McLaren F1, Porsche 911 GT1, Mercedes CLK GTR Compared In Detailed Video

Patricia BarfieldApril 28, 2022

0 12 1 minute read

McLaren F1 Porsche 911 GT1 Mercedes CLK GTR Compared In

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Three unique cars made their debut in the 1990s – the McLaren F1, the Porsche 911 GT1, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. McLaren arrived first in 1992 before entering the GT1 racing category three years later. McLaren’s success on track tempted Porsche and later Mercedes to dethrone F1, giving birth to the 911 GT1 in 1996 and the CLK GTR one year later.

All three push the boundaries of what is legal, blurring the line between race cars and street cars. Porsche and Mercedes blur that line more than McLaren, although neither prioritize comfort or features over pure performance. A new video from Carfection’s YouTube channel reviews all three, comparing street cars.

The video goes into great detail about each, dissecting how they were developed and how they compete on the track. The video also dives into the car’s origins after a detailed breakdown of the mechanical bits and performance numbers.

The McLaren F1 shocked the world with its performance figures when production began in 1992, producing 627 horsepower (468 kilowatts) and 479 pound-feet (649 Newton-meters) of torque from its V12 engine. The three-seater can reach 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) in just 3.2 seconds. It had a top speed of 240.1 miles per hour (386 kilometers per hour).

Porsche also hit zero to 60 seconds in under 4.0 seconds with a flat-six, turbocharged engine that produces 536 hp (400 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. However, the Porsche has a much lower top speed compared to the McLaren – 192 mph (308 kph). The CLK GTR also packs a V12, although it makes 604 hp (450 kW) and 572 lb-ft (775 Nm) of torque.

Not only do all three cars pack a powerful powertrain, but their interiors are laser-focused for driving. McLaren’s three-seater layout is still eye-catching, while Porsche and Mercedes sport more traditional interiors. However, Porsche’s roll cage made getting in and out quite difficult, and the Mercedes door openings were so small that Mercedes designed the car with a removable steering wheel.

Carfection’s video deserves to be watched in full. The cars are amazing, and the mini-documentary highlights what made these cars so great all these years later.