McLaren 570S vs Ferrari 458 Italia
Compare the McLaren 570S vs Ferrari 458 Italia. The McLaren 570S is £50,000 cheaper. The McLaren 570S is 0.2s 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 Ferrari 458 Italia is priced from £145,000, powered by a 4.5L V8, producing 562 hp, with 540 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.3s, 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 Ferrari 458 Italia offers a 230-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 570S is £50,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 570S costs less in annual maintenance (£2,800 versus £3,000), the McLaren 570S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £75 for the McLaren 570S and £85 for the Ferrari 458 Italia.
Driving Character: McLaren 570S vs Ferrari 458 Italia
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 458 Italia remains the benchmark for naturally aspirated V8 performance, featuring a 4.5L engine that screams to a 9,000rpm redline. The throttle response is telepathic, offering a level of connection that modern turbocharged equivalents often struggle to replicate. Its chassis balance is exceptional, communicating road surface textures with crystal clarity through the steering rack. While the power delivery is linear and requires the driver to chase the high end of the rev range, the rewards are immense. It is a pure, analogue-feeling driving experience that remains as engaging today as it was at launch.
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 Ferrari 458 Italia: High-revving naturally-aspirated V8 widely considered a modern Ferrari high point. In outright terms it is 562 hp against 562 — a 0 hp gap — and the McLaren 570S reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 570S vs Ferrari 458 Italia
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 cockpit focuses on a clean, functional design that places the driver at the heart of the experience. The steering wheel, featuring integrated controls, was a revolutionary touch that has since become a Ferrari signature. While the interior materials are of a high quality, the cabin clearly shows its age compared to the digital-heavy layouts of contemporary models. Visibility is a notable highlight for the segment, with a generous glasshouse that aids spatial awareness. It is a straightforward, no-nonsense interior that prioritises road-holding focus over the latest in screen-based distractions.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 458 Italia takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 70 against 75. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Driver-focused cockpit, decent usability for a McLaren. For the Ferrari 458 Italia: Driver-focused cabin with excellent build quality for its era.
Daily Usability: McLaren 570S vs Ferrari 458 Italia
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.
With its relatively compact footprint, the 458 Italia is far more manageable on public roads than one might expect for a mid-engine supercar. The 230L boot space is surprisingly useful, providing enough room for light luggage for two. In city environments, it feels more agile than its successors, and the excellent outward visibility makes parking and tight manoeuvres less of a chore. However, because of the complex nature of the engine and its advanced systems, the owner must strictly adhere to the scheduled maintenance programme to ensure that the car remains reliable.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 570S takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 55. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Ferrari 458 Italia: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. that means 150 litres of boot space against 230, 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 Ferrari 458 Italia
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.
Owning a 458 Italia now sits firmly in the realm of collector-grade vehicle management. As one of the last naturally aspirated mid-engine Ferraris, its value has steadily strengthened as enthusiasts seek out a more visceral, analogue experience. While the official warranty is limited by the car's age, the robust demand for the model has led to a thriving network of independent specialists capable of handling servicing. Owners should prepare for significant annual maintenance costs, but the trade-off is the possession of an iconic machine that continues to define the Ferrari V8 lineage.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 458 Italia takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 68 against 75. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Now a discontinued entry point into McLaren ownership. For the Ferrari 458 Italia: Widely regarded as a dependable, now-classic naturally-aspirated Ferrari. On the wallet the two diverge at £95,000 versus £145,000 — a £50,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £2,800 against £3,000, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 2yr / unlimited mi.