Ferrari 488 Compared to the McLaren 720s

performance of the 720s should exceed the 488 in pretty much all measures.
styling is subjective
depreciation should be less in the Ferrari (if past history is indication of future performance but we all know what Yogi Berra said about predictions)

 

I stopped caring about 0-60 and 1/4 mile differences at this level after owning an Alpha 10 GT-R that was in the low 9s on race gas. The total experience is all that concerns me nowadays. That being said, if the 720 provides that, that would be great. Always nice to have these companies push each other's envelopes...

 

I posted a poll here in the general auto forum asking to choose between 488, 720, lambo perf and after couple days the 488 and 720 are about even while lambo is in 3rd. Pretty good result for mac on a ferrari forum. I doubt 488 would get as much love on mclife

I would take the 720 1st because I love its looks and specs. Lambo 2nd for na v10. 488 last because I like 458 style and 9k rpm more so 488 is step back for ferrari

 

I think the new 720s won't take the same deprecition hit the older macs have.

 

If there is any logic the 720S will be positioned somewhere between the 488 and 812, and not as a direct competitor of the 488; on the other hand if McLaren put it at a similar price as the 488 it will send a mixed message:
- bargain price for 50 hp more
- no confidence from McLaren on the value of their cars
For this second reason I do not believe McLaren will do that (in Europe the 675 LT was way more expensive than the 488, with more power but not being a special edition, I'd expect the 720S to be just a little bit less expensive - but still noticeably more than the 488).

 

With a base price in the $280's and nicely optioned (I configured one) about $320, yeah 720 has me second guessing 488 purchase. Absolutely.

No dealer games, get what you want, styling blows away 488 IMHO, speed, interior, but still waiting for track reviews.

Was ready to pull trigger on a 488 and it's honestly making me hold off right now.

Down side, customer spec cars will not arrive until Q4 this year (the launch cars specs are meh to me--but coming in 60 days) and those slots are taken for the most part. So you are looking at this time next year.

I might buy 488 to get it out of the system while waiting on 720, but 720 is going to be a beast (and that is coming from someone who was not a McLaren fan).

 

It's all personnal !

Like ... which pet do you take: a dog or a cat ?

 

I have a 488 and really want to like the 720 but need to see it in the flesh. Other than the headlights, the car looks nice when properly specced. I wouldnt mind picking one up but Im in no rush to replace the 488.

 

I am in the same situation with my 488 order. My dealer is waiting for my deposit while I am for the 720s's final spec's. The 720s, unlike its first generation predecessors, has a completely new design whereas the 488 is just a 'cut-out' version of the beloved 458. Since the 488 has gone turbo, it's now a fair game. Had Ferrari stayed true to the mid-8 NA approach, I'd have bought the 488 despite the highly 'compromised' exterior design and the identical interior to the 458. The 720s invokes much of the P1 styling with the latest CF technology. The interior seems to be greatly improved (one of my dislikes of the 650s), more spacious, much better visibility, and better side sills and doors that extend over the roof. The rare spoiler integration to the body is masterful. Overall weight of 2990 lbs with the new gen-2 tub must be a blast to drive on a track. Since the 488 and 720s cost about the same at MSRP, it will be wise to see and drive a 720s before a final decision.

BTW: Is there anyone here that has seen the 720s in person at the Genevea Auto Show?

 

BTW there will be a 720 at Amelia Island this weekend (today/tomorrow) FYI from what I read. Might be good oppty to check it out.

 

For the price of 325k on my 720s configuration, the 488 gtb is a weaker proposition. Sound is important to me and from the video it seems like the 720s might even sound better than the 488 gtb. Although I don't really like the Deadpool front end, I think it will look great in black with orange accents. I didn't like the 488 side vents and door handles that much either. Value wise I think McLaren will continue churning out vehicles so the 720s will still depreciate more than a 488. My friend is currently getting 325k as trade in for his 360+ 675lt.

 

My dealer may have the same car here at the show room for a local launch introduction shortly after the Amelia Island event.

 

Ferrari is Ferrari.

720 with its typical British style and finish will be mighty fast and fun for sure.

But last time I checked with my sold 570s, it lacked some quality.

I hope 720 will be better.

I can wait another year or 2 to try out second hand 720 for track toy.

But I can not live without Ferrari or 2 in my garage

 

Nice--post pics/thoughts.

The launch sale car specs are very weak IMHO (but will be out in May), so really only way to get one is order to spec--those orders go in Aug this year.

So Ferrari will have a little breathing room, but this time next year will be interesting to see 488 secondary market.

 

If you are right, and history is on your side of the prediction, about McLaren's depreciation, it will be a blast to pick up a low mileage 720s in 18 months without having to trade in my 458. A 2,000 mile 720s is definitely worth $230K with some CF options and warranty. Much of the first year depreciation is in the dealer's profit, about $60k. I can't imagine this kind of market valuation will do to the used 650s then! McLaren has a recent record sales worldwide and the momentum will be impossible to resist for any business and to do the contrary...imposing a self limit on production in order to protect the brand in the used car market. The only other option is to spin out more variants, spiders, LT's, etc. which will have the same effect on existing used cars.

 

I don't think you're going to see $100k depreciation on a 720 in the first few years. We'll see.

McLaren did a terrible roll out job on 650 and why the factory was giving them away...that won't happen on 720s.

You are seeing 570s hold pretty nicely. Dealer margin is 9% BTW.

 

I used the $60k example because that's what my dealer offers if I buy a brand new 2016 650s now. If the dealer's profit margin is 9%, it will have to take a loss of $30K. Hard to believe a dealer would do it?

 

Agree with almost all of this except you forgot the biggest deal killer of all for me and that is their very small USA dealership base.

I live in Vegas where there is no dealership as in many, many other places. Having to truck the car to another state even for someone to run a diagnostics check makes it a complete deal killer.

Much props to this company for raising the bar considerably on both interior and exterior to an already modernized version.

They got my attention.


Cars:

2013 Ferrari 458 Spider
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cab

Only 2 that I drive.

 

650's yes they are giving away (via factory incentives as they over built them and people were waiting on 720).

I've seen as high as $80k off 650 new...

720's won't depreciate like that--I don't think. We'll see. I wouldn't touch a 650--no way.

That is an issue for me as well. Valid point.

Someone mentioned LV is getting one--don't know when.

I'd imagine this year McLaren will announce 4-5 more US dealers to support growth.

 

Also will be interesting to see what they pull out of the hat next with those doors when they bring out the spider version.

Made the car easier to get in and out of now and no going back.


Cars:

2013 Ferrari 458 Spider
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cab

Only 2 that I drive.

 

Spider is 2020--so will be a while. But agree.

 

Let it play out. The way McLaren is moving and shaking the follow up to the 720 may make it look like a dinosaur. Lol




Cars:

2013 Ferrari 458 Spider
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cab

Only 2 that I drive.

 

Fine, I'll buy a old leftover 488 in the mean time while waiting for the 850s

 

Mc pumps out so many variants the base 720 has no chance but steep depreciation...if history repeats itself.