Audi
R8
McLaren
720S
Audi R8 vs McLaren 720S: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the McLaren 720S comes out ahead of the Audi R8 on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
R8
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment regarding the driving experience, emotional appeal, and V10 engine character, with the vehicle widely described as a childhood dream car. The R8 is praised for its engaging, analog feel, particularly in earlier generations, and its relatively accessible supercar ownership experience. However, owner discussions reveal significant and recurrent concerns regarding specific reliability issues, most notably with the magnetic ride suspension and the air conditioning compressor.
Best version to buy
For the first generation (2008-2015), a later model year (2014-2015) V10 with a manual transmission is frequently cited as the most desirable and reliable combination. The manual is strongly preferred over the earlier R-tronic and S-tronic automated manuals for longevity and driving engagement.
Known issues
- ⚠Magnetic Ride Suspension Failure: Struts and shocks are prone to leaking, leading to complete system failure. Replacement with OEM parts is very costly, leading many owners to plan for aftermarket coilover upgrades.
- ⚠Air Conditioning Compressor Failure: Affects both V8 and V10 engines in the first generation. The compressor's location between the engine and firewall makes replacement a major, engine-out service, resulting in extremely high repair costs…
- ⚠Automated Manual Transmission Problems (R-tronic/S-tronic): Issues with early automated manuals in the first generation are noted as problematic and expensive to repair. Jerky shifting behavior is also commonly reported.
720S
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile. The vehicle is universally praised for its staggering performance, with owners describing it as an "absolute savage," "the fastest of the bunch," and offering "the best ICE performance" in its segment. The driving experience is noted for being incredibly engaging, with exceptional handling, grip, and braking performance that is frequently compared to a race car.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Owner discussions mention later model years (2020-2021) having better software packages that resolved some electrical glitches present in 2018-2019 cars.
Known issues
- ⚠Poor reliability and frequent mechanical/electrical failures: very common issues include infotainment module failures, failing suspension accumulators, cracked springs, squeaking/worn front bushings, dead accumulators, rattling downpipes,…
- ⚠Low-quality interior materials and build quality: interior described as feeling cheap, using excessive hard plastic, suffering from squeaks and rattles, and having buggy infotainment software. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Rapid depreciation and poor residuals: value sinks faster than competitors due to reliability reputation and high production volumes, making it a poor investment. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The McLaren 720S is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Audi R8, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Audi R8 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi R8 or the McLaren 720S?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi R8 and the McLaren 720S. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi R8 or the McLaren 720S?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi R8 is classed as a Coupe, the McLaren 720S as a Roadster, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi R8 or the McLaren 720S?
The McLaren 720S is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.2 L/100km combined versus 13-13.1 L/100km for the Audi R8, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi R8 or the McLaren 720S?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi R8 than the McLaren 720S. See the known issues comparison above.