Image via CarExpert/YouTube
For many, the McLaren P1 is the pinnacle of hypercar performance that just can’t be rivaled. But the reality is the British powerhouse came out in 2013, twelve years ago, and automotive technology has marched on considerably since. But does the modern McLaren 765LT supercar have what it takes to beat the aging hypercar?
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That’s an excellent question and one that can only be answered through a real world test. Sure, you can look at the two McLarens on paper and compare specs. But anyone who’s raced knows spec comparisons don’t always determine the outcome of a good old fashioned drag race.
It might sound crazy, because it is, but CarExpert was able to get a McLaren P1 and put it up against a 765LT to see which would dominate in straight line acceleration. While some will automatically dismiss such a test as a waste of time, we’re not so quick to dismiss the modern longtail supercar.
When the P1 came out it was hailed as a technological miracle. The hybrid hypercar is a member of the much-lauded Holy Trinity along with the LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder. That alone gives people the impression that it can eat modern hypercars for lunch.
It’s true the P1 has aged rather gracefully, but the 765LT is no pushover. However, it’s outgunned on both horsepower and torque by the hypercar, which is why on paper this shouldn’t even be a contest.
They run multiple drag races, including a couple with rolling starts. While it’s entertaining to see how closely matched the McLarens are, we and many other viewers wish CarExpert had hired some professional drivers, or at least brought in some guys who knew what they were doing.
These two clearly don’t know how to use the hypercar and supercar properly. They don’t start at the same time, the rear wing on the P1 is left up the entire time, etc. Plus, they don’t switch drivers. In other words, while a little entertaining to watch, we still don’t truly know which McLaren is faster and that’s a little frustrating.
Watch the drag race for yourself here.
Image via CarExpert/YouTube
