Mercedes McLaren SLR vs McLaren 540C: DRAG RACE & 0-100-0 Race

The Mercedes McLaren SLR is one of the most incredible supercars of all time. But how does this "Old McLaren" compare to a NEW McLaren? We lined the SLR up against the company's entry-level supercar, the 540C for a drag rag race, a rolling race and a 0-100-0 race to see wether old or new would come out on top.
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Mercedes McLaren SLR vs McLaren 540C: DRAG RACE & 0-100-0 Race

[@AutoTraderTV]

What OLD vs NEW drag race do you want to see next? ⬇️

[@tourqeboyrb2675]

Auto trader ,Rory Reid driving the craziest nissan gtr please

[@josh_bfc_2769]

Carrera GT and Lexus LFA

[@ARDEN440i]

Lotus Carlton vs E92 M3

[@yogimunte1854]

Carrera GT vs 911 Turbo S

[@theman-yx7yu]

SUV DRAG RACE: AUDI Q7 GENERATION BATTLE

[@gordonmccartney5648]

"see how much you can save at Carwo..." oh! wrong channel.

[@burropoco]

Iron sharpens Iron. Let's face it we love both channels. I'm especially lovin' this new format AutoTrader.

[@nileshprince5631]

😂😂

[@pollumG]

@RS2002 yep

[@anilnair2911]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Honestly I feel like Rory, Mat, and Yanni should team up to bring their own version of car reviewing. It will be amazing

[@devansh7514]

@@anilnair2911 they would be like the Top Gear trio, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May!

[@edwartvonfectonia4362]

Mercedes - McLaren has still a top notch design. Wonderful car.

[@YTdelsCmts4NoRsn]

They went all out on the styling and the power. As if they really wanted to put a weapon on the road. Maybe it's "slow" compared to modern supercars but at the same time you could say that about any car of the early 2000s. Except the Veyron or the Enzo perhaps. I love the car for what it is, even if I can never afford one.

[@Lex24HD]

Gorden Wagener and his design team in Mercedes created that beautiful body. For me, it's literally a timeless design.

[@Johny40Se7en]

So gorgeous AND cool innit.

[@meanlean3095]

With a 7 speed twin clutch gearbox the slur will run close to a 650s…

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

I think I know the winner, but I still want the SLR.

[@bigboy5849]

The guy in the SLR did not drag race properly

[@win-64]

@@bigboy5849 even if he did the McLaren would surely win

[@richboy900]

100%. The only McLarens more desirable than an SLR is an F1 and a P1 imo

[@hsrperformance55]

@@bigboy5849 it’s just it’s the higher gears where the slr really pulls as that the 5 speed gearbox may be slow but the gears are really long

[@TheJube97]

@@richboy900 I mean 720s or Senna atleast would be aswell.

[@martinharper2215]

feel like I am watching Carwow. Need a Rory vs Mat Watson drag race.

[@moominpupa]

And Yianni

[@LOSTBOI2654]

Yes

[@austinoakley7391]

I think Rory, Matt, and Yanni would make for an epic video!

[@rbaaj7776]

and his mom

[@sivvinod3187]

Rory, Matt and Yanni, the off-brand (and way better) top gear.

[@doctorsoncars1393]

"So, what exactly happened?"

[@Make-Asylums-Great-Again]

A race happened, you’re a fricken Doctor!

[@gerryakbar]

Not exactly, but you can see at 4:41

[@stellarprojects4822]

I'll tell you what happened. The SLR lost due to old tires. Old tires get slippery. With a new set of tires SLR and 540C are an identical match in performance. Plus, the SLR is built for higher speeds. It's not a 1/4 mile machine. Let's have a rematch on a mile (1600 meters). Remember, the SLR has a higher top speed than 540C. The SLR is still the king.

[@63Jax]

SLR is still the most beautiful Merc ever made.

[@YTdelsCmts4NoRsn]

Totally agreed. And that supercharger whine... just amazing

[@bigboy5849]

Granturismo 4 days

[@YTdelsCmts4NoRsn]

@@bigboy5849 And Most Wanted, and Carbon, and Hot Pursuit 2010... this car got in many games, and I'm glad it did

[@zumamohamed9195]

Sls for me

[@injin5557]

You forgot about the 300sl gullwing

[@pearce9853]

The SLR is my dream car. Give me a 722 over any modern day equivalent any day!!

[@pointbreak24]

It's so ugly tho

[@pearce9853]

@@pointbreak24 each to their own opinion, I think it’s such a timeless design. To say it’s a 20 year old design, it looks pretty fucking good to me

[@Ren_1106]

Yes. Give me also a Mercedes Mclaren SLR 722.

[@mengienghinamwaami4894]

A 722 and I’ll just change out the transmission some how, you’ll have and awesome machine

[@pr-tj5by]

@@pointbreak24 You sound like a Millennial

[@jiasd123]

Coming for carwows necks but I am not complaining one bit 😂

[@AutoTraderTV]

👀

[@brensound9826]

well if the formula works take it. 😂😂 ,Good job AutoTrader now you need to invite much more exciting and well known people to race against.

[@phixxter6575]

AutoTrader 👀👀

[@abishek4300]

The main proble, with the SLR is its 5 speed auto! with a mercedes dual clutch! that thing will smoke most of the supercars!

[@MeganoOdles]

Where was Matt Watson? 🤣

[@burropoco]

Tbf Raj has almost got the Yianni look together but needs to wear a sweatshirt not a fleece and needs a bling watch on his wrist.

[@truth9375]

Distance was simply too short for the SLR to stretch it's legs in either situation.

[@udipta21]

SLR sound, is a top 10 of all time. Easy to choose between these two.

[@zacherychristiaan6374]

Matt finally inspired Rory to include drag races on the channel...

[@saimadhav9898]

Idk but Carwow feels good than any other drag races

[@bmm760036]

As a variation to standard tests, it would be good to add a 1/2 mile drag race. Still a great vid from Rory and the team.

[@jackoalltrades5510]

Very happy to see Rory shine and become relevant to us motor heads. He was suffocated on TG, and that was and still is a delusional effort from the BBC to try and replicate what the three stooges did. Keep pushing Rory, you're one of us and are enough on your own!

[@monsieurlazer48]

100% I hate that they made him seem like an idiot just so they could have three distinct personalities. Rory is an amazing presenter and reviewer and I'm glad he's able to show the real him.

[@staney7831]

I feel like Rory should have been fair and not use launch control in His car.

[@abdelsalamd9699]

The SLR still hanging with the 540 C but that old SLR is real Treasure

[@yourmemes9766]

when Matt sees these video be like " buuuuggeerrrrrr "

[@oscardominguez1680]

Nice video! keep them coming

[@epicpvper9379]

540c will probably win though I know which car I'd much rather have....

[@mihaiignat2306]

yessss i am so happy that you guys started the drag race, rolling race and brake test!!! I really suggest one more thing to do which no one does, to take the car on a small circuit, like top gear was doing it once, that wold be soooo much better!!!! please do so guys please :(((

[@ytytyt2516]

Waiting for McLaren 765 LT Drag Race 🏁

[@75krobert]

at least the SLR won't break down every 5 seconds

[@apache1234657]

oh it does (some engine problems)

[@CanyonsCarver]

@@apache1234657 no it doesn't, I have a neighbor who daily drives his SLR for 10 years and he says that thing is reliable as any of his other mercedes.

[@Anonymous-vy9ey]

The 540c is the lost McLaren most people don’t know about..

[@magnustan841]

Because people just step up into the 570S, even though it costs a lot more. So yeah, 540C is good value considering what you get. Just ask Mr Seen Through Glass...

[@Anonymous-vy9ey]

Magnus Tan exactly

[@pmwaffle9348]

Magnus Tan I’m pretty sure it was a weaker version for Asian markets. I dont think it’s available in the US.

[@darrenstone3693]

I remember watching Clarksons trip across Europe in an SLR. Epic👍

[@amina6201]

You are racing my dreams mate ♥️♥️ absolute beauty of both cars

[@chubbsmasterson]

SLR is just a godly machine, still would choose that thing anyway over the Mclaren, despite the performance difference

[@gamej7946]

SLR still stuns today. It has a beautiful front and back design.

[@healthiswealth6797]

Gearbox differences played a big factor in this race

[@donjuan150]

Excellent drag strip compare!!

[@dnice362]

Terrific channel and content

[@kristianpoulsen4121]

This is yoga without having to move a muscle - massage for the body and soul. Love your work!

[@thureintun1687]

that iconic slr mclaren supercharger scream tho Remind me of old days, movie Rush and NFS Carbon

[@_M27_]

One of my all time favourite cars. That SLR is such a beautiful car. What would happen if it was made today🤔?

[@dragospahontu]

The gearbox is the let down Long ratios and a DCT looses basically nothing from the engine to the wheels, contrary to an Auto.

[@seanpualic9834]

Outstanding. Unexpected too.

[@hamwicbi1265]

More of these please!!!!!!

[@MarcSob22]

1/4 mile is a idiots race!! Why not use all track?

[@mas5621]

Like the whole mile but 3 parts 1/4 win has greater lauch Half mile win has greater acc. Full mile win greater top speed

[@eneidlika7999]

Congratulations Autotrader and Rory. Your car reviews are better than Carwow's and now you do drag races better too 👍

[@swb7161]

Raj, legend!

[@JamalPennant]

A idea to spice up the drag race vids , give lower powered car like Honda civic type r a 5 second head start against a higher powered car McLaren. As you already knowthe quarter mile times of both you can calculate and get some really tense races as it will be down to the driver reactions to catch up in time.🤔

[@atopedigree1995]

Introducing drag races will grow your channel

[@moisescalvo1692]

Amazing comparison ! Would've loved to see a mile drag though

[@imty8774]

Wish you did longer rolling races.

[@anthonylangton3664]

What's the idea of putting the camera at the 1/4 beyond the line to distort the photo finish. If you look at the 3rd photo finish it's not as cut and dried.

[@RipMK747]

Im fairly confident its down to tires!! How old are those SLR's tires??

[@manman464]

The weight and the transmission and the lunch control makes a huge difference

[@darkbassi5911]

Was watching the matt Watson 135i, a35, s3 video..... Seen this below in the recommended. Had to click on it.

[@mrortega468]

Very good, can we have some more old versus new sports and super cars please 👍

[@Blebona]

I didn't see that last tun coming. Control is key

[@dgza703]

Good video. You need to add an on board camera to show the speedo for the 0-100-0. Just to avoid any disputes...

[@eyedeasneverdie3348]

Rory, Matt and & Yanni were the top gear presenters we deserved. Hope Rory can team up with them on a drag race at some point and have a crossover event to rival the MCU

[@fullymayhemfm7622]

I love this !!

[@Itielbryce]

The difference warm tires make, amazing

[@jpshawn9144]

A new partnership???Yani n Matt and now we got Rory n Raj...YESSSSSSS.Hope to see the two of you drag race often.

[@SINGH-ing]

That car and it’s design are just timeless.

[@xXMrFreshIceXx]

Sikh brother owns an SLR!!

[@cmdrtianyilin8107]

The Sound of the Supercharged V8. That sound... that sound...

[@rdoak10]

I must say...I'm smitten w/the Benz/McLaren ride. Classic motorcar looks and a lotta muscle! Great video as well!

[@exoticsautoclub9329]

Sensational car that is very underrated! True collector piece is SLR 722, only 150 cars in the world of which only 24 allocated to US.

[@jabezwilson5094]

Carwow Mat be like I dint shoot this video😆😆

[@wanderer54796]

More dragraces please.

[@bluesky8872]

Where is this filmed?

[@ioio90]

SLR is the best ! ! ! The sound is genuine

[@HD-nm1iv]

Interesting I enjoyed this one

[@obez42]

You need a longer track for the rolling race and it shouldn't be restricted to quarter mile only. Would have been very interesting to see what would have happened at higher speeds.

[@sportzntouring]

The SLR did well!! Better than I expected!

[@huzziraza5482]

Amazing how the SLR is still an impressing car ❤️

[@jeanhubsch4757]

Y’all know you would rather own the SLR 😁 That thing is epic!

[@badman3456213]

I was so close to buying this Orange McLaren 540c. I remember calling the person who owned it, who lived in Belfast. I found myself a better spec 540c in grey, but the Orange is definitely something special!

[@antonykinuthia591]

Please compare the SLR with SLS. That would be great to see which one wins

[@armoris66]

SLR = Supercar royalty that will never stop turning heads.....and that sound!! Nuff said.

[@mkm282]

Rory my man, we did love it. But we would've loved it a lot more if you let that gloriously supercharged V8 sing for the camera

[@matthewh630]

Why did you use launch control for the rematch? The slr doesn’t have it. I feel like that’s would have been nice to see!

[@tourqeboyrb2675]

Excited

[@greenbluediaries1888]

Quick question, wouldn't tire warmers be beneficial to you both before a race is setup? Loss of traction is making this a tad frustrating,

[@AutoTraderTV]

This ain’t F1 bro.

[@Ferretts89]

As a former caddy and lifelong golfer, I dispute rory's judgment of 150 yards. It was like 40, no way that distance was a full 9 iron.

[@UKfromadrone]

i think it was more on the 7speed dsg vs classic 5speed auto than anything else...

[@shadman1024]

Camera angles aren’t good as carwow which feels so real

[@rforracing]

Slr got a head start in the third race 4:05. Basically you just didn't want the SLR owner to feel bad.

[@George_Shonia]

Old one is so much elegant that McLaren looks like a car from the cartoon... Astonishingly beautiful

[@Runoratsu]

It‘s not just the LC and the transmission-the 540C has a mid-rear engine, whereas the SLR has a mid-front. That puts much more weight on the 540‘s rear tires, especially during acceleration, and thus gives you massively more grip in a rwd car.

[@ahmadfarisrosli7597]

I’m happy just to see the SLR in action

[@ericam8472]

soundcheck please!

[@Bishop2155]

What was the starter guy doing at 3:47? Lol

[@shanebigfella1636]

Beautiful and amazing cars

[@michaelbrown9031]

Two amazing cars. Would love to see what my 93 RX7 can do!

[@michaelroditis7300]

At 0:44 there was a missed opportunity to call the SLR the "Mac-Daddy"

[@amzace]

Rory is smashing it on auto trader top gear lost out hardddd

[@joshuasherwain]

You need a longer distance to drag race and allow rolling races. I'm sure the results will be much different

[@mohammedbashir1922]

Matt Watson could have told you to warm up the tyres before the race lol

[@GarryMcGovern]

The look of that SLR is timeless - I've already forgotten what the 540 looks like (or is it a 570? 600? 650??? Dunno, they all look the same to me!).

[@milinddixit6583]

Not sure if they have the space, but a longer rolling race like CarWow do would be good. Shows the difference at higher speeds.

[@ChristoAbrie]

the SLR is an absolute beast, for a 20yrld car to nearly match a new supercar is outstanding. plus it does it all in comfort as well as the outstanding build quality and reliability.

[@nickcowen4565]

this is a gd carwow vid

[@Kanalhnt]

Nah this is way better than carwow

[@Brickinasock]

@@Kanalhnt I don't think so

[@Kanalhnt]

@@Brickinasock it actually is

[@Brickinasock]

@@Kanalhnt Don't what?

[@cartik4296]

@@Kanalhnt lol its not and it never will

[@shegerketema6622]

MARVELOUS

[@WillertMorris]

Brilliant

[@jmons33]

Drag race!!! Yeaaaaaaa