Whenever a new car is released, or you look at older spec cars, the first thing you usually find is the manufacturer’s pamphlet about it. This much weight, that much power, and then you get to the 0-62 MPH rating.
There honestly is no real-world application that would ever need to have a full launch controlled sprint to 62 MPH. It’s there as a gimmick in a car that you plan to use as a very expensive toy.
But… what if the real world doldrums of road driving were removed, and it was just pure car vs car? Lovecars on YouTube, which is where Tiff Needell of Top Gear, then Fifth Gear, now presents, decided to do just that.
It should be noted that the Porsche used is a Taycan Turbo S. This version has the two full-time electric motors on the axles for all-wheel drive, 761 equivalent HP, and weighs in at a mildly hefty 2,370 kg (5,224 lbs).
The McLaren P1 in the test is a bit of a special one, as it was Series Prototype 1. In terms of how special that is, imagine owning the McLaren F1 XP5, the one that set the world speed record for a production car. It was a prototype and is displayed in the McLaren building at Woking.
In terms of tech, it brings a hybrid gas/electric system that working together in full power mode, punch out 916 BHP. The P1 also weights 2/3 of the Taycan, tipping the scales at a measly 1.490 kg (3,284 lbs)
As expected, the instant torque from the electric motors of the Taycan Turbo S give it an off the line advantage. It easily sails into the lead, but there is one key difference between the Porsche and the McLaren: top speed.
The Taycan Turbo S is limited to 162 MPH. The P1, on the other hand, tops out at 217 MPH. So when they are halfway down the quarter-mile, the Porsche is starting to run out of punch, and the P1 slowly but surely starts to catch up.
Two car lengths at the end of 1/4 mile. That, ladies and gentlemen, is what you call “close”At the line, it’s actually pretty damned close, but as expected, the McLaren wins the day.
