McLaren
Elva
McLaren
Speedtail
McLaren Elva vs McLaren Speedtail: 2020 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the McLaren Speedtail comes out ahead of the McLaren Elva on power. 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
Elva
Overall
Owner sentiment is highly specialized and centers on the vehicle's extreme nature, rarity, and market positioning. The Elva is universally recognized as an exclusive, high-performance, open-cockpit machine powered by a potent twin-turbo 4.0L V8 producing over 800 horsepower, with acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in approximately 2.8 seconds. However, significant discussion focuses on its market reception, with reports that McLaren misjudged demand, leading to a reduction in planned production from 399 to 149 units.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to determine a preferred version or trim. The model was offered with an optional fixed windshield (noted on 19 of the 149 units), but no consensus exists on its desirability versus the standard AAMS-equipped car.
Known issues
- ⚠Market depreciation/stagnation: Reports of the car trading at or below its original MSRP ($1.69M - $1.8M) due to perceived overproduction relative to demand and a crowded release schedule from McLaren at the time. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Active Air Management System (AAMS) concerns: Skepticism about real-world effectiveness in creating a "bubble of calm," with predictions it will still be very noisy and potentially unpleasant during activation/deactivation.
- ⚠Design criticism: Isolated opinions that the design is not unique enough, resembling a 720S with no roof, especially when equipped with the optional windshield. The rear alignment and complex aesthetics are also mentioned as challenging.
Speedtail
Overall
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the vehicle's design, performance, and exclusivity. The car is consistently praised for its unique and futuristic appearance, with many describing it as a modern interpretation of a 1990s concept car. Its extreme aerodynamic efficiency, with a drag coefficient of Cd 0.17, and a top speed of 250 mph (403 km/h) are highlighted as key engineering achievements.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. The data does not contain discussions comparing different specifications, trims, or option packages for the Speedtail.
Known issues
- ⚠Wireless charging pad reliability: reported as problematic and unreliable, failing to maintain a charge, with the trickle charger recommended as a more dependable alternative. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The McLaren Elva is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the McLaren Speedtail, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the McLaren Elva are a dealbreaker, the McLaren Speedtail is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the McLaren Elva or the McLaren Speedtail?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the McLaren Elva than the McLaren Speedtail. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the McLaren Elva or the McLaren Speedtail?
The McLaren Speedtail seats more passengers than the McLaren Elva on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the McLaren Elva is classed as a Roadster, the McLaren Speedtail as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the McLaren Elva or the McLaren Speedtail?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the McLaren Elva or the McLaren Speedtail?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the McLaren Elva than the McLaren Speedtail. See the known issues comparison above.