McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
Compare the McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri. The McLaren 765LT is £85,000 cheaper. The McLaren 765LT is 0.2s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 765LT is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The McLaren 765LT is priced from £350,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 755 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.7s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is priced from £395,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 830 hp, with 678 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 765LT offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 21 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Ferrari 12Cilindri offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 765LT is £85,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £3,200 per year in maintenance, the McLaren 765LT is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £80 for the McLaren 765LT and £100 for the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Driving Character: McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
The McLaren 765LT is a visceral exercise in weight reduction and aerodynamic precision, stripping back the Sports Series to its purest form. With a 755 hp twin-turbo V8 and a kerb weight of just 2709 lbs, it delivers a 0-60 sprint of 2.7 seconds. The chassis is significantly stiffer than the 720S, providing a track-oriented platform that communicates every pebble through the steering rack. Its unique top-exit exhaust system adds a raw, aggressive soundtrack, though the aggressive gearshifts and stiff springs ensure the car is perpetually on edge, demanding absolute focus from the driver on every public road.
The 12Cilindri defines a new peak for front-mounted V12 performance, combining an 830hp naturally aspirated powerplant with a remarkably agile rear-wheel-drive chassis. The four-wheel steering system effectively masks the long wheelbase, granting this grand tourer a nimbleness that defies its size. While the 6.5L engine demands high-rev engagement for maximum effect, the chassis balance remains composed even when pushing near the limits of adhesion. It represents a sophisticated evolution of the 812 lineage, ensuring that the raw, mechanical intensity of the V12 remains the primary focus of the driving experience.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 765LT takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 96 against 92. Characteristic of the McLaren 765LT: The most extreme, track-derived McLaren Longtail - razor-sharp and uncompromising. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Naturally-aspirated V12 drama in a more refined, usable GT package. In outright terms it is 755 hp against 830 — a 75 hp gap — and the McLaren 765LT reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
The interior of the 765LT is decidedly Spartan, prioritising the removal of excess mass over creature comforts. Lightweight carbon fibre bucket seats and stripped-back door panels define the cabin, with Alcantara surfaces replacing traditional materials to save every possible gram. While the interface is functional, it feels archaic in the face of current market standards, yet few drivers will care when surrounded by such focused, motorsport-grade architecture. The lack of heavy sound-deadening material ensures the cabin is a loud, busy environment, but it effectively underscores the car's intent as a track-day weapon repurposed for the road.
Inside, the dual-cockpit dashboard draws clear inspiration from the 365 GTB/4, blending classic design motifs with a modern digital architecture. The interior feel is focused squarely on driver immersion, with the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system seamlessly integrated into the minimalist aesthetic. Materials are finished to an exceptional standard, reflecting the car's grand touring intent. While the cabin is clearly a masterclass in modern Ferrari ergonomics, the rear seats remain purely vestigial, serving as additional storage rather than a functional space for passengers.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 50 against 85. Characteristic of the McLaren 765LT: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Straightforward, user-friendly cabin with genuine usability.
Daily Usability: McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
Usability takes a backseat in the 765LT, yet it remains surprisingly capable for the occasional cross-country blast. The front lift system is a mandatory inclusion for navigating urban infrastructure, given the car's ultra-low front splitter and aggressive side skirts. Luggage space is limited to a 150-litre capacity that is mostly consumed by the necessities of track days rather than grand touring. Ingress and egress require a certain level of physical agility, as the carbon monocoque sills are exceptionally wide. It is not designed for daily commuting, but as a weekend escape machine, it serves its specific purpose admirably.
Despite its performance pedigree, the 12Cilindri offers a practical, if physically imposing, approach to daily grand touring. The 270L boot provides genuine capacity for luggage, making it a viable companion for extended journeys. In urban environments, the four-wheel steering is indispensable, allowing the driver to navigate tight streets with a precision that belies the car's significant length and width. However, the long bonnet and expansive bodywork require a cautious approach in city centres and parking facilities, where the car’s sheer footprint can make tight manoeuvres feel somewhat daunting.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 12Cilindri takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 30 against 75. Characteristic of the McLaren 765LT: Built for track days, not commuting. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: Genuinely usable as a continent-crossing daily GT. that means 150 litres of boot space against 270, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 765LT, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren 765LT at the pumps.
Ownership: McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 12Cilindri
Ownership of the 765LT is a premium proposition, with annual maintenance reaching £3,200 due to the bespoke nature of its Longtail components. While the 3-year unlimited mileage warranty provides a safety net, the high-performance demands on the powertrain require diligent servicing. Collector interest in the Longtail badge has kept residual values exceptionally high, often exceeding the initial purchase price of £310,000 in the used market. It is a specialist vehicle for the dedicated enthusiast, where the cost of entry and maintenance is secondary to the unique, raw performance experience that only a limited-run McLaren can provide.
Ownership of the 12Cilindri is defined by its status as a bastion of the naturally aspirated V12 in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape. The standard 7-year warranty and maintenance programme provide a high level of security for what is fundamentally a complex, high-performance machine. While fuel consumption remains notably high and insurance costs will inevitably reflect the vehicle's extreme performance potential and price point, the long-term collector appeal of such a pure-engine model remains incredibly strong, ensuring robust residual values for those who manage the ongoing running costs.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 765LT takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 68. Characteristic of the McLaren 765LT: Instant collector status as a limited-run 'Longtail' McLaren. For the Ferrari 12Cilindri: One of the last naturally-aspirated V12 Ferraris, strong collector interest. On the wallet the two diverge at £350,000 versus £395,000 — a £45,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,200 against £0, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.