McLaren 12C vs McLaren 540C

How does the McLaren 12C stack up against the McLaren 540C? We put their headline specs side by side so you can see exactly where each car leads.

McLaren 12CMcLaren 12C
vs
McLaren 540CMcLaren 540C
SpecMcLaren 12CMcLaren 540C
Horsepower (max)607 hp533 hp
0-100 km/h (fastest)2.9 s3.4 s
Top speed333 km/h320 km/h
Variants21
Body styleMid-engine V8 supercarMid-engine V8 sports car
Generation12C540C
Production2011 – 20142015 – 2021
Length4,509 mm4,529 mm
Width1,908 mm1,915 mm
Height1,204 mm1,201 mm
Wheelbase2,670 mm2,670 mm

McLaren 12C vs McLaren 540C: common questions

Is the McLaren 12C or McLaren 540C faster?
The McLaren 12C is quicker, hitting 0-60 mph in 2.8s versus the McLaren 540C's 3.2s (0-100 km/h in 2.9s vs 3.4s).
Which has more horsepower, the McLaren 12C or the McLaren 540C?
The McLaren 12C makes more power: 607 hp (453 kW) versus 533 hp (397 kW) for the McLaren 540C.
Is the McLaren 12C or McLaren 540C faster on top speed?
The McLaren 12C has the higher top speed at 207 mph (333 km/h), versus 199 mph (320 km/h) for the McLaren 540C.
What is the main difference between the McLaren 12C and the McLaren 540C?
The McLaren 12C is a mid-engine v8 supercar, while the McLaren 540C is a mid-engine v8 sports car. That difference in body style drives most of the others.