The 2010s gave us one of the greatest rivalries in automotive history: three hypercars, launched almost simultaneously, each aiming to outshine the others. Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche each built a technological masterpiece that redefined performance. These three cars—the LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Porsche 918 Spyder—are known as the Holy Trinity of modern supercars. Recently, these three icons went head-to-head in a quarter-mile drag race filmed by carwow in United Arab Emirates to showcase their capabilities.
The McLaren P1 is powered by a 3.8L twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor, producing 916 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque. It features rear-wheel drive, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and weighs around 1,500 kg.
The Ferrari LaFerrari combines a 6.3L naturally aspirated V12 with an electric motor, generating 963 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque. Like the P1, it has rear-wheel drive, a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and weighs 1,600 kg.
The Porsche 918 Spyder features a 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 and two electric motors, delivering a combined 887 horsepower and 1,280 Nm of torque. Unlike its competitors, it features an advanced all-wheel-drive system, making it more effective at putting power to the ground despite also weighing 1,600 kg.
In the standing quarter-mile, the Porsche 918 crosses the line first in 10.2 seconds, followed by the McLaren P1 at 10.5 seconds and the LaFerrari at 11.1 seconds. The 918’s all-wheel drive and instant electric torque give it a decisive traction advantage, allowing it to launch more effectively than its rear-wheel-drive rivals.
