Ferrari
488
McLaren
570S
Ferrari 488 vs McLaren 570S: 2018 Comparison
The short answer
The Ferrari 488 offers power, while the McLaren 570S excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Ferrari 488 if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the McLaren 570S if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
488
Overall
The sentiment among owners is predominantly positive, with the 488 praised for its high performance, distinctive Ferrari V8 growl, and overall reliability, especially when compared to key competitors like McLaren. It is described as a "full package" offering prestige, heritage, and the best overall quality among its peers, with specific mention of next-level leather and engine reliability known to exceed 100,000 miles with proper care. The driving experience is noted as exhilarating and capable of being intimidating on twisty roads, yet the car is also acknowledged as refined and liveable for daily use and long road trips.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. The 488 Pista is mentioned in isolated comparisons as an exceptionally intense and special model, described as a "soul snatching demon." However, discussions primarily revolve around the standard 488 GTB/Spider models without clear trim preference.
Known issues
- ⚠Attention and public scrutiny: Every drive attracts significant public and media attention, requiring owner diplomacy. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Turbocharged engine character: Isolated preference for the naturally aspirated character of the predecessor 458, with some finding the turbo engine less emotional. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Reported Issues (continued) Potential for high maintenance costs: Major services at dealerships can cost approximately $3,900, though independents offer significant savings. Frequency: recurrent.
570S
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile. The vehicle is widely praised for its driving dynamics, described as feeling "light, tight, and a lot of fun," with handling frequently compared favorably to a Lotus Elise or Exige but with significantly more power. Its aesthetic appeal, presence, and "head-turning factor" are consistently highlighted as major positives.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version (e.g., Coupe vs. Spider, standard vs. 600LT).
Known issues
- ⚠Build Quality & Interior Failures: Interior trim pieces breaking, delaminating, or falling off; leather dash splitting; alcantara detaching; cheap plastic switches/visors failing. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical & Infotainment Problems: Infotainment system crashes requiring reboots; screen freezes; "key not found" errors; window switch failures; poor native infotainment software; lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- ⚠General Reliability & Costly Repairs: Unpredictable breakdowns; expensive and lengthy repairs; parts wait times of months; high labor costs; reputation for stranding owners. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The McLaren 570S is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Ferrari 488, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Ferrari 488 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ferrari 488 or the McLaren 570S?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Ferrari 488 and the McLaren 570S. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Ferrari 488 or the McLaren 570S?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Ferrari 488 is classed as a Coupe - Cabriolet, the McLaren 570S as a Roadster, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ferrari 488 or the McLaren 570S?
The McLaren 570S is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.7 L/100km combined versus 12.8 L/100km for the Ferrari 488, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ferrari 488 or the McLaren 570S?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the McLaren 570S than the Ferrari 488. See the known issues comparison above.