McLaren 540C vs Porsche 959

How does the McLaren 540C stack up against the Porsche 959? We put their headline specs side by side so you can see exactly where each car leads.

McLaren 540CMcLaren 540C
vs
Porsche 959Porsche 959
SpecMcLaren 540CPorsche 959
Horsepower (max)533 hp508 hp
0-100 km/h (fastest)3.4 s3.7 s
Top speed320 km/h339 km/h
Variants12
Body styleMid-engine V8 sports carCoupé
Generation540C959
Production2015 – 20211986 – 1993
Length4,529 mm4,260 mm
Width1,915 mm1,840 mm
Height1,201 mm1,280 mm
Wheelbase2,670 mm2,272 mm

McLaren 540C vs Porsche 959: common questions

Is the McLaren 540C or Porsche 959 faster?
The McLaren 540C is quicker, hitting 0-60 mph in 3.2s versus the Porsche 959's 3.5s (0-100 km/h in 3.4s vs 3.7s).
Which has more horsepower, the McLaren 540C or the Porsche 959?
The McLaren 540C makes more power: 533 hp (397 kW) versus 508 hp (379 kW) for the Porsche 959.
Is the McLaren 540C or Porsche 959 faster on top speed?
The Porsche 959 has the higher top speed at 211 mph (339 km/h), versus 199 mph (320 km/h) for the McLaren 540C.
What is the main difference between the McLaren 540C and the Porsche 959?
The McLaren 540C is a mid-engine v8 sports car, while the Porsche 959 is a coupé. That difference in body style drives most of the others.