THE HOLY TRINITY DRAG RACE: MCLAREN P1 VS. PORSCHE 918 SPYDER VS. FERRARI LAFERRARI
In the world of hypercars, three names stand above the rest, forming an unholy trinity of automotive brilliance: the McLaren P1, the Porsche 918 Spyder, and the Ferrari LaFerrari. These hybrid hypercars redefined performance when they debuted nearly a decade ago, and to this day, enthusiasts argue over which one is the quickest. So, what happens when you line them up on a drag strip and let them battle it out? Well, thanks to Carwow, we finally have an answer. Before we dive into the head-to-head, let’s take a closer look at the specs of these three hypercar icons.
McLaren P1
Engine: 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 + electric motor
Power: 916 hp
Torque: 900 Nm
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Weight: 1,490 kg
Value: Over £1,000,000
Porsche 918 Spyder
Engine: 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 + two electric motors
Power: 887 hp
Torque: 1,280 Nm
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Weight: 1,675 kg
Value: Over £1,000,000
Ferrari LaFerrari
Engine: 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 + electric motor
Power: 963 hp
Torque: 900 Nm
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Weight: 1,585 kg
Value: Over £3,000,000
The excitement in the air is palpable. The drivers are ready, the cars are warmed up, and there’s no backing out now. The McLaren P1, piloted by Matt Watson, a first-time experience for him, adding an extra layer of anticipation. In the Porsche 918, Rory Reid knows he has the easiest launch thanks to all-wheel drive. And behind the wheel of the LaFerrari, Yanni is feeling the pressure - after all, he’s in the most expensive and potentially the most temperamental machine of the trio. Before the racing begins, the drivers conduct a sound check. The McLaren’s twin-turbo V8 delivers aggressive, mechanical whooshes, while the Porsche’s V8 snarls with a more natural growl. But the LaFerrari? That high-revving Italian V12 completely steals the show, delivering a wailing symphony that silences the competition. The drivers engage launch control, the lights go green, and the cars explode off the line. The results? Well, if you had your money on rear-wheel drive conquering all, you might be in for a surprise.
Winner: Porsche 918 Spyder – 10.2 seconds
Second Place: McLaren P1 – 10.5 seconds
Third Place: Ferrari LaFerrari – 11.1 seconds
Despite having the lowest horsepower, the Porsche 918 makes full use of its all-wheel-drive traction, hooking up immediately and surging ahead. The McLaren P1 struggles slightly off the line but manages to stay in the fight, while the LaFerrari’s lack of traction leaves it floundering at the start. To give the rear-wheel-drive cars a fair shot, the trio lines up again for a rolling race, eliminating launch traction as a deciding factor. This time, at a steady 10 mph rolling start, the hypercars unleash their full power without the struggle of launching from a standstill. This time, the playing field is far more level. The McLaren P1 fights back, surging ahead at higher speeds, while the Ferrari LaFerrari proves to be an absolute missile once traction is no longer a concern. The Porsche 918 still holds its own, but the outcome is much closer than the standing start drag race. When it comes to sheer off-the-line speed, the Porsche 918 Spyder is the clear winner. Thanks to its all-wheel drive and instant electric torque, it simply obliterates the competition from a dig. However, in a rolling race, things get much tighter, and both the McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari show their true colours, proving why they are considered among the greatest hypercars of all time. But at the end of the day, does it really matter which one is the fastest in a straight line? The Holy Trinity isn’t just about numbers - it’s about the experience. Each of these cars offers something unique: the P1’s relentless turbocharged brutality, the 918’s technical perfection, and the LaFerrari’s screaming V12 emotion. So, which one would you choose? The answer probably depends on your driving style, your love for naturally aspirated versus turbocharged power, and of course, your bank account. But one thing is for sure - whichever one you pick, you’re getting a piece of automotive history.
Take a look at the YouTube video that provides answers to all those pub-talk questions about which of these amazing and legendary hypercars will win in a heads up drag race - of course it's the Carwow crew that have managed to assemble these ultra-rare cars for your entertainment: P1 v La Ferrari v 918: DRAG RACE | carwow
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