Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs McLaren P1
Compare the Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs McLaren P1. The McLaren P1 is £984,000 cheaper. The McLaren P1 is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren P1 is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is priced from £6,000,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 829 hp, with 697 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.85s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The McLaren P1 is priced from £1,300,000, powered by a 3.8L V8 Hybrid, producing 903 hp, with 900 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.7s, a top speed of 217 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 offers a 80-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 16 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The McLaren P1 offers a 120-litre boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 28 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren P1 is £984,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, the McLaren P1 is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £100 for the Ferrari Daytona SP3 and £80 for the McLaren P1.
Driving Character: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs McLaren P1
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a masterclass in naturally aspirated engineering, deriving its 829hp from a V12 that screams to 9,250rpm. Built upon a rigid carbon fibre monocoque, the chassis offers exceptional stiffness, providing a direct, communicative connection between the road and the driver. Despite its extreme performance potential, the SP3 maintains a GT-inspired character, focusing on the quality of the driving experience rather than pure track-lap obsession. It is a machine that feels inherently special, with a weight distribution and balance that reflect its mid-engine layout, yet it remains refined enough for spirited B-road driving.
The McLaren P1 remains a landmark in automotive engineering, blending a 903hp hybrid V8 with chassis technology directly descended from Formula 1. Its driving character is defined by the seamless integration of electric torque fill and forced induction, providing relentless acceleration. The active aerodynamics and hydraulic suspension are central to its capabilities, allowing it to toggle between a road-friendly cruiser and a circuit-devouring apex hunter. While the weight of the hybrid system is evident at the limits of adhesion, the P1’s ability to manipulate airflow and grip remains peerless, offering a level of capability that few modern hypercars can truly replicate.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren P1 takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 94 against 96. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Naturally-aspirated V12 theatre in a barchetta-style, track-honed hypercar. For the McLaren P1: F1-derived hybrid hypercar with astonishing, track-honed handling. In outright terms it is 829 hp against 903 — a 74 hp gap — and the McLaren P1 reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs McLaren P1
The cabin of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a stylistic triumph, heavily influenced by the 1960s prototypes that bear the same name. Alcantara and carbon fibre dominate the cockpit, creating an environment that feels both retro and avant-garde. The seating position is low, and the lack of traditional infotainment screens keeps the driver focused on the mechanical interface. The removable targa roof provides an immersive sensory experience, though this focus on design does necessitate a severe compromise in interior storage. It is arguably the most dramatic interior Ferrari has produced, prioritising theatre over practical storage solutions.
Inside, the P1 is an exercise in brutalist minimalism. The interior is a landscape of exposed carbon fibre and high-grade Alcantara, with no superfluous luxury features to dilute the driving experience. The fixed-back racing seats are moulded precisely to the owner's specifications, underscoring the bespoke nature of the car's construction. Digital instrumentation is sparse, focusing solely on critical telemetry to prevent driver distraction. However, the lack of storage space is absolute; the interior is strictly a vessel for two people and their driving gear, reflecting the car's identity as a track-focused machine that has been rendered street-legal by necessity.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren P1 takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 55 against 60. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Minimalist, motorsport-inspired cockpit true to its Icona-series heritage. For the McLaren P1: Motorsport-focused cockpit with genuine road-legal detailing.
Daily Usability: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs McLaren P1
Daily utility is clearly not the primary goal of the Ferrari Daytona SP3, yet it manages the realities of modern driving with surprising composure. The inclusion of a nose lift system is vital, allowing this low-slung, wide-bodied machine to traverse driveways and speed bumps that would otherwise be impassable. Luggage capacity is minimal at just 80 litres, meaning it is ill-suited for more than light touring. In city traffic, its extreme width commands attention, turning simple errands into an exercise in precision driving, yet for the few who own one, this lack of practicality is considered an essential part of the charm.
Despite its terrifying performance figures, the P1 is surprisingly manageable in urban settings, provided the driver respects its physical footprint. An EV-only mode allows for silent movement through quiet neighbourhoods, and the standard-fit nose lift system is a mandatory feature for clearing the speed bumps and driveway lips that would otherwise destroy the complex carbon underside. Nevertheless, the P1 is not a car for errands. Its significant width makes parking in standard bays a genuine challenge, and the extremely low ride height means that every journey requires careful route planning to avoid obstacles that might compromise the vehicle's integrity.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren P1 takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 25 against 30. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: A pure collector's piece not intended for daily use. For the McLaren P1: Usable on the road but built primarily for the circuit. that means 80 litres of boot space against 120, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren P1 at the pumps.
Ownership: Ferrari Daytona SP3 vs McLaren P1
With only 599 units ever produced, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 occupies an elite tier of the collector market. The Icona badge serves as a guarantee of long-term appreciation, placing it among the most sought-after cars in existence. While the initial purchase price is eye-watering, the specialised support from the Ferrari Special Products team ensures that ownership is as frictionless as possible. Maintenance remains a specialist affair, and while the limited production run makes parts and service access exclusive, the SP3 stands as an investment-grade vehicle that transcends traditional automotive cost-benefit analysis.
Owning a P1 is less about transport and more about managing an elite, appreciating asset. Values have surged since production ceased, cementing its status as a prime investment-grade hypercar. McLaren Special Operations provides a bespoke, high-touch ownership experience, though the reliance on specialist support is non-negotiable. Maintenance is an expensive, intensive affair, with battery degradation becoming a significant long-term consideration for any prospective collector. The P1 is the defining halo car for the modern hybrid era, and despite the high running costs, the community support and the prestige of the brand ensure its place in automotive history remains unchallenged.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Daytona SP3 takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 85 against 85. Characteristic of the Ferrari Daytona SP3: Instant blue-chip collector status as a limited Icona-series Ferrari. For the McLaren P1: One of the most coveted hybrid hypercars of its era. On the wallet the two diverge at £6,000,000 versus £1,300,000 — a £4,700,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £5,000.