McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Vantage
Compare the McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Vantage. The Aston Martin Vantage is £24,100 cheaper. The McLaren 570S is 0.4s quicker to 60mph. The Aston Martin Vantage 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 Vantage is priced from £120,900, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 503 hp, with 685 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 195 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 Vantage offers a 350-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Aston Martin Vantage is £24,100 cheaper than its rival, the Aston Martin Vantage costs less in annual maintenance (£2,800 versus £900), the Aston Martin Vantage is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £75 for the McLaren 570S and £110 for the Aston Martin Vantage.
Driving Character: McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Vantage
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 Vantage utilizes a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 to deliver a punchy 503 hp that defines its boisterous character. Its short wheelbase and wide track create a nimble, almost twitchy handling profile that demands constant input from the driver. The steering is direct, and the rear-wheel-drive architecture allows for significant adjustability through corners, though the traction control often intervenes aggressively in wet conditions to manage the 685 Nm of torque. It is a sports car that rewards experienced hands, trading absolute refinement for an engaging, visceral experience that feels decidedly more muscular than many of its rivals.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 570S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 90 against 84. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Sharp, communicative entry-level McLaren with genuine supercar dynamics. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Sharp, engaging chassis with a thunderous AMG-sourced V8. In outright terms it is 562 hp against 503 — a 59 hp gap — and the McLaren 570S reaches 60 mph 0.4s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Vantage
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.
The interior is a focused, driver-centric environment, though the reliance on older-generation Mercedes-Benz switchgear is increasingly apparent against modern standards. The cabin is trimmed in high-quality Alcantara and leather, conveying a sense of purpose rather than pure opulence. The rotary infotainment controller is functional but lacks the slickness of current touchscreen interfaces. While the driving position is low and perfectly suited for spirited work, some materials in the lower dashboard areas lack the premium feel one might expect given the brand’s positioning. Practicality is limited, yet the space feels appropriate for a focused sports machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Vantage takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 70 against 80. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Driver-focused cockpit, decent usability for a McLaren. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Significantly improved cabin quality and tech over the outgoing car.
Daily Usability: McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Vantage
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.
Daily usability is a mixed bag, with the Vantage excelling on open roads while requiring caution in urban settings. The front trunk provides a modest 325L of storage, which is surprisingly practical for short trips, provided one watches the low front splitter on kerbs and speed bumps. The ride is notably firm, especially in Sport mode, which can be fatiguing over longer distances on poor road surfaces. However, for a high-performance sports car, its compact dimensions make it relatively easy to place in traffic, provided the driver is mindful of the wide bodywork during parking.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Vantage takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 62. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Aston Martin Vantage: More usable day-to-day than previous Vantage generations. that means 150 litres of boot space against 350, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 570S, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin Vantage at the pumps.
Ownership: McLaren 570S vs Aston Martin Vantage
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.
The ownership proposition of the Vantage has improved significantly, with an expanding dealer network that makes servicing more accessible than in previous years. Maintenance costs are relatively modest at £900 annually, though turbo-related upkeep can add up as the car ages. The Vantage badge retains considerable brand cachet, which keeps residual values strong in the competitive sports car market. It remains a popular choice for those who want a blend of heritage, performance, and day-to-day usability without the extreme costs associated with the ultra-luxury, low-volume models in the Aston Martin stable.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 570S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 68 against 58. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Now a discontinued entry point into McLaren ownership. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Entry-level Aston with a strong enthusiast following. On the wallet the two diverge at £95,000 versus £120,900 — a £25,900 difference, with annual maintenance of £2,800 against £900.