Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 vs McLaren 720S

Compare the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 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 LP700-4 is priced from £185,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 690 hp, with 690 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 2.9 s, 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 0-62 mph in 2.9 s, a top speed of 212 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.

The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 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 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) 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, the McLaren 720S has 72 L fuel tank.

Driving Character: Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 vs McLaren 720S

The original Aventador LP700-4 uses a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 rated at 515 kW at 8250 rpm and 690 Nm at 5500 rpm. Permanent all-wheel drive, pushrod suspension and the seven-speed single-clutch ISR transmission define its mechanical package. Rear-wheel steering belongs to later Aventador developments and is not part of this LP700-4 specification.

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 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 — The original LP700-4 uses a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 rated at 700 PS at 8250 rpm.; the McLaren 720S — Proactive Chassis Control II; handling balance and body control exceptional. Characteristic of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4: Permanent all-wheel drive and pushrod suspension define the original LP700-4 chassis. For the McLaren 720S: Variable drift control system; throttle-adjustable handling for experienced drivers. In outright terms it is 690 hp against 710 — a 20 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.0s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 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 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 — Fighter-jet cockpit ambience; aggressive, unapologetic design; the McLaren 720S — Folding dihedral doors provide an event of entry unique in class. Characteristic of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4: Bespoke Lamborghini Ad Personam options for total personalisation. For the McLaren 720S: Relatively practical interior for a supercar; usable storage and visibility.

Daily Usability: Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 vs McLaren 720S

The LP700-4 provides Strada, Sport and Corsa driving modes. Its low body, upward-opening doors and limited luggage accommodation require planning for everyday use.

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 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 — Strada, Sport and Corsa modes adjust the powertrain and chassis character.; the McLaren 720S — Electrochromic roof adds light; 150L boot adequate for weekend luggage. Characteristic of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4: Scissor doors add presence but can be impractical in tight spaces. For the McLaren 720S: Active Dynamics panel enables genuine Comfort mode for everyday use.

Ownership: Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 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 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 — End-of-production status drives collector appeal; values strengthening; the McLaren 720S — 720S strong used market demand; appreciated after production ended. Characteristic of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4: The original LP700-4 combines a naturally aspirated V12 with the single-clutch ISR transmission. For the McLaren 720S: McLaren certified pre-owned programme provides some ownership support. 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, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover).

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