Ferrari 488 GTB vs McLaren 570S vs Audi R8 V10 Plus: CAR magazine's supercar triple test

Anything Ferrari can do... McLaren does for less cash and Audi does with less flash. This is already a podium, but who stands on top?
CAR magazine UK compares three of the most exciting supercars on sale today.
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CAR is the online edition of CAR magazine, Britain's oldest monthly motoring mag. It's the UK's best and fastest online motoring news service, providing a constant stream of scoops, first drives and official pictures of new cars.

[@SuperKafooo]

The R8 is truely one of few supercars that can be a daily driver as well. Thats what i love about about it.

[@ColinMcray]

i love ferraris but the bias towards ferrari in this video is way too much

[@CarToneHK]

Video Summary : The 2 cheaper cars can't compete with the more expensive one

[@coureurdebois]

488 GTB's main competitor is the 650S, but with that said most reviewers seem to enjoy the driving dynamics of the 570S over that of the 650S. with that said the 570S is the sexiest one there.

[@coureurdebois]

***** :O

[@Alby911]

The 570S suffers from too much carbon fibre. The side door scoops are totally unnecessary and the rear end is ugly as sin. And the worst part of the 570S is the smiley face. But at the end of the day, styling is a matter of taste.

[@coureurdebois]

^^^ smells like someone is "reeking of insecurity"

[@kraenk12]

McLarens sadly don't look good anymore.

[@YoungDen]

Makes good sense but that 488 though!

[@jameslovett8697]

The 570s and R8 and not ment to be compared with the 488 -_-

[@Rennteam11]

Why not? The R8 does 0-100 kph faster than the 488, from 0-160 kph both cars have basically the same acceleration. The R8 has a top speed of 330 kph. Ferrari claims that the 488 has a top speed of "over" 330 kph but the truth is, it isn't really much faster. From 0-200 kph, the Ferrari is one second faster than the R8 and from 0-300 kph around three seconds. Not really that much of a difference and the 488 has 60 hp more than the R8 and weights a lot less. THINK before you write. Thank you! Last but not least, the sound of that R8 V10 engine is just amazing, you need to hear it live. The engine alone is worth getting the R8 (or the Huracan for that matter).

[@vivalaphill]

the price though.

[@macmac9371]

Ferrari makes them do this they don't want their cars compared to the rival model for business reasons

[@nicklove2011]

Those are the cars they had available

[@zx208]

+991TurboS well thats where you sound stupid. all your going by is 0 to 60 times and acceleration in a straight line. let them go on a track and see who the clear winner would be. meaning they are not in the same category of supercars

[@hugomartinezf.1905]

Big Props to Audi for Giving us the pleasure of the V10 NA motor. #SavetheN/A

[@briancenti5423]

the 488 is drop dead gorgeous and you cannot go wrong wit any of these three sinners

[@Celeritate7]

Why would you compare 488 to 570S ? Its true rival is the 650S, this is lame

[@jameslovett8697]

yea and not an R8 =/

[@MTerkait]

tbh 650s is still more expensive than 488 and maybe better.

[@shanedonaldson9168]

I'd say the 650s is more of a rival to the Ferrari F12

[@isaacola7596]

I'd say, the true rival to the 488gtb is the 675LT. Now that'll be something!

[@jortepap]

+Isaac Olarewaju No its not. Its 650S.

[@jortepap]

650S is the rival ofcourse!! not 570S. Still great video

[@isaacola7596]

675LT in fact?

[@jortepap]

+Isaac Olarewaju No ofcourse not.. 650S the "normal" one. The 488 GTB is also not the hardcore version like a Speciale or Scuderia.

[@pascalmpower7944]

I think 458 Speciale is 650-S rival and 675 is 488's rival.

[@craigt5906]

+ATTESA ET-S NISMO N ATTACK 東瀛戰神 R34 Z TUNE 458 488 and Huracan are 650s rivals 458 speciale and 488 speciale/scuderia are 675lt rival 570s is aimed at Audi R8 v10 plus and 911 turbo plus 540c is rivals with 911 turbo and R8 v10

[@pascalmpower7944]

craig thomas 458 Italia is MP4-12C's rival, Speciale is 650-S rival and 488 is LT's rival. I think Ferrari will launch a hardcore 488 soon. But yeah, 570 is a GT, it rivals 911 Turbo S

[@Viktorbjorn]

All figures are approximate: Audi R8 V10 Plus 610 HP £137,500 McLaren 570S 562 HP £143,250 Porsche Turbo S 580 HP £145,773 Lamborghini Huracan 571 HP £180,720 Ferrari 488 GTB 661 HP £183,964 McLaren 650S 641 HP £195,250 I do thoroughly enjoy your videos, but this comparison hardly makes sense. Maybe you should do a Koenigsegg One:1 vs Ferrari F12 TDF vs Lamborghini Aventador SV next time? "ANYTHING A SWEDISH MEGA CAR CAN DO, CAN THE ITALIANS ALSO DO FOR LESS CASH BUT MORE FLASH?!"

[@fredeb67]

The R8 sounds the best imo.

[@Sandouras]

That Ferrari looks so plain on the outside. I'd have the McLaren just for the looks.

[@kraenk12]

The McLaren looks like an overstyled toy car compared to that gorgeous Ferrari.

[@manveerghuman5276]

+kraenk12 Yeah and it's almost half the price with the 540C version....

[@pascalmpower7944]

I like how Ferrari call this platform a 488 because the capacity of each cylinder= 488cc. I love the 488, it's one of the most successful sportscar ever built. It won Top gear's car of the year and its 3.9 TT V8 won engine of the year at Engine Expo's in Stuttgart if I'm not mistaken. McLaren's M838T won't match Ferrari's 3.9 TT V8 when comes to throttle response. The throttle response of 3.9 TT V8 is just 0.1 second slower than F136 N/A V8 in Ferrari 458 Italia and 458 Speciale. That's probably because of its super light compressor wheels. The "titanium aluminium alloy compressor wheels that mounted on ball-bearing shafts". It allows the turbo to spin with less weight meaning much quicker spool up speed which means it has quicker engine response as well. Beside engine, I also like its chassis. The Gen 2 SSC works fantastic combining with quick throttle response and traction management. This car has 561 lb/ft and the torque curve is pretty flat, however, the ecu will adjust the wastegate to reduce power to avoid too much slipping until 4th gear. The 488 doesn't have linear torque curve like 458 but those facts does help the 488 to stay under control during the whole throttle steering process. I believe the 488 is the sharper car at above 3,000 rpm where its turbo spooled up compared to 458. The 570-S is quite laggy based on other motor journalist's feedback. Well, it sounds logical, because 570 seems to have linear torque curve and that means the turbo is quite laggy before the turbo spools up. It has its max toque from 5000-6500 rpm and it doesn't have an LSD that balance the traction between left and right axle, it uses the brake to convert torque like an open diff when turbo kicks in, I don't think the McLaren will turn as precise as Ferrari. For Audi, the R8 does have linear torque curve and the front caster is quite steep which means the steering will be linear, stable and precise but the Haldex viscous coupling doesn't have the force to transfer torque precisely and responsively which tricks the handling of the car. However, Audi might fix the problem by choosing cup 2 tires as standard for gen II R8 V10 plus. The gen II V10 plus also has quickest DCT on market. So my pick will be Ferrari 488 GTB then Audi R8 V10 plus then 570-S.

[@Speednote10]

Pretty much all of Ferrari's model names comes from the displacement of the engine or each cylinder, + the number of cylinders or valves/cylinder. 599 - 5.99 litres, 430 - 4.30 litres, 308 - 3.0 litres + 8 cylinders, 355 - 3.5litres + 5 valves/cylinder, etcetc

[@pascalmpower7944]

Speednote10 458= 4.5 V8. 488= 488cc per cylinder. Get it? According to you, the 488 should've called 398

[@Speednote10]

ATTESA ET-S NISMO N ATTACK 東瀛戰神 R34 Z TUNE Did you even read my comment?? "Ferrari's model names comes from the displacement of the engine *or* *each* *cylinder*"

[@Speednote10]

I even listed an example of each different way they've used the last 25 years. But I guess that's too difficult for you to understand..

[@pascalmpower7944]

Speednote10 Re-read my post. I said the reason I like 488's name is because 488 stands for 488 cubic center meters PER CYLINDER. This is the first time Ferrari uses capacity per cylinder to name the car instead of total capacity or capacity plus numbers of cylinder. Get it?

[@TheForresterOD]

Why didn't you do a 570S vs California T vs 911 Turbo S comparo instead? This makes no sense.

[@93455Driver]

The Audi R8 is one I would like - that V10 sound is so good.

[@SCDC-Channel]

beautiful landscape and gorgeous cars

[@isaackhxn]

570s is better looking than 650s

[@jakeplayer23]

488: Best looking 570s: Best interior Audi R8: Best bang for the $

[@delboy2596]

Great review. Epic cars. Epic scenery.

[@mukangtae3]

stupid comparison isn't it?

[@Nellis0]

What would you rather say you own or drive? A Ferrari or an Audi? I rest my case, the Super Car heritage of the Ferrari overshadows both these cars by a country mile! You have to hand it to Ferrari, every car they produce is a work of art! There is simply no car that exist today with a bigger street cred or heritage than Ferrari, say no more!

[@maximilianoquinones8236]

Nellis Smith well I don't choose the car I'd rather drive based on other people's opinions

[@lapamful]

The 488 has the looks and performance, the R8 has the engine sound and AWD and the 570s has user friendly monster. Yup, if I had the choice I'd definitely take all 3 :P

[@justin6378]

why the heck did you choose the entry level McLaren?

[@mikealanzo]

Cus they're stupid, that's why!

[@macmac9371]

+mikealanzo Ferrari makes them do this, they don't want their cars compared to the rival model for business reasons.

[@mikealanzo]

Mac Mac That too.....

[@VaunShiz]

+Mac Mac so true

[@XxgallardexX]

650s is way to much for the 488 to handle

[@macarows4014]

R8 beats them both, because we all know basic rule - ABSENT NA ENGINE SCREAM -> NO TRUE SUPERCAR. Period.

[@paulchen508]

What is with the F40 ?

[@DIgitusSmartas]

you tube it and you will know whats with it, turbo engine never sounded better than F40 and sounds better than most N/A cars as well.

[@paulchen508]

Oh now i now what he wanted to say

[@hendradi3031]

no true supercar, but hypercar..look a chiron, regera, huayra :D

[@joe125ful]

Rly?:)

[@aculem9486]

+CARmagazineTV was the R8 equipped with the Audi Magnetic Ride system and the dynamic steering?

[@NZsarge1]

I too am of the opinion that this is a mis match. The 570S and R8 plus are definitely more 911 turbo S competitors. The 650S is more the competitor for the 488 and maybe the GT2 when it comes along. That said production values were nice which made it a pleasant video to watch. That naturally aspirated V10 sounds utterly gorgeous.

[@maxtroy8511]

Would be great to do a similar test 3 years down the line taking into consideration what they're like to live with and reliability.

[@milosone]

I know that McLaren is pushing the 570s, but really should have been a 650s/675lt as comparison.

[@24thMandark]

As long as your putting comparisons like this together I'd like to see the new MX5 go head to head with a M4 and and the new Chiron.

[@ziggyfreud5357]

I love NA Porsches ie 3RS but I must admit that 488 sounds pretty mega :)

[@joshuawakeley217]

No 650S, no Turbo S?! The other two cars are incomparable to the 488 which is in a completely different price bracket.

[@AS-oo4gv]

They are all released somewhat recently, its only relevent to compare these

[@leovomend8789]

and the turbo S isnt? the turbo S would also be in a lower price than the 488, but as they mentioned, the 570s already defeated it. and the simple fact that the 570s can go against the 488, just tells you the 650s would destroy it. in fact i am 99.99% sure ferrari wouldnt let them test the car against a 650s

[@jbell2184]

+Ahmad Saleh no it isnt

[@dreray4077]

...The Turbo S is 185k...The 488 is 245k...How is that the same price bracket?..

[@joshuawakeley217]

Different price bracket, even better performance than the 488...

[@w-james9277]

Should have been compared to the 650S. Id still take the 488 anyway but it would have been nice to see how they compare.

[@AngelInTheDesert]

Poor comparison? Maybe. Sweet video I'm happy exists? Absolutely.

[@touxiong765]

thank you for the video.

[@thevegastan]

Am I the only one who likes those fixed paddles that aren't mounted on the steering wheel?

[@banditY2K]

I could live with the 2017 R8 Spyder w/ the 540 HP variant of the V10. Trick that thing out with the carbon fiber bits in and out w/ diamond stitched leather interior and the 20" wheel option and I'm GOOD to GO !

[@williamfoster9039]

No, everyone else hasn't gone to turbos only; Lambo V-10 is still around, and n/a American V-8's are still around!⚒️🔧

[@VoLuTheR]

R8 V10+ and 570S is outmatch againts 488GTB, 488 Direct competitor is 675LT, same V8 TT and 670PS (488) and 675PS (675LT)

[@PizzaRaceGT]

The spec on the 570 is perfect

[@PizzaRaceGT]

What's the color of the interior?

[@o2bavr6]

The reason they used the 570S and not the 650S is because Ferrari would have not let them do the test. If they went ahead and did it with the 650S anyway, they would have been blackballed by Ferrari and would no longer receive any of their cars for future comparisons. Plus the Audi can be purchased as a brand new car with essentially 50 miles at near sticker price, and the McLaren although now sold out was easier to purchase than the Ferrari. Also the Ferrari is $100k+ over sticker, and just because you have the money doesn't mean you can buy one brand new.. you have to be a previous Ferrari owner.

[@nastyscorp]

what is this pointless review, 570svs 488 ?? what the heck

[@danny355]

So let me get this straight....The brake is on the left, and the the accelerator is on the right?

[@MoBaxtah]

when I close my eyes I can't see

[@dlg78]

I had a v10 plus, and test drove a 488 today at my local Ferrari dealer. It's rubbish in comparison. Noise is just dull, it's laggy, not just waiting for boost but even how the gearbox responds, it's skittish over normal roads. I'm so pissed off as I really wanted one based on looks, so I'm now having to go back to a v10 plus. No matter how pretty a car is, you can't drive something if it annoys you.

[@storck08]

I'd still take the R8 V10, but only because of the engine. Probably the last time we're seeing any sort of N/A V10 from a car manufacturer.

[@whisperdancer]

That overrun sound from the v10 is just so good... How can one choose a turbocharged engine when that beautiful high revving V10 sounds much better? And that's the sound you will hear every time you drive the car.

[@benkrapf]

It's synthetic. Honestly, it gets old. Aston, Ferrari and MB do overrun better, imo.

[@MrJuice105]

should have been a 2017 911 turbo s vs the 570S and R8 V10 plus. i also think they should have changed the r8 v10 plus to the lighter, sharper, and faster huracan to compete with the best model both Mclaren & porsche has to offer (since the R8 is a softer supercar it should go up against the 570GT & base turbo model!) and this would have turned out to be an amazing video! then 488 GTB vs 650S!

[@typhoonsd9720]

Now do the review with the McLaren 720S.

[@GoFast865]

Great video, but why not the 675LT or at least the 650S? The 488GTB isn't a direct competitor to the 570S. The price isn't even close and the 570S is closer to the bottom of Mclaren's range than the top.

[@Dgannt]

These 2 cars are not really competitors to 488. They are a few steps below 488 and not in the same league. And Audi can have that NA engine because they have small engines, hybrids and the likes in their line up. Ferrari, Porsche and Mclaren don't have all that to lower their total CO2, which would allow them to have NA engines to all their cars.

[@ConstantineJoseph]

I think the R8 is best for long term enjoyment and less turbo maintenance and replacement cost. NA has her plus and it is a more reliable engine in the long haul. Also the Huracan is armed with that same engine. Lamborghini would be a great choice

[@fatdoi003]

such lame comparison..... Ferrari is 30-40% more expensive than the other 2.... so no surprise at all when the playfield is so uneven

[@theironsmith1]

I'd pick the 488 GTB. But that doesn't mean that the other two are not good. I respect both McLaren and Audi for this.

[@danr00]

@1:10, Camera man gets excited. Can't blame him.

[@masterchef6694]

what's better than all these cars .....a right hand drive version of these cars

[@deebee68]

I would've preferred to see the turbo S, Mclaren 575LT and the 488.

[@alexrdz3821]

not a good comparison, but I really don't care. It makes me happy just to see more content on these cars (especially the 488).

[@Driver_88]

I want to see the new P14 against the 488gtb but will probably be a year away for that

[@740414daan]

488 with "must have" options is much much more expensive than the other two. A bit hard to compare. Huracan SuperLeggera (soon) will and would be better comparion. And the 650s of course. 488 is prob a damn good car but its not my choice. If I would spend over 300k$ on a car it just HAVE TO look incred, and the 488 doesnt.

[@akash-dsouza]

I honestly prefer the 570s over the 488. I cant afford either tho

[@TheChismillionaire]

No 1080p?

[@rextetron]

A very good review! The features and feelings of driving the cars were nicely analyzed, almost as good as Chris Harris would have done. A track and drag race test would have been nice in addition, but can't have everything.

[@batguano7526]

Having owned both the Ferrari and McLaren I have to disagree with this conclusion. For me the McLaren was head and shoulders above the Ferrari in both driver involvement and enjoyment. Not to mention being cheaper to buy, run and service. Add to this the fact that I never once got any verbal abuse whilst driving the McLaren.

[@jayh5641]

r8 100% for looks and definitely the sound. also you can take it to any audi dealership unlike the other two.

[@AOCreatrix]

Regardless of what people say over the. last 10 years Audi R8 has beaten Ferrari in the Lemans.

[@wolfy333sp]

Lol The Audi's are prototype cars in lemans, and the ferrari is a gt car, completly different class...where's the audi gt car? nowhere it would get smashed by ferrari gt cars.

[@edwatters5788]

great video

[@TheEryk03]

I'd take R8 and 1199 panigale. Still cheaper than 488.

[@Dgannt]

Exactly, Cheaper. You want something really good and top of the line, like that 488? It costs you more. You can't afford it? Go with the cheaper alternatives.

[@kyleweir1590]

Totally agree. The R8's just as nice as the 488 and the Ducati would be faster than all of them.

[@itsmylife4fucksake]

yeah but those 2 are still not good enough as one 488 :)

[@Jinsun202]

Rich people don't think like poor people.

[@Dgannt]

Ex Cop That is the poor people's problem. They have no idea how rich people think and compare everything with how THEY themselves would do if they could afford ONE expensive car. Then they always take the cheaper one and save the rest for gas money, lol.

[@kempowarrior]

I love all of the super cars in this video. But if I have to choose one I take the Ferrari 488 GTB (it is tough decision) because I love that Audi R8 V10 Plus. And one a side note, a lots of reviewers or drivers bitch and complain about how easy it is to drive the Nissan GT-R but praise the McLaren for the same thing. Which is lame.

[@timmietz]

So, here I am: i’m looking at all these three cars used, all of them are about 12 to 18 months old. R8 plus: $165k 570s: $185k 488: $270k So, The real world question is, obviously, is The $100,000 premium for the Ferrari justified versus the R8. In my book, the answer is no. But that’s just me and my money.

[@_inunoo9381]

How much are all three cars

[@jameslovett8697]

not a 650s whaaa......silly

[@smsuperman1219]

Mclaren combines supercar with luxurious ride. It's the car that can be driven harder with more control, made for any driver regardless of skill. Ferrari is the hardcore racing brand, made for experts who know how to slide, which would kill even a good driver if he tried to push it even just a bit. That's why you don't often see 458 Italians being pushed because most don't have the skills or confidence for it. 430 Scuderia had the best of both worlds. It had the engine that thrills, feels like a serious racing car at any speed, and had good predictable control. I wouldn't buy a car regardless of how fast it goes if it doesn't at least have air conditioning. Comfortable seats and position too. Cars that are uncomfortable to sit in and difficult to drive are for wannabes trying to get attention. Proving lack of self confidence. Even pro racers appreciate air conditioning.

[@lipinglin1994]

Still I would drive the AUDI for a daily fun and enjoyment.

[@nickvongeijer9897]

What is the interior color of the 570s?

[@sourwords1808]

honestly, i just can never imagine the R8 as supercar. not since day one. i could never understand how or why people would spend the money on this over the Ferrari or the McLaren.

[@Rennteam11]

Maybr because you don't have the money to spend for such cars? LOL A little hint: I was always dreaming of a Lamborghini but my social environment here in Germany doesn't allow me to get one, it would upset people and put my business in danger. So I got myself an Audi and everything is OK. They still talk about the car but since it is an Audi... 😎 A Ferrari would have been a total no go herr in my neighborhood, unless I wanted to loose customers and get my kids harrassed or mobbed at school. Life can be a bitch.

[@andrewsouth4506]

Shocker, car that costs 50k more wins test.

[@blackmondayy1]

You tried to hard to make the Ferrari the winer guys....why didnt you bring the 650s or the 675LT ?....also insted of the R8 ( wich i absolutlly love ) shoud have been the Huracan or the 911 GT3 RS...

[@ghleeve]

*winner

[@tahsin28]

GTB sounds like an Hyundai N model. Which is quite an insult.

[@bobanppvc]

Im not fan of Audi but N/A v10 in todays time of forced induction is big advantage to me

[@kingsleyclarke544]

Btw, the 570s is a sports car.

[@alexgontijo]

The McLaren 570S is comparable to a Ferrari California T, and still the California would smoke it! Bring the 675LT next time...

[@GAWTYONEK]

Thank you for the wonderful test and photography.

[@cameronwolfe8238]

both the r8 and 570s are nearly 100 grand less than the 488... maybe a 650s would have been more appropriate

[@PartyLike1969]

Imagine what would happen at Maranello if the 570 won...

[@kostasmilo2562]

why dont you compare the 488gtb against the huracan...same money but a LOT of differences...

[@MrAphorism]

Seriously Car magazine, use the right Mclaren in the comparison test. Use the 650s, did Ferrari chicken out?

[@chrisanderson2204]

Like the video,but the Ferrari is not a 570S or R8 competitor

[@suloja61]

Very Nice.

[@zakoblivioa]

Why would they use the 570s should have used the 650s or 675lt

[@benoliver8775]

zakoblivioa because the specs are similar with these cars if you used 650 or 675 the Ferrari wouldn’t stand a chance

[@patfromozZ]

Could make sense for Ferrari to bring out a model below the GTB/Spider. Perhaps a light weight vehicle for like he said...about 140 grand, give it 550 to 600bhp and I recon it would sell like hot cakes.

[@junklifegames]

patfromozZ that's going to be the new Dino

[@jayeshanchan]

not a fair comparo. you really need to put at least the 650S against the Ferrari 488 to have a fair one.

[@madj0hn]

His name is Ben Barry lol

[@SPMNDK89]

This is an odd comparo, like the man said, Lambo has always been a Ferrari rival, that was its sole purpose for existing when Enzo told Ferrucio to phuck off. A comparo that would make more sense is the 488 vs. Huracan vs. 650s

[@Rennteam11]

The new R8 V10 Plus is in fact basically a Huracan with Audi R8 body, check your facts. Regarding that drag race everyone is wondering why it never happened: Simply reason, the R8 would have won from 0 to 160 kph (100 mph) and neither McLaren nor Ferrari wanted to see that happen! Unfortunately the R8 stands no chance in the upper speed range above 200 kp (125 mph) but for speed limited countries, this doesn't really matter.

[@jasonholtkamp6483]

Cant wait until these cars can be compared to the Ford GT!

[@ImOldGregg]

Is it me or does the audio quality blow

[@mikealanzo]

Oh it blows alright!

[@jwj500]

It's you as I imagine you have nothing to back it up but your statement.

[@AleksanderHoff]

Am I the only one out there that think the headlights back and front, on the McLaren are so tiny they just make the car look stupid?

[@M4rkmcc21]

Wheres the location?

[@martinhonan9588]

Haiti lol

[@Dsesp94]

wouldn't the f12 and aventador be the rivals of the 650s?

[@ethancerwinski4368]

570s and R8 r also actually affordable if you work hard 488 is for famous people

[@brellnob]

The 570 is great but the 650 would be the better comparison.

[@Toyota4Life]

The Audi looks the worst next to these two. But the Ferrari looks boring next to the McLaren