Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren 720S
Compare the Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren 720S. The McLaren 720S is £60,000 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 720S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is priced from £275,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 789 hp, with 718 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.9s, a top speed of 211 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 Ferrari 812 Superfast offers a 320-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, 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 McLaren 720S is £60,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 720S costs less in annual maintenance (£3,500 versus £3,000), the McLaren 720S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £100 for the Ferrari 812 Superfast and £80 for the McLaren 720S.
Driving Character: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren 720S
The Ferrari 812 Superfast delivers a visceral, raw experience defined by its 789hp naturally aspirated V12. The steering is exceptionally sharp, requiring precise inputs to manage the power delivery to the rear wheels, aided significantly by the rear-wheel steering system. It excels at high speeds but demands total focus as the limits of adhesion are tested. The chassis balance is classic front-engine GT, though the weight of the drivetrain is always apparent. It is a car that rewards a disciplined driver while punishing complacency, especially on damp British tarmac where the torque can easily overwhelm the traction control.
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, 92 against 93. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Ferocious naturally-aspirated V12 GT with genuine front-engined drama. For the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. In outright terms it is 789 hp against 710 — a 79 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren 720S
Inside the 812 Superfast, the cabin prioritises driver focus while retaining an air of grand touring luxury. The architecture features a sweeping dashboard that wraps around the occupant, with high-quality materials and bespoke trim options defining the space. The optional Daytona-style seats offer excellent lateral support for spirited driving, and the driver-centric interface places all essential controls within immediate reach. However, the sheer length of the bonnet remains a persistent factor when navigating tight spaces, necessitating careful judgement of the front extremities despite the high level of interior finish and overall build quality.
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 Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 80 against 74. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Well-finished, driver-focused cabin. For the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren 720S
For such a potent machine, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is surprisingly civilised as a long-distance companion. The 320-litre boot provides adequate space for luggage, making it the most practical front-engine offering in the modern Ferrari hierarchy. While it is perfectly comfortable over long motorway stints thanks to the compliant suspension settings, its width and length make urban manoeuvrability a chore. It demands constant vigilance in narrow city streets, yet it handles parking ramps and standard errands with enough grace to allow for genuine usability, provided the driver is prepared to manage its substantial dimensions.
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 Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 58 against 55. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Usable GT for longer journeys, if firmly sprung. For the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. that means 320 litres of boot space against 150, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 720S, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren 720S at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren 720S
As one of the final front-engined, naturally aspirated V12 masterpieces, the 812 Superfast enjoys a sterling reputation among collectors. Residual values remain robust, supported by the car's status as a pinnacle of traditional Ferrari engineering. Ownership costs, however, are substantial, with specialist maintenance required to keep the complex V12 running at peak performance. While annual service costs are significant, the peace of mind offered by professional maintenance is essential for preserving the vehicle's long-term value, as enthusiasts continue to favour these unadulterated powerplants over the industry’s shift toward smaller displacement and electrification.
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 Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 72 against 70. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong Ferrari reliability reputation for a modern V12 GT. For the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. On the wallet the two diverge at £275,000 versus £125,000 — a £150,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £3,000.