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2024 McLaren 750S vs Ferrari 296: Which is Better?
Disappointed by McLaren discontinuing the 710-hp 720S in 2022, we’re thrilled to see its return as a revamped 740-hp version of the 2024 McLaren 750S. Available in coupe and spider styles, it retains the 4.0L V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission but sheds weight through engineering innovations like a lighter exhaust and wheels, plus pistons from the 765LT. The result is a faster, more agile supercar. On the Ferrari side, the 296GTB/GTS breaks tradition with a mid-mounted turbo V6 and an electric motor, producing a combined 819 hp. While its sound differs from classic Ferrari engines, it hints at a future where electrification prevails. Both the 750S and 296 models showcase each brand’s ability to evolve, offering impressive performance and aesthetics, ensuring enthusiasts still find joy in the driving experience.
| 2024 McLaren 750S | Ferrari 296 | |
| Dimensions | 179.9 in x 76.0 in x 47.1 in | 179.7 in x 77.1 in x 46.9 in |
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 | 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 + AC motor |
| Horsepower | 740 hp | 819 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft | 546 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 2.5–2.6 sec | 2.5 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 5.1–5.2 sec | 4.8 sec |
| Top-Speed | 206 mph | 205 mph |
McLaren 750S
Engine & Performance
In the 750S, there’s a strong 740-hp twin-turbo V8 engine under the seats that loves sending 590 lb-ft torque to the rear wheels. It shifts gears with a seven-speed dual-clutch, similar to what’s in the 765LT. Besides being really powerful, the 750S has lightweight wheels that McLaren claims are the lightest ever. It also has cool aero stuff that makes it stick to the road better than the 720S. Inspired by the million-dollar Senna, the 750S can slow down with fancy ceramic brakes. It comes with standard Pirelli P Zero summer tires, and you can choose the optional P Zero Corsa or the track-focused P Zero Trofeo R tires. The 750S has different-sized wheels, with 19-inch ones in the front and 20-inch ones in the back.
Price & Mileage
Choosing options for the 750S is really easy. The McLaren 750S starts at $329,500 for the Coupe and goes up to $350,500 for the Spider version. The EPA hasn’t told us how much gas it uses yet, but we think it’ll probably be similar to the 720S. The 720S, with its slightly less powerful twin-turbo 4.0L V8, got around 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway which is pretty typical for a supercar.
Acceleration & Features
McLaren says the 750S can zoom to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, matching the craziness of the discontinued 720S. The 7.0-inch tall infotainment screen controls things like climate, Apple CarPlay, and setting up ambient lighting. A standard 360-degree rearview camera has a better resolution than the one in the 720S, making things clearer. If, for some reason, you want to drown out the P1-inspired exhaust note, there’s a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with an amplifier and McLaren’s Continuum cone speakers to handle your music needs.
Ferrari 296
Engine & Performance
Under the hood of the 296 is a turbocharged V6 that works with a plug-in-hybrid system. The gasoline engine and an electric motor team up to create a massive 819 hp, all of which goes exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both the coupe and convertible can run on electricity alone, drawing power from a 6.0-kWh battery pack located under the floor. The 296GTB has four drive modes. eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify each offering different performance characteristics. Additionally, it features communicative electrically assisted power steering and a brake-by-wire system.
Price & Mileage
The 296GTB and 296GTS are pretty pricey, making them out of reach for most of us. But if we had the cash, we’d go for the coupe and choose the carbon-fiber wheels along with the carbon-fiber Daytona seats. The 296GTB starts at $338,255, and the 296GTS goes up to $372,000. According to the EPA, both the 296GTB and 296GTS can do around 47 MPGe equivalent with a mix of city and highway driving. The onboard battery can give you about 7 miles of electric-only driving.
Acceleration & Features
The GTB can hit 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds, beating the Lamborghini Huracan STO and the McLaren Artura. Unlike other cars, the 296 doesn’t have a typical infotainment system. Instead, functions for audio and navigation are part of the digital gauge cluster. Sadly, we found the system a bit awkward to use. The passenger gets a digital display too, meant to make them feel like a co-driver, according to Ferrari.