The Alpine A110 and McLaren 570S are two entirely different cars with little in common. However, that didn’t stop Autocar from comparing them to find out which one is the ultimate driver’s car.
While the A110 is positioned as an Alfa Romeo 4C and Porsche 718 Cayman competitor, the McLaren 570S battles models such as the Audi R8, Acura NSX and Porsche 911. Given this disparity, it comes as little surprise that the cars use entirely different engines.
The A110 has a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder which produces 248 hp (185 kW / 252 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
The McLaren 570S is significantly more powerful as it has a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 which generates 562 hp (419 kW / 570 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. It too is pair to a seven-speed gearbox, but it enables the car rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.1 seconds and top out at 204 mph (328 km/h).
Given the McLaren has 314 hp (234 kW / 318 PS) and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque more than the Alpine, it sounds destined for victory. However, it’s not that simple as the driving experience is more than just about power.
First off, the McLaren costs nearly three times as much as the A110. The A110 also has a great suspension and is fun to drive even at moderate speeds.
The 570S is also highly praised as it is deemed as “one of the most enjoyable” cars produced by McLaren. The performance, unsurprisingly, is also incredible.
So which one wins? They both do and so do drivers with the means to afford them.