McLaren 570S vs Ferrari F8 Tributo
Compare the McLaren 570S vs Ferrari F8 Tributo. The McLaren 570S is £80,000 cheaper. The Ferrari F8 Tributo 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 F8 Tributo is priced from £268,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 710 hp, with 770 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.9s, a top speed of 211 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 F8 Tributo offers a 200-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 21 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 570S is £80,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £2,800 per year in maintenance, the McLaren 570S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £75 for the McLaren 570S and £85 for the Ferrari F8 Tributo.
Driving Character: McLaren 570S vs Ferrari F8 Tributo
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 Ferrari F8 Tributo represents the zenith of the mid-engine V8 lineage, balancing 710hp with a chassis that feels telepathic. It offers immense, exploitable grip, though the sheer power delivery requires a disciplined hand. The steering is light but incredibly communicative, allowing the driver to place the nose with pinpoint precision through mid-corner transitions. Ride quality remains surprisingly compliant for such a potent platform, yet it never masks the mechanical intensity of the engine. It is a car that thrives on commitment, demanding full focus to extract the absolute limit, ultimately rewarding the driver with an experience that feels remarkably connected and raw.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari F8 Tributo takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 90 against 92. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Sharp, communicative entry-level McLaren with genuine supercar dynamics. For the Ferrari F8 Tributo: Sharp, communicative handling with blistering turbocharged V8 pace. In outright terms it is 562 hp against 710 — a 148 hp gap — and the Ferrari F8 Tributo reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 570S vs Ferrari F8 Tributo
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 F8 Tributo strips away unnecessary clutter in favour of a driver-centric environment. It embraces a clean, functional aesthetic where materials are high-grade and tactile. The integration of modern tech, including standard Apple CarPlay, represents a significant leap forward compared to its predecessors. While the cabin is intimate, the ergonomics are spot-on, putting every vital control within easy reach of the steering wheel. It is not designed for grand touring, however, and the limited luggage space highlights its primary focus on short, sharp bursts of driving pleasure rather than extended road trips.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari F8 Tributo 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 Ferrari F8 Tributo: Driver-focused cabin with strong build quality.
Daily Usability: McLaren 570S vs Ferrari F8 Tributo
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.
For such an aggressive machine, the Ferrari F8 Tributo displays unexpected manners during low-speed transit. Magnetorheological dampers effectively smooth out broken asphalt, making it perfectly usable for occasional town work if one exercises caution with the width. Parking is a manageable task, though the rearward visibility reminds the owner of its mid-engine configuration. It is relatively compact by modern supercar standards, which aids in navigating tighter roads, yet the modest storage capacity effectively limits its utility to the basics. It functions as a versatile toy, rather than a multipurpose tool, for those who value performance above practical cargo requirements.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari F8 Tributo takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 60. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Ferrari F8 Tributo: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. 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 Ferrari F8 Tributo
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.
As the final pure, non-hybrid V8, the Ferrari F8 Tributo occupies a unique space in the marque’s history. Values are currently climbing, cementing its status as an essential collector’s item for enthusiasts of internal combustion. While it offers a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, prospective owners should be mindful that official servicing options at authorised dealers are becoming more constrained as production models phase out. Insurance premiums are significant, reflecting the car's extreme performance profile and the rarity of its components, making it a purchase that requires careful financial planning to maintain properly over the long term.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari F8 Tributo takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 68 against 76. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Now a discontinued entry point into McLaren ownership. For the Ferrari F8 Tributo: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. On the wallet the two diverge at £95,000 versus £268,000 — a £173,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £2,800 against £0.