Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren Artura
Compare the Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren Artura. The McLaren Artura is £90,000 cheaper. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren Artura 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 0-62 mph in 2.9 s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The McLaren Artura is priced from £195,000, powered by a 3.0L V6 Hybrid, producing 671 hp (680 PS system), with 720 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3 s, a top speed of 205 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 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) warranty. The McLaren Artura offers a 160-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 42 mpg, is covered by a 5 years / 45,000 miles (original launch UK cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren Artura is £90,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren Artura costs less in annual maintenance (£3,500 versus £2,800), the McLaren Artura is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Ferrari 812 Superfast has 92 L fuel tank, the McLaren Artura has 66 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren Artura
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 Artura marks a pivotal shift toward electrification without sacrificing the brand's legendary dynamic purity. Built upon the bespoke carbon fibre monocoque, it exhibits a level of chassis rigidity that translates into exceptionally sharp turn-in and predictable mid-corner balance. The V6 hybrid powertrain provides immediate, torque-rich acceleration, effectively eliminating the turbo-lag issues associated with older designs. While the transition between electric and internal combustion modes is generally seamless, the sheer complexity of the drivetrain can occasionally make the power delivery feel less telepathic than the pure mechanical V8s of the past, though it remains a formidable track weapon.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Naturally aspirated 6.5L V12; 789hp of pure, unfiltered theatricality; the McLaren Artura — New V6 hybrid architecture; more modern, efficient and immediate than V8 series. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: RWD at this power level demands skill; rear-wheel steering aids stability. For the McLaren Artura: Carbon fibre MonoCell III-T chassis; exceptional structural rigidity and low weight. In outright terms it is 789 hp against 671 — a 118 hp gap — and the Ferrari 812 Superfast reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren Artura
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.
Inside, the Artura discards the cluttered ergonomics of previous models in favour of a cleaner, more focused cockpit environment. The interior design successfully integrates modern technology, featuring a crisp digital instrument cluster and a responsive infotainment system that finally feels contemporary. Build quality is improved, with tactile materials and a refined aesthetic that suits its high-tech brief. However, the cabin remains undeniably snug; taller drivers may find head and shoulder room restricted, and the relative lack of integrated storage space serves as a blunt reminder that this remains a performance-first machine rather than a grand tourer.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Sweeping GT cabin; more space and luxury than mid-engine stablemates; the McLaren Artura — All-new interior design; cleaner, more contemporary than 720S generation. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Optional Daytona-spec seats for serious driver engagement. For the McLaren Artura: Vertical touchscreen with improved ergonomics; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren Artura
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 mid-engined supercar, the Artura manages urban environments with surprising grace, largely thanks to its EV-only mode, which allows for silent, emissions-free operation in city centres. Standard nose lift functionality further enhances its daily utility, enabling the car to negotiate speed bumps and steep inclines without anxiety. While the ride quality is undeniably firm in Sport settings, it remains compliant enough for moderate journeys. The primary trade-off for this hybrid functionality is the space sacrificed to house the battery pack, which reduces luggage capacity and necessitates careful packing for any extended weekend getaway.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — 320L boot capacity; most practical front-engine Ferrari; the McLaren Artura — EV-only range for urban running; best everyday McLaren before GT range. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Dual-zone climate and Grand Tourer spec suits long-distance journeys. For the McLaren Artura: 205L boot capacity for a McLaren is competitive within the supercar class. that means 320 litres of boot space against 160, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren Artura, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren Artura at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari 812 Superfast vs McLaren Artura
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.
Ownership of the Artura places the driver at the forefront of McLaren's electrification strategy, supported by a comprehensive warranty that covers the hybrid components—a vital safeguard for a new platform. Initial demand remains high, reinforcing its status as a significant milestone in the manufacturer's history. While annual maintenance costs are reflective of its hyper-performance engineering, the dealer network remains well-versed in the requirements of the new hybrid systems. Long-term durability is the only real question mark for prospective buyers, given the inherent complexity of the hybrid setup compared to the brand's historically mechanical V8 engines.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Last naturally aspirated V12 front-engine Ferrari drives collector sentiment; the McLaren Artura — Latest McLaren architecture; technology support cycle longer than older models. Characteristic of the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong residuals; 812 variants hold value due to N/A purist appeal. For the McLaren Artura: McLaren proactively resolved early Artura issues with updates. On the wallet the two diverge at £275,000 versus £195,000 — a £80,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £2,800, and warranty cover of 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate) versus 5 years / 45,000 miles (original launch UK cover).