Ford
GT
Mercedes-Benz
SLR McLaren
Ford GT vs Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: 2017 Comparison
The short answer
The Ford GT offers power, while the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Ford GT if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
GT
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment, characterized by widespread admiration for its design, performance pedigree, and status as a rare, iconic supercar. The vehicle is consistently described as stunning, incredible, and a dream car. Discussions focus heavily on its visual appeal, racing heritage, and exclusivity.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to distinguish between trim levels or model years within generations. The 2005-2006 and 2017+ models are both highly regarded, with the modern generation specifically praised for its design and technological advancement.
Known issues
- ⚠Cost of Upkeep: Anecdotal reports of high maintenance costs for low-volume parts, insurance, and fuel, though one counter-point suggests costs are manageable for the segment. Frequency: Isolated.
- ⚠Allocation Process Criticism: For the modern generation, criticism of the manufacturer's selection process for buyers, described as a "popularity contest" favoring social media influencers. Frequency: Isolated.
- ⚠Potential Infotainment/Alarm Issues: A single, unverified mention of a potential alarm issue. Frequency: Isolated.
SLR McLaren
Overall
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep admiration for its iconic, dramatic, and timeless design, which is frequently described as "inspiring," "beautiful," and "brutal." The vehicle is celebrated for its unique character, including its supercharged V8 engine sound, front-mounted side exhausts, and its status as a legendary collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. However, a recurrent critical perspective positions it as a flawed grand tourer that was overshadowed by contemporary rivals like the Ferrari Enzo and Porsche Carrera GT. Criticisms focus on its heavy weight, use of a 5-speed automatic transmission (described as a "slushbox"), and a perception that it was neither a sharp sports car nor a truly comfortable GT, resulting from a compromised design philosophy.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. The 722 Edition and rare MSO Edition are mentioned positively as special, high-performance variants.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance costs: brake pad and rotor replacement reported to cost approximately $100,000. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠5-speed automatic transmission: criticized as outdated, unsporting ("slushbox"), and a weak point compared to competitors' manual or automated manual gearboxes. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Heavy weight: frequently cited as a detriment to agility and track performance, contributing to its grand touring character over supercar dynamics. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Ford GT, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Ford GT is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ford GT or the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Ford GT and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Ford GT or the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Ford GT is classed as a Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren as a Roadster, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ford GT or the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren?
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is more fuel-efficient on paper: 14.5 L/100km combined versus 16.8 L/100km for the Ford GT, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford GT or the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Ford GT than the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. See the known issues comparison above.