McLaren 720S vs Porsche 911 S/T
Compare the McLaren 720S vs Porsche 911 S/T. The McLaren 720S is £3,000 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 0.9s 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 Porsche 911 S/T is priced from £410,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 525 hp, with 470 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.7s, a top speed of 186 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 Porsche 911 S/T offers a 100-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 720S is £3,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 911 S/T costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £1,800), the McLaren 720S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £80 for the McLaren 720S and £85 for the Porsche 911 S/T.
Driving Character: McLaren 720S vs Porsche 911 S/T
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 Porsche 911 S/T is a masterstroke of lightweight engineering, stripping away the excesses of modern GT cars to create a pure, analogue experience. With 525 hp from its 4.0L flat-six, it is light, agile, and incredibly communicative. The steering is sharp, providing exceptional feedback that connects the driver directly to the tarmac. While it lacks the aggressive aero package of the GT3 RS, the S/T is far more rewarding on winding roads, where its balance and precision truly shine. It is a visceral, high-revving celebration of everything that makes a 911 special, free from the complexity of electronic interference.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 S/T takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 97. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. For the Porsche 911 S/T: The lightest, most analogue modern 911 - manual gearbox, GT3 RS engine, no rear-wheel steering. In outright terms it is 710 hp against 525 — a 185 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.9s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 720S vs Porsche 911 S/T
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 Porsche 911 S/T features a minimalist cockpit that highlights its lightweight mission. The absence of rear seats and the use of carbon-fibre bucket seats with houndstooth cloth create a purposeful, retro-modern atmosphere. Every detail, from the lightweight door pulls to the unique instrument cluster, feels carefully considered to reduce weight without compromising build quality. While it lacks the ultimate comfort features of a base Carrera, the S/T offers a driving environment that is focused solely on the task of performance. It is a stripped-back, high-quality cabin that perfectly mirrors the vehicle's dynamic aspirations.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 74 against 60. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar. For the Porsche 911 S/T: Lightweight, motorsport-flavoured cabin with genuine everyday habitability.
Daily Usability: McLaren 720S vs Porsche 911 S/T
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 such a focused sports car, the Porsche 911 S/T is surprisingly usable, thanks in large part to its slightly softer suspension tuning compared to the RS. The narrow body makes it much easier to park and navigate through narrow urban streets than wider, winged models. However, users must remain cautious with ground clearance on steep ramps and driveways. The boot is sufficient for light luggage, provided you aren't planning an extensive road trip. It serves best as a car for the weekend blast or the alpine pass, where its agility and light weight truly excel in practice.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 55. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Porsche 911 S/T: More usable daily than a GT3 RS thanks to the single-mass flywheel manual. that means 150 litres of boot space against 100, 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 Porsche 911 S/T
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.
Owning the Porsche 911 S/T is a pinnacle of Porsche ownership, defined by extreme rarity and intense collector interest. The model's historical significance and limited build numbers ensure that residual values remain exceptionally high, far exceeding the original purchase price. While maintenance is handled through the standard Porsche dealer network, the exclusive nature of the S/T means that bespoke parts can be expensive. With a four-year warranty, the ownership experience is as reliable as it is exciting. It is a car that rewards the dedicated enthusiast with both mechanical delight and long-term investment stability.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 S/T takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 70 against 82. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. For the Porsche 911 S/T: Instant collector status as a manual-only, ultra-limited 911. On the wallet the two diverge at £125,000 versus £410,000 — a £285,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £1,800, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 4yr / 50k mi.