Porsche 918 Spyder v Rimac Concept One - High-tech supercar drag race

When we drove the Rimac Automobili Concept One last month we were impressed with its amazing turn of speed. The Concept One we drove may have had a few teething problems, however there was no doubt about its blistering performance.

> Click here to read our review of the Rimac Concept One 

The Concept One uses a single electric motor for each of its four wheels. In total, the four engines generate 1073bhp and 1180lb of torque. That helps explain its exceptional 0-62mph time of just 2.6sec and its top speed of 221mph.

The Concept One isn’t the only supercar that can boast a 2.6sec 0-62mph time, though. Porsche claim its 918 Spyder will do the same. The Porsche achieves this time with just 875bhp from its 4593cc, naturally aspirated V8 and two electric motors.

So what happens in a drag race between the two supercars? Does petrol and electric hybrid power trump pure electric? A race was hosted at Milan Dragway in Michigan, to find out.

The result is no forgone conclusion. Rimac weren’t sure what would happen or how the car would cope on a properly prepared drag stip. Mate Rimac, the founder and CEO of Rimac Automobili said, ‘We will brake some records here today? Will the driveshafts survive the grip?’

Multiple races were run to make sure the results were as fair as possible. Although it should be noted the Porsche driver was wearing gloves that matched the cars exterior and emblazoned with 918 Spyder on the back, who knows what advantage that gives…

To see how the Porsche 918 Spyder compares to McLaren’s P1, watch our video below.