The McLaren P1 and Ferrari 296 GTB are both hybrid performance cars, but they represent different eras and market segments. The P1 is a 12-year-old hypercar once competing with the LaFerrari and Porsche 918, while the 296 GTB is a modern mid-range Ferrari supercar. Despite their differences, Carwow lined them up for a drag race to see how far performance has come over the past decade.
The goal is to measure progress through quarter-mile and half-mile acceleration tests. Regardless of the result, the fact that a current entry-level Ferrari can be compared with a former top-tier McLaren highlights how much automotive technology has advanced.
The 296 GTB features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor, combining for 830 hp and 740 Nm of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It weighs 1,570 kg and is priced at £241,550.
The P1 counters with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 and electric motor producing 916 hp and 900 Nm. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the car weighs just 1,490 kg. It originally sold for around £1.2 million.
Can the older, lighter, and more powerful McLaren hold off the newer, more efficient Ferrari? The answer lies in the video, but regardless of who wins, the matchup shows just how quickly performance benchmarks are evolving.
