Ferrari
488
McLaren
720S
Ferrari 488 vs McLaren 720S: 2019 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the McLaren 720S comes out ahead of the Ferrari 488 on fuel economy. 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
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.
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 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 720S?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Ferrari 488 and the McLaren 720S. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Ferrari 488 or the McLaren 720S?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Ferrari 488 is classed as a Coupe - Cabriolet, the McLaren 720S as a Roadster, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ferrari 488 or the McLaren 720S?
The McLaren 720S is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.2 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 720S?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the McLaren 720S than the Ferrari 488. See the known issues comparison above.