It's Ferrari vs. McLaren in the new hypercar war

The "Holy Trinity" of hypercars — McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari — captivated enthusiasts a decade ago with their innovative technology and blistering performance.

Today, the torch has been passed. Ferrari and McLaren have introduced the F80 and W1, the successors to their legendary machines. But which one takes the crown? Let’s dive into the numbers and see how these hypercars stack up.

The specs

Here’s a quick overview of some of the stats for the F80 and W1.

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ICE engines aren’t gone yet

Both the Ferrari F80 and McLaren W1 pack a serious punch with hybrid powertrains, but they take slightly different approaches. Ferrari opts for a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, while McLaren brings a larger 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 to the party.

McLaren W1 offers up 1,258 horsepower

On paper, the McLaren edges out Ferrari with 1,258 horsepower compared to the F80’s 1,183 horsepower. With figures like that, neither is exactly lacking in power. But, in the world of flagship hypercars, having the most horsepower matters. The W1 also benefits from a hefty 988 lb-ft of torque, while Ferrari offers a more modest 626 lb-ft of torque from its V6 and an additional 122 lb-ft from its electric motors.

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Ferrari's blistering 0-60 time

Where Ferrari really shines, however, is its 0-62 mph time. The F80 clocks in at a jaw-dropping 2.15 seconds, half a second quicker than the W1’s 2.7 seconds. The Ferrari’s all-wheel-drive system, which includes two electric motors on the front axle, helps give it the edge in off-the-line acceleration. When it comes to top speed, though, it’s a tie — both the F80 and W1 can hit a max of 217 mph.

Hybrid tech rounds out ICE performance for both Ferrari and McLaren

The world of hybrid hypercars is all about how well electric motors can support combustion engines, and both Ferrari and McLaren have taken distinct paths.

Ferrari employs three electric motors: two at the front and one at the back, contributing an additional 295 hp. McLaren, on the other hand, uses a single e-module that generates 342 hp, mounted to its transmission.

While McLaren wins on overall horsepower, Ferrari’s hybrid system is more complex and efficient. The F80 borrows heavily from Ferrari’s racing technology, particularly from their Le Mans 499P car. This design helps Ferrari maximize performance without sacrificing drivability, especially in corners.

Meanwhile, McLaren’s simpler hybrid setup in the W1 focuses on brute force. Its design is more straightforward, with an emphasis on delivering raw, unfiltered speed. Whether you prefer the more nuanced hybrid tech of the Ferrari or McLaren’s more streamlined approach largely depends on your driving style and preference.

Ferrari and McLaren shed weight from their predecessors

Weight is a critical factor for any hypercar, especially one loaded with hybrid batteries and tech. On this front, McLaren claims victory, boasting a curb weight of 3,084 pounds for the W1, compared to Ferrari’s 3,362 pounds. This makes the W1 lighter and, theoretically, more nimble around tight corners and tricky road conditions.

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Ferrari’s F80 may be heavier, but its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system helps compensate for that extra bulk. The added weight also means more downforce, especially when hitting higher speeds. Ferrari claims 2,204 pounds of downforce at 155 mph. McLaren achieves the same number, though at a higher speed of 174 mph.

So, while McLaren is lighter and potentially more agile, Ferrari holds an edge in stability, especially at higher speeds.

Ferrari offers retro looks, McLaren has all eyes on the future

Both cars offer stunning designs that reflect the cutting-edge technology housed beneath the surface. Ferrari’s F80 features a radical, wedge-like design that draws inspiration from their Formula One pedigree, particularly with its aggressive, scowling front fascia and butterfly doors.

Per usual with flagship debuts, some fans have been critical of the F80’s styling, but we personally love the retro touches.

McLaren’s W1, on the other hand, is no less striking. Its angular design and signature rear wing give it a more futuristic appearance, while the roof scoop and gullwing doors pay homage to McLaren’s racing history.

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Inside, McLaren keeps things relatively familiar but unique enough to make the W1 stand out. A redesigned steering wheel and new digital display ensure that the driver is always connected to the machine.

The Porsche Mission X: The missing piece

While Ferrari and McLaren have gone head-to-head, Porsche’s Mission X sits in the wings, poised to join the fray — eventually. Though still in concept form, Porsche has been clear about its ambitious goals for this electric hypercar, including an attempt to become the fastest road-legal car around the Nürburgring. However, without confirmed power figures or a production timeline, Porsche’s entry remains speculative for now.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, both the Ferrari F80 and McLaren W1 represent the absolute pinnacle of modern hypercar technology. If raw power and lightweight agility are your top priorities, the McLaren W1 is your car. But if you’re after cutting-edge hybrid tech and lightning-fast acceleration, Ferrari’s F80 holds the edge.

Do you want the sleek, sophisticated Ferrari with its racing pedigree, or are you more drawn to the brute-force, lightweight McLaren? Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference — oh, and having a few million dollars lying around.

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