Compare the2022 McLaren 720SVS 2022 Chevrolet Corvette

The McLaren 720S has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Corvette doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The 720S offers an optional 360 Degree Park Assist to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Corvette only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

Both the 720S and the Corvette have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The 720S comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The Corvette’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires sooner.

The 720S’ corrosion warranty is 4 years and unlimited miles longer than the Corvette’s (10/unlimited vs. 6/100,000).

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the 720S has an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of the engines in the Corvette.

The 720S’ 4.0 turbo V8 produces 220 more horsepower (710 vs. 490) and 103 lbs.-ft. more torque (568 vs. 465) than the Corvette’s standard 6.2 V8. The 720S’ 4.0 turbo V8 produces 215 more horsepower (710 vs. 495) and 98 lbs.-ft. more torque (568 vs. 470) than the Corvette Z51’s standard 6.2 V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the McLaren 720S is faster than the Corvette Z51:

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the 720S’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Corvette doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

For better stopping power the 720S’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Corvette:

The 720S has standard heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Corvette doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 720S has standard air brakes, which adjust the rear spoiler automatically during high-speed braking in order to shorten stopping distances. The Corvette doesn’t offer air brakes.

The 720S stops much shorter than the Corvette:

The 720S offers an optional automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Corvette doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 720S is 1 inch wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than on the Corvette.

The 720S’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (42% to 58%) than the Corvette’s (40% to 60%). This gives the 720S more stable handling and braking.

The 720S Coupe handles at 1.09 G’s, while the Corvette Coupe pulls only 1.01 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The 720S Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the Corvette Coupe (22.3 seconds @ 1.05 average G’s vs. 23.4 seconds @ .86 average G’s).

The McLaren 720S may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 pounds less than the Chevrolet Corvette.

The 720S is 3.4 inches shorter than the Corvette, making the 720S easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

With its coupe body style and remote trunk release lockout, the 720S offers cargo security. The Corvette’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

If the windows are left open on the 720S the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Corvette can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Both the 720S and Corvette have a standard remote lowering convertible top; however, in case of a sudden change of weather, the 720S has a standard remote convertible roof that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. The Corvette doesn’t offer a remote closing roof, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

The 720S’ rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Corvette’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The 720S was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2018. The Corvette has never been an “All Star.”