They’re not just another pair of supercars but the wildest, craziest crossovers you can buy. But when it comes to speed, which is the quickest?
That’s precisely the question Carwow aimed to answer by setting up a three-round drag race between the 2023 Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato vs Porsche 911 Dakar. Here’s a rundown of this thrilling contest. Two impressive machines built with loose surfaces in mind,
it would be a spectacle to see these cars on a dirt course. However, the reality is that these high-rise supercars will mostly grace asphalt, so a straight-up drag race is an apt test.
Meet the Contenders
Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato VS Porsche 911 Dakar
the huracan sterrato has more power advantageLamborghini Huracan Sterrato: Powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V8, generating 602 hp (610 PS), it has the edge in raw power. It weighs in at 1,470 kg (3,235 lbs) dry, which might be closer to 1,670 kg (3,455 lbs) when factoring in fluids.
the porsche offers slightly better torquePorsche 911 Dakar: Porsche’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine produces 473 hp (480 PS). While it lags in horsepower, it fractionally outpoints the Lambo for torque, generating 420 lb-ft (570 Nm). Weighing in at 1,605 kg (3,530 lbs), the numbers initially favor the Lambo, but this is a race, not a stats competition.
The Races
Race 1:
The first race saw both cars on dirt-biased tires, neck, and neck at the start. However, the Huracan’s power advantage soon told, and it crossed the finish line first.
Race 2:
Things took a fascinating turn in the second race. The Porsche Dakar’s driver turned off the launch control, leaving the transmission in “mode D” and relying purely on skills to launch the car. Against expectations, the Porsche took the round, making it a tie going into the final race.
Race 3:
In a thrilling final round, the Porsche took the lead at the start, but the Huracan Sterrato’s power advantage won the day, helping it secure a 2 out of 3 victory.
Additional Testing
Braking Test: Carwow’s Mat Watson performed a braking test, where the Porsche 911 Dakar surprisingly won. The 911 Dakar’s braking setup, identical to other 911 models, proved slightly superior to the Huracan Sterrato.
Conclusion
The standing quarter-mile races provided an enthralling battle between these two automotive giants. The Huracan Sterrato’s power advantage was clear, but as demonstrated in the second race, even a seemingly small advantage in driver skill and control can shift the balance.
While the Lamborghini emerged victorious in two of the three races, the Porsche’s triumph in the braking test highlighted that specs alone don’t determine the outcome. A combination of power, control, driver expertise, and the marriage of mechanics and electronics define a car’s true capabilities.
This duel proves that in the world of racing, especially when two incredible machines are pitted against each other, comparing specs on paper is more complex than predicting the winner. Whether on the dirt or the drag strip, these crossovers promise excitement and performance that transcends mere numbers.
In the end, the Huracan Sterrato’s brute power prevailed over the German rival, but the Porsche 911 Dakar’s performance was a vivid reminder that there’s more to racing than raw horsepower. It’s a dance of technology, skill, and the ever-persistent human element that truly sets these machines apart.
Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato VS Porsche 911 Dakar Drag Race gallery
