In another unlikely comparison, our friends at DragTimes have brought together the best of Britain for a heads-up shootout. With a combined value of over $700,000, these two McLarens represent the state of the art in big power from small V8 engines. Both cars share a similar architecture, with the 675LT focused on downforce thanks to its long tail. Both cars are powered by a 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 that sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed DCT.
(Related – McLaren Officially Announces World’s First Hyper-GT Car, F1 Successor)
The 650S is a hardtop convertible, which imposes a weight penalty with the associated hydraulic hardware. Weight reduction was one of the main goals of the 675LT, so the wheels, brakes and even window glass went on a diet. Revised turbos offer 25 more hp and 15 more lb-ft of torque, and a full titanium exhaust saves a few more pounds versus stainless on the 650S. Both cars are on street tires, so they avoid the water box for an optimal launch. A series of roll races unlocks trap speeds above 150 mph, which makes these cars capable of 11 second times. But given the abuse that hard launches put on the drivetrain, both owners resist the urge for a holeshot. The results speak for themselves, so tell us if the difference in performance is justified by the difference in price. Stay with us for more drag racing action here on Autofluence.
