Ferrari
812
McLaren
720S
Ferrari 812 vs McLaren 720S: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
The Ferrari 812 offers power, while the McLaren 720S excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Ferrari 812 if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the McLaren 720S if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
812
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment, with the 812 Superfast and GTS variants widely regarded as masterpieces of front-engine V12 grand touring. The naturally aspirated V12 engine is consistently praised for its power, responsiveness, and emotional, singing character. The car is celebrated for its exceptional blend of performance, luxury, and long-distance touring capability, offering a comfortable ride, ample luggage space, and refined road manners.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version between the Superfast coupe and GTS convertible. The GTS is specifically praised for its retractable hardtop and open-air experience, though one owner notes the coupe is quieter and that the GTS can exhibit some scuttle shake/rattling with the roof down.
Known issues
- ⚠Scuttle shake/rattling in 812 GTS with roof down: noted as a potential downside compared to the coupe's rigidity. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Potential for random electrical faults: mentioned in an anecdote about a specific 812 GTS, leading to a warranty dispute after an exhaust modification. Frequency: isolated.
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 Ferrari 812 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the McLaren 720S, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Ferrari 812 are a dealbreaker, the McLaren 720S is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ferrari 812 or the McLaren 720S?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Ferrari 812 than the McLaren 720S. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Ferrari 812 or the McLaren 720S?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Ferrari 812 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 812 or the McLaren 720S?
The McLaren 720S is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.2 L/100km combined versus 16.3 L/100km for the Ferrari 812, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ferrari 812 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 812. See the known issues comparison above.