Ferrari Roma vs McLaren 570S
Compare the Ferrari Roma vs McLaren 570S. The McLaren 570S is £50,000 cheaper. The McLaren 570S is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 570S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari Roma is priced from £195,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 612 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 199 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 0-60 mph in 3.1s, a top speed of 204 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Ferrari Roma offers a 272-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty. The McLaren 570S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 570S is £50,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £0 per year in maintenance, a full tank costs around £85 for the Ferrari Roma and £75 for the McLaren 570S.
Driving Character: Ferrari Roma vs McLaren 570S
The Ferrari Roma is designed for the modern gentleman, offering a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 that favours refined, broad-shouldered power over the erratic spikes of a track weapon. Its chassis is balanced and fluid, encouraging long, spirited drives across country roads rather than focused track sessions. The steering is direct, yet it avoids the twitchiness found in more aggressive models, providing a relaxing pace that feels perfectly weighted. While it can certainly deliver when provoked, the Roma’s true nature is discovered in its ability to maintain high speeds with a sense of poise and composure that is rarely found in grand tourers.
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 McLaren 570S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 78 against 90. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Elegant, GT-focused dynamics rather than outright sports car sharpness. For the McLaren 570S: Sharp, communicative entry-level McLaren with genuine supercar dynamics. In outright terms it is 612 hp against 562 — a 50 hp gap — and the McLaren 570S reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari Roma vs McLaren 570S
The cabin of the Roma is arguably the most elegant interior Ferrari has produced in recent memory. It creates a cocoon-like atmosphere with a 2+ layout that is refined, focusing on high-quality tactile materials rather than just performance metrics. Tech is present, though the infotainment is less cutting-edge than the ultra-modern SF90, which feels appropriate for a car intended for long-distance comfort. The rear seats are suitable for short journeys or extra storage, providing a level of practicality that is often missing from its siblings. It feels like a space designed for the journey, not just for the destination.
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 Roma takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 85 against 70. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Beautifully designed, minimalist 2+2 cabin. For the McLaren 570S: Driver-focused cockpit, decent usability for a McLaren.
Daily Usability: Ferrari Roma vs McLaren 570S
For those seeking an everyday Ferrari, the Roma is the standout choice. The 272-litre boot is impressively sized for a front-engine coupe, easily handling luggage for a weekend away. Its longer wheelbase and softer suspension settings make it remarkably comfortable for long hauls, smoothing out road imperfections that would typically unsettle a mid-engine model. In town, it is manageable, although its width still requires care in tight parking structures. Overall, it succeeds as a practical daily driver, balancing enough performance to thrill with the civility required for everyday chores and commutes, making it the most usable model currently available.
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 Roma takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 75 against 55. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Ferrari's most usable, comfortable everyday GT. For the McLaren 570S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. that means 272 litres of boot space against 150, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 570S.
Ownership: Ferrari Roma vs McLaren 570S
The Roma is well-supported by Ferrari’s seven-year warranty, providing exceptional peace of mind for those looking to use the car frequently. It is positioned to attract a broader demographic of buyers, including those who may not want a dedicated mid-engine sports car. While residual values are slightly softer than the more extreme models in the lineup due to its status as a grand tourer, the lower cost of maintenance makes it an attractive proposition for long-term ownership. It is an honest, well-engineered vehicle that serves as a solid foundation for those looking to enter the Ferrari ownership experience.
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 Roma takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 74 against 68. Characteristic of the Ferrari Roma: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. For the McLaren 570S: Now a discontinued entry point into McLaren ownership. On the wallet the two diverge at £195,000 versus £95,000 — a £100,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £0 against £2,800, and warranty cover of 7yr / unlimited mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.