The Lexus LFA and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren were two of the finest supercars launched in the 2000s and 2010s respectively, but which is quicker?
To find out, Lovecars recently lined up the duo for a drag race. Only it was no regular SLR McLaren that was featured, but a 722 S Roadster.
First, the figures. Driving the LFA is a screaming 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V10 producing 553 hp at 8,700 rpm and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque at 6,800 rpm. Coupled to this engine is a six-speed semi-automatic transmission powering the rear wheels. By today’s standards, the LFA may seem underpowered but it remains one of the best-sounding production cars ever created.
Watch Also: Lexus LFA Is Still An Amazing Supercar 10 Years Later
By comparison, the 722 S Roadster features a modified version of the SLR McLaren’s 5.4-liter supercharged V8, tweaked to deliver 641 hp at 6,500 rpm and 605 lb-ft (820 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The added grunt of the Merc helps it sprint out to an early lead over the LFA and Tiff Needell, who is behind the wheel of the Lexus, is unable to catch up and close the distance. The same result was mimicked in the second race.
While supercars like the Lexus LFA and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster place an emphasis on performance, they are about more than just insane straight-line acceleration. The LFA, for example, is a precision tool perfectly suited to racetracks and flowing mountain roads while the SLR is a seasoned grand tourer that can crush continents. So, which would you rather own?