Limited-Run Ferrari 488 Pista Piloti Tries To Take Down The McLaren 720S

Three years ago, Ferrari introduced a special version of the 488 Pista dubbed the ‘Piloti Ferrari Edition’ and YouTuber CS Panda recently had the opportunity to put it to the test alongside a McLaren 720S.

If you were to simply look at the spec sheets of the duo, you would think that they would be very evenly matched. After all, the Ferrari has a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 pumping out 710 hp, the exact same output offered by the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 of the McLaren 720S. In addition, both cars feature dual-clutch transmissions, have launch control systems, and are rear-wheel drive.

Read More: Ferrari’s 488 Pista Piloti Ferrari Edition Comes In Colors Other Than ‘Resale Red’

However, as the McLaren 720S has proven time and time again during drag races throughout the years, it is even quicker than the spec sheet suggests. A number of factors could explain this, but the most likely explanation is that McLaren has understated the 720S’s output. In fact, some dyno tests have revealed the engine actually delivers well over 800 hp.

As such, when it was lined up against the special edition Ferrari 488 Pista, it won all three drag races without breaking a sweat. That’s not to say that the Ferrari isn’t quick – it simply cannot hang with the McLaren.

Moreover, in addition to possibly having more grunt and weighing less, the McLaren featured in this test had the advantage of using sticky Toyo R888R semi-slicks that no doubt aided in its performance.

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We Bet The Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder Can’t Hold A Candle To The McLaren P1

Despite its production having ended five years ago, the McLaren P1 continues to be subjected to drag races against different rivals.

We’ve seen it take on vehicles such as the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and the Ferrari F40 earlier this year, and more recently, it was pitted against the Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder.

With 903 hp and 664 pound-feet (900 Nm) of torque produced by the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 and electric motor, the P1 does the 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint in just 2.8 seconds, while flat out, it will hit 217 mph (350 km/h).

Watch Also: Glorious Past Meets High-Tech Present In Ferrari F40 Vs. McLaren P1 Race

As for the Huracan Performante, it comes with a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 which pumps out 631 HP and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm). That’s 30 HP and 30 lb-ft (40 Nm) more than the LP610-4 Spyder, which results in 3 seconds to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) from a standstill and a 202 mph (325 km/h) maximum speed.

Lamborghini has given the Performante some very clever active aerodynamics, a revised ANIMA, recalibrated ESC, tuned suspension and more responsive steering, which should help it go fast around a track. However, this is a quarter-mile sprint drag race and the only things that matter are sheer power and laying it down properly. Thus, the P1 holds the upper hand, so we don’t expect the Huracan Performante Spyder to pull off a surprise – or did it?

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McLaren 720S Spider Vs. Porsche Taycan Turbo S: Can The Supercar Beat The Electric Super Sedan?

Ever since deliveries commenced in 2017, the McLaren 720S quickly made a name for itself in the drag racing world, as it was the car to beat in a quarter mile sprint.

Countless vehicles, some with more power than Woking’s machine, have fallen victim to the 720S over the years. The question is, can it add the Porsche Taycan Turbo S to this list?

Watch Also: McLaren 720S, Lamborghini Huracan, Ferrari 812 And Ferrari 488 Pista Engage In Battle Royale

The Taycan Turbo S benefits from the instant torque of the two electric motors that put out 774 lb-ft (1,050 Nm), with a 750 HP (761 PS / 560 kW) peak output, enabling a 161 mph (260 km/h) top speed and a 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration of 2.8 seconds. In the right hands, the Taycan Turbo S is a 10-second car, although one with spacious and comfortable back seats and a generous boot space.

At its lightest, it tips the scales at 5,060 lbs (2,295 kg), whereas the dry weight of the 720S Spider, which was the one raced in this video, is 2,937 lbs (1,332 kg). The Macca has a twin turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that pumps out 710 HP (720 PS / 530 kW) and 568 pound-feet (770 Nm). Thus, it needs 2.9 seconds to sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) and can reach a top speed of 212 mph (341 km/h).

So, the British supercar has the weight advantage, but the Porsche is more powerful and, thanks to its electric powertrain, quicker off the line. All things considered, then, this is a drag race that could be anyone’s game.

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