Everyone is a winner with a combined horsepower total of 1,370

Technically, the McLaren and Ferrari488 GTB appear to be competitors on paper. Both have similar prices, comparable performance, and similar powertrains. But just because something looks good on paper doesn’t necessarily mean it will perform well on the drag strip. It is therefore surprising that a race between a McLaren 720S GTB and a Ferrari 488 GTB ended in a tie.

The 720S is powered by a biturbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 that produces 710 horsepower and weighs in at 3,180 pounds. The Ferrari is also heavier at 3,252 pounds , and produces less power. The Ferrari’s biturbo, 3.9-liter V8 produces only 660 horsepower, which is significantly less than the McLaren. This is even more evident on the drag strip.

The McLaren gives the Ferrari an advantage of about a car length, or about half a second, when the two lines are completed and the tree turns green. The McLaren continues to pull ahead of the Ferrari, placing several car lengths between them. The McLaren closes the gap quickly and passes the Ferrari.

The McLaren was able to cross the quarter-mile in 10.700 seconds, at 143.02 mph. At just 127.17 mph, the Ferrari was finished in 11.338 seconds. This is a significant difference considering that the McLaren didn’t have good grip at the start.

Ferrari is not to be criticized. Ferrari launched the Ferrari488 Pista earlier this year. This car is significantly more powerful than the GTB’s 720S. The Pista still uses a 3.9-liter biturbo engine V8, but it has 710 horsepower and can accelerate to 62 mph in just 2.92 seconds. This is the kind of performance that would rival the 720S. It’s always great to see supercars battling it out at the drag strip and track. It’s thrilling to read about these supercars, but even more exciting to see them race.