Two of the most powerful modern supercars are on one track.
Ferrari now has an exotic new toy, the DaytonaSP3. McLaren’s report of a possible sale to Volkswagen Group has been the talk of the town for the past few weeks. How can these automakers be competitive when it comes to producing some of the most powerful and fastest cars in their lineup?
Daniel Abt uploaded a popular YouTube video that shows a Ferrari SF90 racing against a McLaren 765LT. These two supercars are among the most powerful on the market today, but they have a different philosophy. Let’s find out what lies beneath the skin.
Ferrari is a performance-oriented hybrid that features a 4.0-liter turbocharged motor and no less than three electric motors. This configuration provides all-wheel drive and a peak power output of 986 horsepower (735 megawatts). The power is channeled to the wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 765LT, however, is more traditional. It is powered by a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8 that was sourced from the 720S. The engine produces 755 horsepower (555 kW). McLaren’s seven-speed dual clutch automatic sends power to the rear wheels.
The outside temperature at which the drag race was captured in this video was 37.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degree Celsius). The surface is extremely cold, so supercars with powerful engines will have trouble finding traction. The Ferrari has AWD, while the McLaren doesn’t have an electric motor and a battery pack.
Power, weight, and traction will all play a role in deciding the outcome of a close race. Driving skills can make a big difference. This is why there are many winners in the races between SF90 and 765LT.