McLaren 720S vs Ferrari 488 GTB
Compare the McLaren 720S vs Ferrari 488 GTB. The Ferrari 488 GTB is £15,000 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 0.2s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 720S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
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 0-60 mph in 2.8s, a top speed of 212 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari 488 GTB is priced from £165,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 661 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The McLaren 720S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Ferrari 488 GTB offers a 230-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 488 GTB is £15,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,000 per year in maintenance, the McLaren 720S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £80 for the McLaren 720S and £85 for the Ferrari 488 GTB.
Driving Character: McLaren 720S vs Ferrari 488 GTB
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.
The Ferrari 488 GTB signals the move toward turbocharging, utilizing a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 to produce 661hp and a massive 760Nm of torque. The engine character is defined by its immense, flat torque curve, which makes it feel vastly more accessible and urgent in daily driving than its naturally aspirated predecessor. The side-slip control system is highly effective, enabling the driver to push the car into controlled oversteer with ease. While some enthusiasts lament the loss of the high-revving naturally aspirated top end, the gain in mid-range punch makes it a devastatingly fast grand tourer.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 92. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. For the Ferrari 488 GTB: Blisteringly quick turbocharged V8 with sharp, communicative handling. In outright terms it is 710 hp against 661 — a 49 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 720S vs Ferrari 488 GTB
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.
The cabin of the 488 GTB offers a more refined, luxurious feel compared to the 458, featuring high-quality materials and improved build standards throughout. Ergonomics are excellent, with all primary controls within easy reach of the driver. Visibility remains a strong point for a mid-engine car, with clear front sightlines that make it feel smaller than it actually is. However, the infotainment system is noticeably dated compared to current models, lacking the seamless connectivity and high-resolution displays expected of modern luxury cars. It is a functional and comfortable space that balances performance and refinement well.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 74 against 76. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar. For the Ferrari 488 GTB: Driver-focused cabin with strong build quality.
Daily Usability: McLaren 720S vs Ferrari 488 GTB
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.
For daily driving, the 488 GTB is remarkably civilised, particularly when the manettino is set to the softer settings. The steering is light and responsive, making city navigation straightforward, and the 230L boot provides decent storage for two. On poorer, uneven road surfaces, the suspension can feel rather firm, potentially causing fatigue over longer journeys in Sport mode. However, when treated as a grand tourer, it performs its duties admirably, managing the stresses of modern roads with a composure that makes it a highly usable mid-engine supercar for both errands and longer trips.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 58. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Ferrari 488 GTB: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. that means 150 litres of boot space against 230, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 720S, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren 720S at the pumps.
Ownership: McLaren 720S vs Ferrari 488 GTB
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.
The 488 GTB represents a strong choice for those entering the world of modern Ferrari ownership. Used market values remain stable, reflecting the car’s excellent build quality and performance legacy. The Ferrari dealer network provides comprehensive support, though the added complexity of the twin-turbo system does mean that maintenance intervals and costs are higher compared to earlier naturally aspirated models. Insurance and running costs are in line with expectations for a mid-engine exotic, but the overall ownership experience is rewarding, bolstered by the brand’s enduring reputation and widespread specialist support in the market.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 488 GTB takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 70 against 76. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. For the Ferrari 488 GTB: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. On the wallet the two diverge at £125,000 versus £165,000 — a £40,000 difference.