McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 812 Superfast
Compare the McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 812 Superfast. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is £25,000 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 812 Superfast is priced from £275,000, powered by a 6.5L V12, producing 789 hp, with 718 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 812 Superfast offers a 320-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is £25,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 765LT costs less in annual maintenance (£3,200 versus £3,500), the McLaren 765LT is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £80 for the McLaren 765LT and £100 for the Ferrari 812 Superfast.
Driving Character: McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 812 Superfast
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 Ferrari 812 Superfast delivers a visceral, raw experience defined by its 789hp naturally aspirated V12. The steering is exceptionally sharp, requiring precise inputs to manage the power delivery to the rear wheels, aided significantly by the rear-wheel steering system. It excels at high speeds but demands total focus as the limits of adhesion are tested. The chassis balance is classic front-engine GT, though the weight of the drivetrain is always apparent. It is a car that rewards a disciplined driver while punishing complacency, especially on damp British tarmac where the torque can easily overwhelm the traction control.
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 812 Superfast: Ferocious naturally-aspirated V12 GT with genuine front-engined drama. In outright terms it is 755 hp against 789 — a 34 hp gap — and the McLaren 765LT reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 812 Superfast
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 812 Superfast, the cabin prioritises driver focus while retaining an air of grand touring luxury. The architecture features a sweeping dashboard that wraps around the occupant, with high-quality materials and bespoke trim options defining the space. The optional Daytona-style seats offer excellent lateral support for spirited driving, and the driver-centric interface places all essential controls within immediate reach. However, the sheer length of the bonnet remains a persistent factor when navigating tight spaces, necessitating careful judgement of the front extremities despite the high level of interior finish and overall build quality.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 50 against 80. Characteristic of the McLaren 765LT: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Well-finished, driver-focused cabin.
Daily Usability: McLaren 765LT vs Ferrari 812 Superfast
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.
For such a potent machine, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is surprisingly civilised as a long-distance companion. The 320-litre boot provides adequate space for luggage, making it the most practical front-engine offering in the modern Ferrari hierarchy. While it is perfectly comfortable over long motorway stints thanks to the compliant suspension settings, its width and length make urban manoeuvrability a chore. It demands constant vigilance in narrow city streets, yet it handles parking ramps and standard errands with enough grace to allow for genuine usability, provided the driver is prepared to manage its substantial dimensions.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari 812 Superfast takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 30 against 58. Characteristic of the McLaren 765LT: Built for track days, not commuting. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Usable GT for longer journeys, if firmly sprung. that means 150 litres of boot space against 320, 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 812 Superfast
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.
As one of the final front-engined, naturally aspirated V12 masterpieces, the 812 Superfast enjoys a sterling reputation among collectors. Residual values remain robust, supported by the car's status as a pinnacle of traditional Ferrari engineering. Ownership costs, however, are substantial, with specialist maintenance required to keep the complex V12 running at peak performance. While annual service costs are significant, the peace of mind offered by professional maintenance is essential for preserving the vehicle's long-term value, as enthusiasts continue to favour these unadulterated powerplants over the industry’s shift toward smaller displacement and electrification.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 765LT takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 72. Characteristic of the McLaren 765LT: Instant collector status as a limited-run 'Longtail' McLaren. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong Ferrari reliability reputation for a modern V12 GT. On the wallet the two diverge at £350,000 versus £275,000 — a £75,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,200 against £3,500.