Pagani Zonda R vs Maserati MC12: which is the best track-focused race car
- Both of these cars are some of the world’s fastest track-focused production cars
- But out of these which one is the fastest?
- Take a look at our comparison of these two supercars to find out more
Published on Aug 04, 2024 at 9:51 PM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on Aug 05, 2024 at 6:18 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Siddharth Dudeja
The Maserati MC12 and Pagani Zonda R are some of the best track-focused racing cars in the world.
However, which vehicle is the best among these two hypercars?
While one could look at their track times and speed records and come to a conclusion, the real answer lies in the details of the car’s handling and consistency.
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Maserati MC12 vs Pagani Zonda R
While both the Maserati MC 12 and Pagani Zonda R are superb track-focused hypercars, there are many differences between them.
The most obvious difference is that the Zonda R is a track-only hypercar, and is not road-legal.
Meanwhile, the MC12 is a road-legal sports car made specifically to allow a racing variant to compete in the FIA GT Championship.
So for this comparison, we will be taking a look at the MC12 Corse, which is a direct competitor of the Zonda R.
Maserati MC12 Corse
The MC12 Versione Corse is a variant of the MC12 intended only for race tracks.
Back then, only twelve MC12 Versione Corses were sold to selected customers.
However, Maserati recently released two new editions of the hypercar to mark its 20th anniversary.
The Versione Corse shares its engine with the MC12 GT1, which won the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers Cup.
The naturally aspirated V12 engine of the Versione Corse produces 755hp with a max 8,000rpm.
At 2,500 pounds, it can accelerate from 0 to 200km/h (124mph) in just 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 326km/h (202mph).
Despite its impressive speed, the MC12 had a larger braking distance, slower acceleration, and a lower top speed than the Ferrari Enzo that it was built upon.
Pagani Zonda R
The Pagani Zonda R is a pure track-focused hypercar modified from a road-legal version of the vehicle.
Although it was built with ultimate performance in mind, the Pagani Zonda R’s body, interior, and engine bay are nothing short of spectacular.
Only 15 Zonda R models were ever produced, along with an additional five Zonda Revolućion cars and the Zonda R prototype.
Powered by a naturally aspirated Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR-derived 6.0-liter V-12 engine, it produces 780 horsepower.
Compared to the MC12, the Zonda R has a higher top speed of 375km/h (233mph).
However, speed is not the only factor when it comes to racing cars.
Which is the best track-focused race car?
Only by comparing the two cars on a single track under the same conditions is it possible to give an objective.
The Pagani Zonda R Revolución and the Maserati MC12 each have an impressive track record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
Although the Zonda R Revolución comes in 37 seconds ahead of the MC12, each test was done under different conditions.
Furthermore, the Zonda R Revolución is also a completely upgraded version of the Zonda R.
However, we have to admit that all the speed records and specs point towards the Pagani Zonda R being a much faster hypercar.
Nalin Rawat
Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
