McLaren 12C vs Porsche 959

How does the McLaren 12C stack up against the Porsche 959? We put their headline specs side by side so you can see exactly where each car leads.

McLaren 12CMcLaren 12C
vs
Porsche 959Porsche 959
SpecMcLaren 12CPorsche 959
Horsepower (max)607 hp508 hp
0-100 km/h (fastest)2.9 s3.7 s
Top speed333 km/h339 km/h
Variants22
Body styleMid-engine V8 supercarCoupé
Generation12C959
Production2011 – 20141986 – 1993
Length4,509 mm4,260 mm
Width1,908 mm1,840 mm
Height1,204 mm1,280 mm
Wheelbase2,670 mm2,272 mm

McLaren 12C vs Porsche 959: common questions

Is the McLaren 12C or Porsche 959 faster?
The McLaren 12C is quicker, hitting 0-60 mph in 2.8s versus the Porsche 959's 3.5s (0-100 km/h in 2.9s vs 3.7s).
Which has more horsepower, the McLaren 12C or the Porsche 959?
The McLaren 12C makes more power: 607 hp (453 kW) versus 508 hp (379 kW) for the Porsche 959.
Is the McLaren 12C or Porsche 959 faster on top speed?
The Porsche 959 has the higher top speed at 211 mph (339 km/h), versus 207 mph (333 km/h) for the McLaren 12C.
What is the main difference between the McLaren 12C and the Porsche 959?
The McLaren 12C is a mid-engine v8 supercar, while the Porsche 959 is a coupé. That difference in body style drives most of the others.