McLaren 720S vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Compare the McLaren 720S vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale. The McLaren 720S is £151,000 cheaper. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is 0.3s 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 SF90 Stradale is priced from £376,000, powered by a 4.0L V8 Hybrid, producing 986 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.5s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via all-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 SF90 Stradale offers a 92-litre boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 720S is £151,000 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 £80 for the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.
Driving Character: McLaren 720S vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale
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 SF90 Stradale introduces a 986hp hybrid drivetrain that completely redefines the expectations of performance. The power is instantaneous, with the combination of the 4.0L V8 and electric motors providing addictive acceleration in any gear. The AWD system is a game-changer, allowing the car to put all that power down effectively even when conditions are less than perfect. While the technical complexity is immense, it feels surprisingly intuitive, though the sheer scale of the performance can feel slightly removed from the raw, analogue sensations that pure petrol-only enthusiasts often crave in a high-end Ferrari.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 93. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. For the Ferrari SF90 Stradale: Formula 1-derived hybrid AWD delivering extraordinary, accessible performance. In outright terms it is 710 hp against 986 — a 276 hp gap — and the Ferrari SF90 Stradale reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 720S vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale
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.
Inside, the SF90 feels like a cockpit from the future. The futuristic head-up display and haptic steering wheel controls are clearly inspired by modern racing technology. It is a premium, bespoke environment, and buyers can opt for fixed-back racing seats to further enhance the track-oriented feel. Despite the high-tech interior, the cabin is quite small, and the luggage space is strictly nominal, making it clear that this car is focused on performance over practicality. It serves as an impressive statement piece, showcasing Ferrari's ability to blend extreme luxury with the demands of a high-performance, hybrid-powered machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari SF90 Stradale takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 74 against 80. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar. For the Ferrari SF90 Stradale: Modern, tech-focused cabin with genuine usability.
Daily Usability: McLaren 720S vs Ferrari SF90 Stradale
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.
The SF90 offers a unique dual personality thanks to its EV-only mode, which allows for silent, stealthy operation in urban environments. This reduces the car’s profile and noise in city traffic, making it surprisingly tolerable for a machine with near-hypercar performance. The AWD provides a level of versatility that is rare for a car of this pedigree, handling varied weather conditions with composure. However, the very low ride height remains a challenge; with only 90mm of clearance, navigating standard speed humps and driveway lips requires careful planning, which can be an inconvenience during daily errand-running.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari SF90 Stradale takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 68. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Ferrari SF90 Stradale: Usable daily with genuine EV-only running for short trips. that means 150 litres of boot space against 92, 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 SF90 Stradale
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 SF90 Stradale is an excellent example of modern hypercar ownership, backed by the comprehensive Ferrari Approved Programme. This offers significant peace of mind for second-owners, and the car's strong residual values demonstrate its status in the current market. Maintenance costs are higher than traditional models due to the complexity of the hybrid battery system and the advanced drivetrain components, but owners are supported by a strong dealer network. Overall, it represents a sophisticated, reliable way to access extreme performance, provided the owner is prepared for the high operational costs associated with maintaining such a complex vehicle.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 70 against 68. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. For the Ferrari SF90 Stradale: Strong demand as Ferrari's hybrid flagship supercar. On the wallet the two diverge at £125,000 versus £376,000 — a £251,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £0, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.