The performance gap continues its narrowing.
The supercars of today are mind-blowing machines that can go on the road with speed and power that was unimaginable just a few decades back. Despite all their technological advances, they still race dedicated race cars. A new Driven Media YouTube video highlights the performance differences between them, comparing a V10-powered Formula One vehicle against a McLaren GT.
It is easy to see the specs sheet .McLaren It is at a huge disadvantage. The engine’s twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V8 produces 562 horsepower (419 Kilowatts) as well as 442 pound-feet (602 Newton-meters), of torque. However, the naturally aspirated V10 engine in F1 cars produces 770 horsepower (574 kW) with 383 lbft (520 Nm), of torque. The F1 car weighs 825 kg (1,1818 lb) less than the McLaren.
They faced off in a pair drag races of quarter-miles. Although the F1 car won easily, it was closer than one might expect. F1 won the first race with 9.6 seconds, McLaren was second with 10.8 seconds. The second race was close with only 1.0 seconds between the two teams – 9.1 and 10.1. Although it’s not a large gap, it would prove difficult for McLaren to close the gap. It would take some modifications to reduce the gap by a full second. F1 also won a rolling race at 40 miles an hour (64 km per hour).
In the final event, the cars went from 0 to 100 to 0. Although technically the F1 car won it, the McLaren required less asphalt to accelerate from 100 mph (163 kph) faster. F1 brakes don’t work at 60 mph (96 km/h), so the McLaren with big brakes was given a chance. Although the McLaren has lost all of its events, it still makes a strong showing for modern supercars. Although there is still some performance gaps, they are closing.