The Porsche 911 Turbo S and McLaren 720S represent two completely different approaches to building a supercar. One is an evolution of a design that's been refined for over 60 years. The other is a clean-sheet engineering exercise built purely for performance. Both are available for hire in Melbourne, and both are incredible. But which one's right for you?
Performance Stats
Let's start with the numbers:
- Porsche 911 Turbo S: 650hp, 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, 330km/h top speed, twin-turbo flat-six, AWD
- McLaren 720S: 710hp, 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds, 341km/h top speed, twin-turbo V8, RWD
On paper, the McLaren has more power and a higher top speed. But the Porsche's all-wheel-drive system gives it the advantage off the line. In the real world, they're incredibly close in outright pace.
Driving Experience
Porsche 911 Turbo S
The 911 feels like the most capable car on the road. It's brutally fast but somehow also composed, comfortable and manageable. The all-wheel-drive system gives you incredible confidence. You can push hard without ever feeling like the car is going to bite you. The flat-six engine sounds distinctive and rewarding.
The 911 is also the more practical car. It has a usable boot, reasonable visibility and a ride that's firm but never punishing. You could genuinely drive this every day.
McLaren 720S
The McLaren is a different animal entirely. It's lighter, more focused and more dramatic. The carbon fibre tub means you sit lower, surrounded by more glass, with a sense of being in a fighter jet cockpit. The rear-wheel-drive layout demands more respect and delivers more theatre.
When you get on the throttle, the 720S is genuinely breathtaking. The power delivery is savage and the acceleration pins you back in the seat. It's the more exciting car to drive hard, but it requires more attention and skill.
Price Comparison
- Porsche 911 Turbo S: $850 to $1,100/day
- McLaren 720S: $1,300 to $1,700/day
The Porsche is significantly cheaper to hire. That makes it the better value proposition, especially for a first supercar experience. The McLaren commands a premium for its rarity and exotic status.
"The Porsche does everything brilliantly. The McLaren does one thing spectacularly. Choose based on what matters most to you."
Who Each Car Suits
- First-time supercar hirer: Porsche 911 Turbo S. It's fast, forgiving and confidence-inspiring.
- Experienced driver: McLaren 720S. The rear-drive layout and raw power reward skill.
- Road trip: Porsche. The comfort, boot space and all-weather capability make it the better tourer.
- Track day: McLaren. The lighter weight and more focused chassis shine on circuit.
- Instagram: McLaren. The butterfly doors and exotic design generate more engagement.
- Best value: Porsche. More affordable and arguably more car per dollar.
Street Presence
The McLaren turns more heads. It's lower, wider and more visually dramatic. The dihedral doors are a show-stopper every time you park. People who don't know cars still recognise it as something special.
The Porsche is more subtle. Car people will appreciate it immediately, but casual observers might not realise it's a $400,000 machine. That can be a positive or a negative depending on what you're after.
The Verdict
If you want the best all-round supercar experience at a great price, hire the Porsche 911 Turbo S. If you want maximum drama, maximum performance and don't mind paying more for it, the McLaren 720S is unforgettable.
Explore Both Options
Browse our Porsche range, check out our McLaren collection, or explore our full supercar fleet for more options.