Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 765LT
Compare the Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 765LT. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is £180,000 cheaper. The McLaren 765LT is 0.7s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS 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 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 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 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.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is £180,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS costs less in annual maintenance (£1,400 versus £3,200), the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS and £80 for the McLaren 765LT.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 765LT
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 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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 765LT takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 94 against 96. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: GT4 RS power in an open-top body - visceral and track-honed. For the McLaren 765LT: The most extreme, track-derived McLaren Longtail - razor-sharp and uncompromising. In outright terms it is 493 hp against 755 — a 262 hp gap — and the McLaren 765LT reaches 60 mph 0.7s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 765LT
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 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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 52 against 50. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the McLaren 765LT: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 765LT
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.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 38 against 30. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Usable but clearly built for spirited driving over commuting. For the McLaren 765LT: Built for track days, not commuting. that means 125 litres of boot space against 150, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 718 Spyder RS at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs McLaren 765LT
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.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 78. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the McLaren 765LT: Instant collector status as a limited-run 'Longtail' McLaren. On the wallet the two diverge at £140,000 versus £350,000 — a £210,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,400 against £3,200, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.