Three years ago, Ferrari introduced a special version of the 488 Pista dubbed the ‘Piloti Ferrari Edition’ and YouTuber CS Panda recently had the opportunity to put it to the test alongside a McLaren 720S.
If you were to simply look at the spec sheets of the duo, you would think that they would be very evenly matched. After all, the Ferrari has a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 pumping out 710 hp, the exact same output offered by the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 of the McLaren 720S. In addition, both cars feature dual-clutch transmissions, have launch control systems, and are rear-wheel drive.
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However, as the McLaren 720S has proven time and time again during drag races throughout the years, it is even quicker than the spec sheet suggests. A number of factors could explain this, but the most likely explanation is that McLaren has understated the 720S’s output. In fact, some dyno tests have revealed the engine actually delivers well over 800 hp.
As such, when it was lined up against the special edition Ferrari 488 Pista, it won all three drag races without breaking a sweat. That’s not to say that the Ferrari isn’t quick – it simply cannot hang with the McLaren.
Moreover, in addition to possibly having more grunt and weighing less, the McLaren featured in this test had the advantage of using sticky Toyo R888R semi-slicks that no doubt aided in its performance.