It’s been four years since we were introduced to the McLaren Speedtail. The fourth member of the McLaren Ultimate Series is one of the most powerful in the lineup, complete with seating oddities that come from F1. It may be a relatively old vehicle but the limited production of 106 units makes the Speedtail nameplate a rare sight.
While we’re talking about the aging nameplate, here in today’s video is the Bugatti Chiron. Chiron and McLaren Speedtail line up on the newly built drag track, courtesy of Brooks of DragTimes and crew from Triple F . Collection. Together, these cars cost about $8 million.
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Even though they both sport a blue hue, this European hypercar is very different underneath. The McLaren Speedtail is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 hybrid powertrain, capable of producing up to 1,036 horsepower (762 kilowatts). This power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed DCT.
Meanwhile, the Bugatti Chiron here has a huge power gap over the McLaren. With a rear-seat quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, it produces around 1,500 hp (1,103 kW), sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed DCT.
With so much power available in a beat that can penetrate all four corners, you’d think the Chiron would take this one easily from the Speedtail. Until you realize that the Bugatti is more than 800 pounds (363 kilograms) heavier than the McLaren.
Are those heavy losses enough for Speedtail to steal the win from the French hypercar? The video at the top of this page will show you an overview of the four races – three rolling starts and one from digging. As always, let us know what you think in the comments below.
