The World of Lightweight Supercars: How McLaren and Porsche Named Consistently

It seems just as exciting as a new supercar or model being announced by a manufacturer is when that manufacturer introduces a hardcore, lightweight, carbon-fibre constructed, track-focused variant. The idea of more power, less weight, sharper handling, more excitement and actual exclusivity of a beloved model is enough to cause petrolheads to faint and whine.

But one thing that’s undeniable in the world of lightweight supercars is the Italian-built ones have a tendency to consistently change their names. Lamborghini alternate between SV, Superleggera, Performante and recently STO, Maserati it’s either Stradale or MC, and Ferrari have more names in their lightweight range than there are wasps in the world.

Other countries outside of Italy have kept their naming system relatively easy to understand, most notably Porsche and McLaren. Porsche’s most desirable 911s always fall under the GT banner and the even more hardcore variants have RS as a tagline. And for the last 10 years, McLaren have used the LT iteration in all of their lightweight models.

The 911 (991) GT2 RS and 765LT are, at present, the most potent and fastest lightweight, track-hard models launched by each respective manufacturer. Both achieve 0-62mph in less than 3 seconds, both are rare and have gained money in recent years and both boast pretty impressive records all things considered. But which is superior, today, we shall find out.

Styling and Exclusivity

Styling is a very personal preference, but I feel here, it’s a bit of a foregone conclusion. There’s no denying the 991 GT2 RS is probably the most outlandish 911, (minus the 992 GT3 RS). Its large gaping front, subtle lip splitter, enormous air intakes, carbon-fibre roof and giant rear wing give it a stance and presence that 911s usually lack.

But at the end of the day, it’s a shrinking violet compared to McLaren’s rolling thunder. The standard 720S is already one of the most beautiful and jaw-dropping supercars in existence but to create the 765LT McLaren simply decided, that it looks too tame, let’s let its hair down. So they did just that.

An elongated front splitter, air vents all over the car, a quad firing exhaust, and, as per the Longtail name, an elongated rear tail. And it’s not just the exterior where the 765LT triumphs, inside it's way more wild. The GT2 RS appears semi-race car with a fair amount of creature comforts, while the 765LT ditches carpets and fits full Senna seats to say, it is a full-on race car.

From styling alone the 765LT would appear the more exclusive car, and amazingly it is. Porsche built around 1000 991 GT2 RSs, while McLaren only built 765 765LT hardtops. There’s no contest in this category, it’s an easy win for Woking. The 765LT is so bonkers, it makes an Aventador look tame.

Winner: 765LT

Aerodynamics and Engineering

Of course, unlike a Lambo, the 765LT's styling isn’t just merely for show. The enormous front splitter, air vents and elongated rear tail ensure absolute maximum airflow over the car. The result of all this is that it produces 25% more downforce than a regular 720S. However whilst it is engineered to maximise performance, being a McLaren, it’s not really engineered to last more than 5 years.

The GT2 RS’ styling cues also ensure maximum airflow, in fact, 51% more than a Turbo S. But unlike the McLaren, the Porsche will maximise its performance, every single day of every single year of every single decade. The fact that the GT2 RS has a greater percentage of Aerodynamics and is much better built, makes this an easy win for Stuttgart’s finest.

Winner: GT2 RS

Weight and Horsepower

The GT2 RS is built from a blend of magnesium, carbon fibre, titanium, polyurethane and polycarbonate. The result is that it weighs 1,470kg unless you go for the optional Weissach Package which reduces weight by 30kg due to extra usage of Carbon Fibre, Magnesium and Titanium all around.

Powering it is Porsche’s 3.8l twin-turbo Flat-6, the same unit you find in the Turbo. Except here Porsche have fitted larger geometry turbochargers, bigger intercoolers and a water spray system. The result of all this is a frankly astonishing 691 horsepower (let’s say 700) and 553 lb-ft of torque.

But once again it's insignificant compared to the 765LT. Like all McLarens it's constructed primarily of carbon fibre for its body and tub. Though aluminium and Alcantara are also used, and its components and significantly thinner than the Porsche. The result is that it weighs 1,339kg, over 100kg less than the GT2 RS.

Not to mention its 4.0l twin-turbo V8 is refitted with electrically actuated twin-scroll turbochargers and a higher capacity fuel pump over the regular 720S. The result is it destroys the GT2 RS in a game of top trumps producing an astonishing 765 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

So more horsepower, and less weight, you all can garner what’s coming next. The McLaren’s power-to-weight ratio of 571 horsepower per tonne, is 101 more than the Porsche’s seemingly decent 470 horsepower per tonne. In a game of sheer top trumps, it’s clear Woking Wonder trounces Weissach’s Finest.

Winner: 765LT

Performance, Handling and Thrills

So more horsepower less weight, seems like a forgone conclusion in performance. Though both manufacturers claim 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds, the moment 60 is over, the 765LT rockets ahead of the GT2 RS. 0-120mph takes just 6.6 seconds in the McLaren vs the Porsche’s 7.8. And even the GT2 RS boasts a higher top speed of 211mph vs 205mph, by the time it's reached that speed, the 765LT is already miles ahead.

Then there’s the handling, both these monsters aren’t what you call for the tame. The GT2 RS is a true monster in the corners. It has a colossal amount of grip from its Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, averaging around 1.17g meaning it peels your face off. But even so much as touch your foot on the accelerator and all the torque explodes in one huge sump. It is borderline psychopathic.

But if that’s borderline psychopathic, the 765LT is a full-on Hannibal Lecter. This car doesn’t just make you drive, it demands you drive it well and if you don’t it kills you. Put your foot down and it spins its wheels violently even in seventh gear, as the tyres struggle to control that torque. Turn in too hard, and it understeers wide, correct that you spin out and crash all the while it spits out flames from its exhaust.

It is violent, demanding, dangerous, scary and beyond words exciting. Ultimately one will never use either of these cars for anything more than special occasions. And as a special occasion car, the 765LT truly trounces the GT2 RS. Where the Porsche is a little intimidating, the McLaren is downright terrifying. And that thrill of terror is the adrenaline we all desire, as a thriller Woking wins this round.

Winner: 765LT

Value Then and Now

Obviously being so rare, powerful and terrifying the 765LT is clearly not for the faint of mind. You need big guts and big money to afford one. When it was new it costed around $383,000 and today it’s around $400,000. Clearly, unlike a lot of McLarens, it’s done fairly well second-hand.

Though nowhere near as well as the GT2 RS. Brand new it was significantly less than the McLaren with prices starting from $295,000. Yet despite there being more of them built, today GT2 RS’ are worth $422,000. My guess is this is simply GT Porsche’s particularly GT2s are considered more valuable than McLarens, even if the latter is rarer. So in terms of classic status, the Weissach monster is superior.

Winner: 911 GT2 RS

Lineage and Achievements

This 911 iteration of GT2 RS is the fourth 911 to carry the GT2 namesake and easily the most recognisable GT2 of all time. Partly because this is the only GT2 RS not to have a GT2 base model but mostly because of its record-breaking 6:47.3 around the fearsome Nürburgring, which at the time made it the fastest production car around the ring. Four years later, Porsche improved on their record with the GT2 RS MR’s 6:38.8, which has only been surpassed by the mighty AMG-ONE.

The 765LT ironically is also the fourth car built by McLaren to carry the LongTail namesake after the 600LT, 675LT and F1 LT. And despite being a lot more scary and no actual official record at the Nürburgring, around a majority of other tracks like Hockenheim and Laguna Seca, the lighter and quicker McLaren is faster. Sadly whilst its lineage and lap records are strong, the ultimate looseness in its connection just can’t match the Porsche’s. Weissach win this round.

Winner: 911 GT2 RS

Conclusion

Not often are two cars as incredible as one another, but here it’s clear that with a 3:3 record, we have our first F1rstMotors tie. Both these twin-turbo, track-bred, 700+ horsepower monsters are as incredible as the other and choosing between them is a nightmare. If you want a car that is more solid, consistent and arguably the better all-rounder, the GT2 RS is perfect for you. Even today, it’s an astonishing piece of engineering and a definitive classic.

But me personally I don’t want a future classic, I want a thrill. I want something that looks and handles like a fighter jet. A thug that may frighten me but will equally excite me. And for that reason, my personal winner is the 765LT. Sure the Porsche is the more impressive feat but the McLaren is just more exciting. After all, if you’re going to spend $400,000 on a car do you want an all-rounder or thriller? My case rests.

F1rstMotors: 765LT vs 911 GT2 RS comparison

Manufacturer	McLaren Automotive Ltd	Porsche AG
Model	765LT	911 (991) GT2 RS
Year of Release	2020	2018
Engine	4.0l Twin–Turbo V8	3.8l Twin-Turbo V8
Horsepower	765 horsepower	691 horsepower
Torque	590 lb–ft	553 lb–ft
0–62mph (100km/h)	2.7 seconds	2.7 seconds
Top Speed	205mph (330 km/h)	211mph (340 km/h)
Weight	1,339 kg (1.3 tonnes)	1,470kg (1.5 tonnes)
Power to Weight	571 hp per tonne	470 hp per tonne
Gearbox	7-speed Dual Clutch	7-speed PDK Dual-Clutch
Driven Wheels	Rear-Wheel-Drive	Rear-Wheel-Drive
Amount Built	765	1,000
Price (when new)	$383,000	$295,000
Price (today)	$400,000	$422,000

Source: McLaren Automotive