In the long and storied history of Formula 1, there’s one rivalry that stands above any other – Ferrari Vs. McLaren. These two giants of the motorsport world have 24 Constructor’s World Titles between them – more than any two other companies. They’ve also given us some truly wonderful driver rivalries – think Nikki Lauda vs. James Hunt, and Michael Schumacher vs. Mika Hakkinen.
And it’s been the same story when it comes to road cars. Ferrari and McLaren have been battling out in the super sports car segment since the early nineties.
And when you consider the two automaker’s current mid-engine supercars, the 488 GTB and the 720S, the rivalry is as close as ever. Let’s see how the latest and the greatest from Ferrari and McLaren stack up against each other.
Styling and Design
Starting off with the 488 GTB, Ferrari took more of an evolutionary approach rather than a revolutionary approach with their current V8 supercar. The 488 GTB looks like a more aggressive version of its predecessor – the 458 Italia. But considering that the 458 is arguably the most beautiful Ferrari ever made, we’re not complaining. In person, the 488 GTB is a truly stunning machine – exemplifying Italian art and passion in a way only a Ferrari could.
Moving on to the 488’S British rival, McLaren went back to the drawing board with the 720S, and what they came up with is truly jaw-dropping. The 720S is easily the most beautiful McLaren since the legendary F1 of the nineties. It’s the perfect combination of aggression and elegance.
Powertrain and Performance
On paper, these cars are virtually identical in terms of powertrain and layout. Both are rear wheel drive, both have mid-mounted V8s, and both have dual-clutch seven speed transmissions. But while the Ferrari’s V8 produces 661 hp, the McLaren’s pushes out an astronomical 710 hp.
But despite the difference in power, both cars are quite close in terms of performance. Both cars can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, and both have a top speed of around 212 mph.
The Driving Experiences
Although the 488 is the first mid-engine turbocharged Ferrari since the legendary F40, it feels just as magical. Due to a unique engine design, the 488 GTB feels and drives much like a naturally-aspirated car. The power delivery from the engine is linear, which makes the 488 really friendly and predictable on the limit.
The 720S, on the other hand, is more of a challenge. It feels rawer, more menacing, and the power difference is noticeable. However, once you come to grips with how the 720S behaves, it offers an insanely rewarding experience.
If you’re looking to rent a luxury car in LA, get in touch with us LA Exotic Rentals today. In addition to some premium luxury sedans and SUVs, we also offer a range of supercars for rent. Our fleet includes the Lamborghini Aventador, the McLaren 720S, and more.