The McLaren 720S so easily eclipsed the performance of its rivals upon its release that any on-track comparisons between the British supercar and a Lamborghini Huracan or Ferrari 488 GTB have become useless, as the Macca has beaten them countless times.
However, Ferrari’s hardcore 488 Pista arrived roughly 12 months after the 720S and gave it something to think about, even though it’s more track-focused nature means it’s not really its direct rival.
Nevertheless, the two have been put head-to-head on a number of occasions, and this clip from The Supercar Driver is one of the best. For this test, the duo locked horns at the Anglesey Circuit in Wales to see which is quickest around this particular track.
Also Watch: Ferrari 488 Pista And McLaren 720S Put On A Show By Racing Each Other
With racing driver Oliver James Webb behind the wheel, the 488 Pista set a best time of 1:32.20 seconds. James then jumped into the cabin of a 720S, which sported a very eye-catching livery, and set a best time of 1:33.05, putting it some 0.85-seconds behind the 488. That’s very respectable, when you consider the 720S is currently McLaren’s base Super Series model and will soon receive an ‘LT’ variant.
That being said, it’s worth noting that the life cycles of Ferrari’s mid-engined V8s and McLaren’s Super Series models do not coincide, so by the time the LT version of the 720S hits the market, it may be a year or two before Ferrari’s hardcore variant of the F8 Tributo is launched. Now, that’s a battle we’re really looking forward to watching…