Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 570S
Compare the Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 570S. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is £15,000 cheaper. The McLaren 570S is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 570S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is priced from £140,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 493 hp, with 450 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 196 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The McLaren 570S is priced from £95,000, powered by a 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 562 hp, with 600 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.1s, a top speed of 204 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS offers a 125-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty. The McLaren 570S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is £15,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS costs less in annual maintenance (£1,400 versus £2,800), the McLaren 570S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS and £75 for the McLaren 570S.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 570S
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is defined by its mid-engine configuration and the installation of the 4.0L flat-six from the GT3. The chassis is a masterpiece of precision, featuring RS-specific suspension geometry that rewards technical accuracy. The steering feel is sharp and communicative, offering a visceral connection to the tarmac that few modern roadsters can replicate. While it is certainly capable on a track, the engine note and open-top architecture make it a raw experience on winding B-roads. The gearshifts are lightning fast, ensuring the powertrain remains at the heart of the driving sensation throughout every spirited corner.
The McLaren 570S stands as the quintessential entry-level supercar, utilising a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque that provides unmatched structural rigidity. Its 3.8L twin-turbo V8 delivers 562 hp, propelling the car to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds. The hydraulic-assisted steering is widely regarded as the benchmark for the segment, offering granular detail that feels missing in its competitors. While the engine displays noticeable turbo lag at lower rpm, the chassis balance is sublime, providing a sense of fluidity and poise that invites the driver to push harder through every apex with complete confidence.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 94 against 90. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: GT4 RS power in an open-top body - visceral and track-honed. For the McLaren 570S: Sharp, communicative entry-level McLaren with genuine supercar dynamics. In outright terms it is 493 hp against 562 — a 69 hp gap — and the McLaren 570S reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 570S
Inside, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS prioritises weight saving over luxury. The carbon fibre bucket seats provide immense support, while the use of fabric door pulls and minimal sound insulation highlights its motorsport heritage. Build quality is characteristically high, though the cabin environment is undeniably sparse compared to a standard 718. The infotainment system is functional rather than flashy, providing necessary data without distracting from the task of driving. Despite the lack of plush padding, the driver-focused ergonomics remain impeccable, creating a purposeful space that reflects the uncompromising nature of the vehicle’s design philosophy.
The cabin focuses on a minimalist, driver-centric design that eschews excessive ornamentation in favour of functional elegance. High-grade leather and Alcantara dress the interior, creating a cabin that feels both sophisticated and purposeful. The vertical infotainment screen is undeniably dated compared to modern rivals and can be unresponsive, which remains the system's primary weakness. Visibility is genuinely impressive, thanks to the thin A-pillars and the unique dihedral door design, which not only eases ingress but also makes the car feel like a significant event every time the driver settles into the cockpit.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 570S takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 52 against 70. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the McLaren 570S: Driver-focused cockpit, decent usability for a McLaren.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 570S
Daily utility is clearly secondary to performance in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, yet it remains surprisingly manageable. The inclusion of a nose lift system as standard allows for navigation over urban speed bumps and steep inclines without damaging the front splitter. Storage is adequate for a weekend getaway, with both a front boot and a rear luggage compartment available for essential items. Ingress and egress require some physical agility due to the low-slung bucket seats and side sills, but for owners who accept the compromise of a manual roof operation, it serves as a usable roadster.
For a mid-engined supercar, the 570S is remarkably accommodating in day-to-day scenarios. The suspension setup is soft enough to handle urban speed bumps and undulating B-roads without breaking the driver’s spine, cementing its status as the most road-biased model in the McLaren stable. With a usable 150-litre rear boot and an additional front storage area, it manages supermarket runs and light luggage far better than its rivals. However, the low ride height makes parking kerbs a genuine hazard, necessitating the optional nose lift system to protect the front splitter from unnecessary and expensive damage.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 570S takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 38 against 55. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Usable but clearly built for spirited driving over commuting. For the McLaren 570S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. that means 125 litres of boot space against 150, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren 570S at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 570S
Ownership of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is defined by its exclusivity and potential for appreciation. As a model with limited production, it sits in a secure position within the enthusiast market. While annual maintenance costs are high, the support provided by the Porsche Motorsport division offers peace of mind for specialized mechanical needs. Insurance premiums will be substantial, and the high purchase price requires careful consideration, but the prospect of long-term residual strength remains strong. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents a peak of internal combustion performance within the Porsche stable.
As the gateway to the McLaren family, the 570S represents a balanced proposition for the aspiring supercar owner. Residuals have remained robust across the Sports Series, helped by a reputation for being the most usable model in the range. Maintenance is a significant consideration, with annual servicing costing around £2,800, and owners must be prepared for the specific costs associated with DCT transmission care. The McLaren network is comprehensive and highly professional, ensuring that support is readily available, though the high performance of the twin-turbo V8 means regular, proactive inspection is non-negotiable for long-term health.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 68. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the McLaren 570S: Now a discontinued entry point into McLaren ownership. On the wallet the two diverge at £140,000 versus £95,000 — a £45,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,400 against £2,800, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.