Lamborghini Aventador vs McLaren 720S
Compare the Lamborghini Aventador vs McLaren 720S. The McLaren 720S is £140,000 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 0.0s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 720S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Lamborghini Aventador is priced from £185,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 759 hp, with 720 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.8s, a top speed of 217 mph, sent to the road via all-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 Lamborghini Aventador offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 14 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 £140,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 720S costs less in annual maintenance (£4,000 versus £3,000), the McLaren 720S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £95 for the Lamborghini Aventador and £80 for the McLaren 720S.
Driving Character: Lamborghini Aventador vs McLaren 720S
The Lamborghini Aventador preserves the dwindling art of the naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, an engine that sings with an intoxicating 8,500rpm crescendo. Its all-wheel-drive system, coupled with active rear-wheel steering, provides a surprising degree of traction even in challenging road conditions. However, the ISR single-clutch gearbox remains its most divisive feature, exhibiting a jerky, rhythmic pause during gear changes that feels distinctly old-school compared to modern dual-clutch transmissions. It is a car that demands a forceful hand, rewarding the driver with a mechanical engagement that feels increasingly rare in the era of digitised, turbocharged performance.
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, 90 against 93. Characteristic of the Lamborghini Aventador: Dramatic, screaming naturally-aspirated V12 with real AWD security. For the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. In outright terms it is 759 hp against 710 — a 49 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Lamborghini Aventador vs McLaren 720S
The cabin is a striking realisation of a fighter-jet aesthetic, defined by sharp angles and an unapologetic, aggressive material palette. Visibility is notoriously poor, particularly toward the rear, forcing a heavy reliance on cameras and sensors during low-speed manoeuvres. Lamborghini provides extensive Ad Personam options, allowing for a degree of personalisation that transforms the cockpit into a unique statement of the owner’s preference. While the ergonomics are geared toward the driver, the narrow, low-slung nature of the interior reinforces the feeling of being strapped into a flight deck rather than a traditional luxury grand tourer.
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 McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 68 against 74. Characteristic of the Lamborghini Aventador: Dramatic, fighter-jet-inspired cabin styling. For the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar.
Daily Usability: Lamborghini Aventador vs McLaren 720S
For all its intimidating presence, the Aventador attempts to address daily limitations through a dedicated urban mode that softens throttle response and raises the nose of the car via a hydraulic lift system. This mechanism is mandatory for navigating driveways and speed bumps, given the restrictive 90mm ground clearance. While the scissor doors deliver unparalleled theatre upon arrival, they prove cumbersome in tight car parks where vertical clearance is limited. Storage is largely symbolic, split between a shallow front trunk and a compact secondary space, making the car a challenging companion for anything beyond short-range outings.
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 McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 40 against 55. Characteristic of the Lamborghini Aventador: Usable only in short bursts - extreme dimensions and low ride height. For the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar.
Ownership: Lamborghini Aventador vs McLaren 720S
As production ceases, the Aventador has transitioned into a highly sought-after collector's asset, with values steadily climbing as enthusiasts secure the last of the naturally aspirated V12 lineage. Ownership requires a committed financial reserve; the engine's mechanical complexity and the requirement for major servicing mean that annual maintenance costs are significant. The dealer network remains the primary conduit for parts and expertise, though a small pool of independent specialists has emerged. Prospective owners must conduct rigorous pre-purchase inspections, as the longevity of the drivetrain depends entirely on the provenance of the service history provided.
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 McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 65 against 70. Characteristic of the Lamborghini Aventador: Now a discontinued modern classic with strong appreciation. For the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. On the wallet the two diverge at £185,000 versus £125,000 — a £60,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £4,000 against £3,000.