McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Valour
Compare the McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Valour. The McLaren 570S is £555,000 cheaper. The McLaren 570S is 0.4s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 570S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
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 Aston Martin Valour is priced from £1,500,000, powered by a 5.2L Twin-Turbo V12, producing 705 hp, with 753 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 202 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
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. The Aston Martin Valour offers a 200-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 570S is £555,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 570S costs less in annual maintenance (£2,800 versus £3,500), the McLaren 570S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £75 for the McLaren 570S and £95 for the Aston Martin Valour.
Driving Character: McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Valour
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.
The Valour represents an unapologetic return to analogue roots, pairing a 705 hp twin-turbo 5.2L V12 with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox. It eschews modern dual-clutch complexity, placing the onus of performance entirely on the driver’s mastery of the mechanical linkage. While the chassis lacks the overt driver aids of its mid-engined peers, the balance is rewarding for those who seek to exploit its longitudinal weight distribution. Steering is communicative, albeit heavy, reinforcing the sense of piloting a vehicle designed for raw engagement rather than clinical lap-time perfection across a circuit.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 570S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 90 against 90. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Sharp, communicative entry-level McLaren with genuine supercar dynamics. For the Aston Martin Valour: Naturally-tuned V12 paired with a rare manual gearbox for maximum engagement. In outright terms it is 562 hp against 705 — a 143 hp gap — and the McLaren 570S reaches 60 mph 0.4s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Valour
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.
Inside, the Valour is a masterclass in bespoke craftsmanship, defined by a minimalist approach that rejects digital clutter. The machined aluminium gear shifter and quilted leather upholstery create an ambience of bespoke luxury that feels miles removed from mass-produced hypercars. Build quality is exemplary, reflecting the exclusive nature of this limited-run model. However, space is at a premium; the cabin is strictly for two, and storage options are virtually non-existent, requiring occupants to travel light. The focus remains entirely on the sensory experience of the switchgear and the low-slung, intimate driving position.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Valour takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 70 against 78. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Driver-focused cockpit, decent usability for a McLaren. For the Aston Martin Valour: Retro-styled cabin blending analogue switchgear with modern craftsmanship.
Daily Usability: McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Valour
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.
Despite its imposing performance credentials, this car struggles with the mundane realities of urban life. The lack of a front-end lift system as standard makes navigating speed humps and steep driveways a nerve-wracking affair, given the aggressive front splitter design. Furthermore, the combination of a high-power V12 and a heavy-clutch manual transmission ensures that commuting is anything but effortless. It is a vehicle built for open roads and dedicated weekend drives, where the physical effort of operation is part of the charm, rather than a hinderance to routine errand-running.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 570S takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 48. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Aston Martin Valour: Usable but firmly a weekend/collector's car. that means 150 litres of boot space against 200, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 570S, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren 570S at the pumps.
Ownership: McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Valour
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.
Ownership of the Valour is defined by its extreme rarity, with only 110 units produced to mark Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary. This scarcity, combined with the specialised maintenance requirements of its V12 powertrain and manual transmission, keeps operating costs high. Owners benefit from the dedicated Q by Aston Martin concierge service, which provides tailored support for such a bespoke machine. While purchase prices are stratospheric, the model’s historical significance and limited production numbers suggest that it will likely remain a prized asset within any serious automotive collection for decades.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Valour takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 68 against 78. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Now a discontinued entry point into McLaren ownership. For the Aston Martin Valour: Instant collector status as a manual, limited-run V12 Aston. On the wallet the two diverge at £95,000 versus £1,500,000 — a £1,405,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £2,800 against £3,500.