2008 Ferrari F430 vs. 1998 McLaren F1
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 McLaren F1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 McLaren F1 would be higher. At 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2008 Ferrari F430. (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ferrari F430. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 589 kg more than 1998 McLaren F1.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ferrari F430. (466 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1998 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ferrari F430. 2008 Ferrari F430 has automatic transmission and 1998 McLaren F1 has manual transmission. 1998 McLaren F1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ferrari F430 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ferrari F430 | 1998 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Ferrari | McLaren |
| Model | F430 | F1 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4308 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 490 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 466 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 370 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 370 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2720 mm |
