Ferrari
F8
McLaren
720S
Ferrari F8 vs McLaren 720S: 2019 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the McLaren 720S comes out ahead of the Ferrari F8 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
F8
Overall
The sentiment among owners is overwhelmingly positive, with the F8 Tributo widely praised as a highly reliable, well-rounded, and thrilling modern supercar. It is consistently described as the "full package," offering a compelling blend of prestige, heritage, high-quality interior materials (notably its leather), and strong performance. A dominant theme is its positioning as the peak of the non-hybrid, mid-engine V8 Ferrari lineage, appreciated for its modern tech, improved daily usability over track-focused variants, and freedom from the perceived reliability concerns of subsequent hybrid models.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" version (e.g., Tributo vs Spider). However, a strong, recurrent theme is that the F8 model line itself is considered the optimal choice for those seeking the last non-hybrid V8 Ferrari, offering a superior blend of modern performance, reliability, and daily usability compared to its predecessor and successor.
Known issues
- ⚠Turbo lag / throttle response: mentioned as a minor characteristic, not a major flaw, with some noting its presence but describing it as "not much." Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Early-production electronic warnings: a single report of dashboard warning lights appearing on a car with only 80 miles. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Perceived chassis flex / body roll: mentioned in the context of the shared 458/488/F8 platform during hard track use, not as a day-to-day issue. 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 F8 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 F8 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 F8 or the McLaren 720S?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Ferrari F8 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 F8 or the McLaren 720S?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Ferrari F8 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 Ferrari F8 or the McLaren 720S?
The McLaren 720S is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.2 L/100km combined versus 12.9 L/100km for the Ferrari F8, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ferrari F8 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 F8. See the known issues comparison above.