EVO compares the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder to find out which is the fastest around the track

[Sticky]

We have seen various test numbers for both of these cars. We know they are stupid fast in a straight line. The P1 for example does 0-60 in 2.6 seconds and blasts through the 1/4 mile in 9.8 @ 148.9 as tested by MotorTrend. The same source got 0-60 in 2.4 seconds for the 918 Spyder and a 10.0 @ 145.2 1/4 mile time.

Those two tests were done on different days and what the numbers establish is that both accelerate at a rapid pace. These supercars are not dragsters. They are built to be the absolute quickest around a roadcourse and McLaren claims its rear wheel drive P1 (which is considerably lighter than the all wheel drive 918) goes around a roadcourse faster than anyone. Well, EVO put this to the test.

The test course is pretty tight and fairly short with laptimes just over a minute. Regardless, no complaints here about seeing these two heavyweights tested in the same place at the same time.

So what happens? Well the heavier all wheel drive Porsche offering more torque beats the lighter McLaren P1 by 2/10's of a second. Now, why is that? The cars are close in performance obviously but the P1 on paper has the advantage. The issue boils down to traction and the 918 offered more of it.

McLaren decided to send EVO a new set of tires so they could do the test with the P1 again. This time, the Pzero Corsa tires were replaced with Pzero Trofeo R tires. With the new tires grip and traction were improved and the P1 in similar, but different, conditions improved by over a second over its previous time as well as the 918 Spyder:

The McLaren P1 wins but after a tire change showing just how big of a difference a simple set of tires can make. Porsche did not bother sending different tires or a crew to help they simply let their car do what it does. Ferrari apparently just watched both from the sideline.

The P1 is the quicker car around the roadcourse although it clearly needs to be prepped to do so. The 918 Spyder by virtue of its all wheel drive seems like it is more forgiving on more courses and conditions. They're both spectacular machines regardless of which gains a tenth here or there.

Porsche 918 Spyder specification

Engine	V8, 4593cc, plus 95kW and 115kW electric motors
Max Power	875bhp @ 8600rpm
Max Torque	940lb ft @ 6600rpm
0-60	2.8sec (claimed 0-62)
Top Speed	211mph-plus (claimed)

McLaren P1 specification

Engine	V8, 3799cc, twin-turbo, plus 131kW electric motor
Max Power	903bhp (combined) @ 7500rpm
Max Torque	664lb ft (combined) @ 4000rpm
0-60	2.8sec (claimed)
Top Speed	217mph (limited)

[subaru335i]

Interesting but not surprising that tire choice makes a huge difference especially for the rwd car. What do these cars come with from the factory?
I would kill for either car. Some guy got a P1 delivered here in MN a few months back, so badass.

[Sticky]

What do these cars come with from the factory?

I think what they ran although the P1 seems to have optional choices.

[Group.america]

P1 comes with Coras which suck, Trofeos are an option... 918 comes with Michy PS2 Cups

[Group.america]

Corsas

[blackshan]

I want to see the 918 with Trofeos now lol!

[leveraged sellout]

Really want to see what the Trofeo R could do for the 918, as that seems to be the new stickiest possible street-legal tire you can buy. Tread wear rating is 60! Probably a lot stickier than the Cup 2s.

Either way, both are better than Corsas haha

[BlackJetE90OC]

Oh how great would this have been if it was Top Gear.

Clarkson would be legally changing his name to Jennifer.

[DavidV]

Mmm, the Michelin PS2 cup and the Pirelli Pzero Trofeo are both great tires for a trackday, but you would not want to drive them in any sort of hefty rain.
They are then not really meant for all weather public roads.
Sure they are street legal, as in drive to and from the track, but unless you live in Arizona or another desert like state they are not for daily driving.
But they do show what these cars are capable off, and that's nice.

So, great performance, but on the normal roads I'd expect a little less performance due to more sensible tire choices.