Motor Trend got a McLaren P1 and a Porsche 918 together at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with race car driver Randy Pobst behind the wheel. Meanwhile, Ferrari refused to grant permission for hot laps to the owner of the LaFerrari they had lined up.
What’s the matter, Maranello? Can’t stand behind your product?
Both cars use copious amounts of carbon fiber and pack advanced hybrid drivetrains with more than 900 horsepower. But while the Porsche 918 Spyder has a rev-happy naturally-aspirated V8, all-wheel drive and steering, Michelin tires, active aero and a bit more weight to carry, the McLaren P1 is lighter and comes with the stickiest Pirellis you can buy. Yet even those can’t give it as much grip as the Porsche’s electrically-powered front axle.
But will a pair of turbos, a bigger wing and possibly the industry’s smartest suspension give the McLaren an edge over the Porsche?
Motor Trend found the best place and driver to find out:
The fact that the heavier and less powerful 918 beats the P1 proves the Germans can bend the laws of physics, but I still want the P1 because frankly, who cares about 0.8 second around Laguna Seca?
As for Ferrari, I would never finance their cowardice by giving them $1.7 million for a LaFerrari. You keep that in mind next time I have $1.7 million burning a hole in my pocket, Ferrari!
Contact the author at mate@jalopnik.com.