2003 Honda Insight vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Insight would be higher. At 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 525 more horse power than 2003 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C weights approximately 594 kg more than 2003 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 McLaren MP4-12C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Insight, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 477 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Insight. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Insight has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Insight will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Insight | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Honda | McLaren |
| Model | Insight | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
