McLaren 540C vs McLaren W1

How does the McLaren 540C stack up against the McLaren W1? We put their headline specs side by side so you can see exactly where each car leads.

McLaren 540CMcLaren 540C
vs
McLaren W1McLaren W1
SpecMcLaren 540CMcLaren W1
Horsepower (max)533 hp1,258 hp
0-100 km/h (fastest)3.4 s2.7 s
Top speed320 km/h350 km/h
Variants11
Body styleMid-engine V8 sports carMid-engine V8 PHEV hypercar
Generation540CMCL-W1
Production2015 – 20212025 – 2027
Length4,529 mm4,635 mm
Width1,915 mm2,070 mm
Height1,201 mm1,180 mm
Wheelbase2,670 mm2,700 mm

McLaren 540C vs McLaren W1: common questions

Is the McLaren 540C or McLaren W1 faster?
The McLaren W1 is quicker, hitting 0-60 mph in 2.6s versus the McLaren 540C's 3.2s (0-100 km/h in 2.7s vs 3.4s).
Which has more horsepower, the McLaren 540C or the McLaren W1?
The McLaren W1 makes more power: 1,258 hp (938 kW) versus 533 hp (397 kW) for the McLaren 540C.
Is the McLaren 540C or McLaren W1 faster on top speed?
The McLaren W1 has the higher top speed at 217 mph (350 km/h), versus 199 mph (320 km/h) for the McLaren 540C.
What is the main difference between the McLaren 540C and the McLaren W1?
The McLaren 540C is a mid-engine v8 sports car, while the McLaren W1 is a mid-engine v8 phev hypercar. That difference in body style drives most of the others.