Porsche 911 GT2 RS vs. McLaren 720S: Which is Quickest?

Rear engine traction gives the mega Porsche an edge off the line, but is that enough to hold off the 710 horsepower McLaren?

Motorsport Magazine, a British print and web publication, has answered a question that supercar enthusiasts need to know. If you have about $300,000, and your goal is to go fast in a straight line, should you buy a Porsche 911 GT2 RS or a McLaren 720S?

The GT2 RS costs $293,200 and is the pinnacle of the 911 line-up. The twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six that produces 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. That massive power is coupled to a lightning fast PDK automatic transmission. Its body is a blend of aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber, which means it is rather light at 3,241 pounds. Of course, the RS badge also means that it has hardcore motorsport-grade goodies and chassis tuning. Carbon ceramic brakes, an impressive aerodynamic package and aluminum suspension arms are all a part of the package, making for the most focused 911 variant yet. Oh, and crucially, it’s rear-wheel drive, only.

Few cars can out-insane the GT2 RS, which is what makes the McLaren 720S so impressive. Its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 produces 710 horsepower, 568 lb-ft of torque, and spins to 8,500 RPM. The McLaren also sports a super sharp dual clutch automatic transmission. Its bodywork is also a blend of aluminum and carbon fiber, like the Porsche, however, unlike the Porsche the entire chassis of the McLaren is also made of carbon fiber. This makes the British mid-engine wonder even lighter, at just 3,128 pounds. The slippery bodywork of the McLaren means that it foregoes the wings-and-things approach of the Porsche. Last, but not least, it, too, is rear-wheel drive.

So, from a standing start, who wins? Well, the Porsche, with it’s rear engine traction advantage and stellar PDK launch control system, gets the jump on the Macca. However, by third gear the McLaren has not only caught up, but passed the Porsche by. Multiple camera angles showcase the defeat. The real question that remains is: which can lap faster around the local road course? Time will tell.

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Jake Stumph

Jake Stumph is a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, and former content editor for Internet Brands Automotive which he joined in 2015. His work has been featured by several other prominent automotive outlets, including Jalopnik and Autobytel.

He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science at the Ohio State University in 2013, then pivoted from covering politics and policy to writing about his automotive adventures, something that, he says, is a lot more fun. Since that time, he has established connections with most of the world's major automakers, as well as other key brands in the automotive industry.

He enjoys track days, drifting, and autocross, at least, when his cars are running right, which is uncommon.

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