2012 McLaren MP4-12C vs. 2006 Saleen S7
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Saleen S7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Saleen S7 would be higher. At 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C. (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C weights approximately 187 kg more than 2006 Saleen S7.
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, 2006 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C. (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Saleen S7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C has automatic transmission and 2006 Saleen S7 has manual transmission. 2006 Saleen S7 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:
| 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | 2006 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | McLaren | Saleen |
| Model | MP4-12C | S7 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 592 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1199 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2692 mm |
