Ferrari SF90 vs. McLaren Senna

The SF90 Stradale benefits from Ferrari’s Formula 1 engineering, but it also benefits from the trailblazing LaFerrari in that it also features a hybrid powertrain. The SF90 Stradale comes equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 that produces 769 hp and 590 lb ft of torque on its own — but it works in tandem with three electric motors that bring the car’s combined output to 986 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. This stunning feat of engineering enables the car to reach a top speed of 211 hp and jump from 0 – 62 mph in 2.6 seconds. The SF90 also boasts the ability to travel up to 15.5 miles at speeds of up to 84 mph on electric power alone thanks to its 7.9-kWh lithium-ion battery.

The McLaren Senna’s powertrain is no slouch, either. Like the SF90 Stradale, it features a twin-turbocharged 4.0L that produces 590 lb-ft of torque — but, unlike the SF90, it doesn’t enjoy the benefit of electric motors supporting its traditional engine, leaving it to fall behind with only 789 hp. That’s 197 hp less than the SF90! That relative lack of horsepower is reflected in its performance: its top speed is 208 mph and its 0 – 62 mph time is 2.8 seconds — slower than the SF90 on both counts.

The Ferrari SF90’s interior is minimalistic and functional. There are no physical buttons on the dashboard — you control the experience by way of capacitive touch interfaces. Driving controls are located on the steering wheel itself; behind the steering wheel, the completely digital instrument panel displays gauge readouts and navigation information on a beautiful 16-inch curved screen. It’s also the first Ferrari with a head up display that projects driving data onto the windshield.

The McLaren Senna is also minimalist, but it swings too far in that direction. Because most of the vehicle’s design decisions were made to keep the vehicle as light as possible, it doesn’t come standard with basic amenities such an audio system, air conditioning, and Bluetooth functionality. Those who buy a brand new model can add those options, but these basic features are just that: options. And even with all of the nips and tucks to shave off pounds in the name of performance, it’s still not as fast as the SF90.