In the real world, drag races usually come down to tires and traction as much as horsepower and torque, though car design and layout do come into the mix, as well. A new video from Throttle House shows just the kinds of differences that engine placement can make in sports cars, as the YouTube channel races a 992-generation Porsche 911 Carrera S with its famous rear-engined layout versus a mid-engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette and a more traditional front-engined 2021 Toyota GR Supra.
Racing Is Life, Everything Before Or After Is Just Waiting
The video includes a drag race from a dig, a rolling race, and some fun track time — but first, the stats. The 992 Carrera S employs a twin-turbocharged flat-six hanging off the rear axle (despite the lack of a Turbo in the name) and produces 443 horsepower, with launch control that allows a 5,000-RPM blast off the line. The C8 Corvette, meanwhile, features a naturally aspirated V8 mounted amidships and produces a max of 495 horsepower. Toyota's newest 3.0-liter Supra is really a BMW at heart and features that company's turbocharged straight-six with 382 horses on tap.
A Photo Finish
All three cars drive the rear wheels, though the Porsche comes in with the lowest curb weight, which is a major factor in any kind of race, whether it features turns or not. Watch the video to see Throttle House host Thomas get a little bitter about the Porsche's performance and take it out to the track for a more accurate comparison against the mid-engined balance of the Corvette.
Sources: youtube.com and caranddriver.com.