantaneous torque fill, effectively eliminating turbo lag. The chassis feels remarkably nimble, with the weight added by the battery and electric motor expertly masked by sophisticated suspension tuning. Steering is razor-sharp and communicative, allowing the driver to place the car with immense confidence. While the transition between electric power and the combustion engine is generally seamless, spirited driving reveals a character that demands a precise hand on the throttle to manage the immediate surge of combined hybrid torque.
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 296 GTB — Hybrid torque fill; instantaneous power delivery in all modes; the McLaren 570S — Most accessible McLaren; V8 with 562hp tuned for enjoyment over extremes. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Nimble chassis; hybrid weight addition managed through suspension tuning. 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 296 GTB reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren 570S
The cabin prioritises driver focus through a high-tech, cockpit-style layout. High-quality carbon fibre and premium leather define the interior, creating an environment that feels both sophisticated and purposeful. The reliance on digital controls and haptic surfaces represents a significant departure from traditional analogue switchgear, which, while offering a modern and clean aesthetic, may feel less tactile for enthusiasts accustomed to physical buttons. Visibility is typical of a mid-engine exotic, with the digital instrument cluster providing all necessary telemetry without overwhelming the driver, successfully balancing technological advancement with essential driver-focused ergonomics.
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 296 GTB — Cockpit-style layout with strong driver immersion and digital gauges; the McLaren 570S — Dihedral doors; McLaren cockpit experience at more attainable price. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Finest leather and carbon fibre; seamless integration of technology. For the McLaren 570S: Sports Series interior practical by McLaren standards; reasonable storage.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren 570S
For a mid-engine supercar, the 296 GTB is surprisingly well-adapted to urban living, thanks in large part to its EV-only mode. Being able to creep silently through residential areas provides a level of refinement rarely found in this segment. The compact dimensions make it relatively easy to place on narrower roads, though the car’s very low ground clearance demands constant vigilance against steep driveways and deep kerbs. While rear visibility is admittedly restricted, the car handles the realities of city traffic with far more grace than its V8-powered predecessors.
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 296 GTB — EV-only mode enables quiet, refined urban running up to ~25km; the McLaren 570S — 150L boot and front storage make the 570S usable for solo touring. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: Compact dimensions aid city manoeuvrability relative to mid-engine rivals. For the McLaren 570S: Comfort setting genuinely comfortable on motorway journeys. that means 202 litres of boot space against 150, and everyday running costs that favour the Ferrari 296 GTB at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren 570S
Ferrari’s support network ensures that owning a 296 GTB remains a premium, discreet experience. The 7-year warranty and inclusive service plan are critical components that bolster confidence in a powertrain that incorporates significant hybrid complexity. While long-term durability regarding the electrical system remains less battle-tested than that of traditional internal combustion models, the brand's commitment to the longevity of the platform provides peace of mind. Running costs are competitive for the supercar class, and the high-tech appeal ensures it remains a desirable prospect on the secondary market.
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 296 GTB — Ferrari network delivers premium, discreet ownership experience; the McLaren 570S — Entry point to McLaren ownership; strong performance-per-pound value. Characteristic of the Ferrari 296 GTB: 7-year warranty and service plan enhances long-term confidence. For the McLaren 570S: Wide used market availability; relatively accessible pricing tier. On the wallet the two diverge at £241,000 versus £95,000 — a £146,000 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).