The new Mercedes AMG GT Black Series has taken the world by storm. Quite unexpected as I might add. I mean, the fact that what is essentially a 5 year old design is trending on motoring twitter to the same extent as the Ferrari SF90 was back in 2019 is surprising to say the least. Mind you, what does one expect given the obsessive fanboy nature of the AMG supporter? Mercedes have made many bold claims about their latest Black Series model, what with its flat plane crank engine, it’s supposedly setting a new lap record around the Ring and the fact that it’ll give any Porsche a bloody nose. However I believe it’s main rival to be none other than the other new lightweight hardcore, the McLaren 765LT. Today I shall be comparing both these incredible new cars to show why they are arch rivals.

1. Both have similar engine outputs and performance:
Both cars feature 4.0L Twin – Turbo V8s. Both produce over 720bhp of which the McLaren has 35 more and over 770NM of torque of which the Merc has 30NM more. As a result both max out at over 202mph. Of course the mid–engined McLaren is over 300kg lighter than the front–engined Benz resulting in the British Car accelerating from 0–60 in just under three seconds while the German Car accelerates in just over three seconds. Probably the only area the Merc will score higher in is the SoundTrack, especially given the new Flat Plane Crank.

2. Both are lightweight track focused cars:
Like most LongTail cars the 765LT is a lightweight, hardcore, more exciting version of the already spectacular 720S. It features a quadruple exhaust, a moving rear wing, a front diffuser and RWD. The Black Series is the swansong, track hard and focused version of the five year old AMG GT. It also features a quadruple exhaust, a moving rear wing, a front diffuser and RWD. As a result both cars will demolish any racetrack and make hypercars seem too expensive and idiotic.

3. Both cars are exclusive and expensive:
The 765LT is the sixth car in McLaren’s line up to carry the Long Tail name, following on from the outgoing 600LT Spider and as the name suggests, only 765 Coupes will be made. Likewise the AMG GT Black Series is the sixth car to carry the Black Series title in AMG’s lineup following on from the seven year old SLS Black Series. Judging by the exclusivity of previous Black Series models. Both cars are expected to cost north of around £280,000.

4. Both cars are made by F1 Competing Manufacturers:
There was once a time when McLaren made the greatest car of all time, and also a time when AMG’s spent more time making smoke than creating speed. Of course times have changed and now both compete in F1. Despite having less experience, AMG isn’t only beating McLaren it’s dominating the entire competition. You just know that if Hamilton or Bottas hasn’t won, the competition’s clearly been sabotaged. Of course for road cars, their aims are completely different, McLaren is a full on exotic car brand competing with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin whereas AMG being part of Mercedes more comfortably competes with the likes of BMW and Audi as a humble people’s car. Perhaps that explains why there’s such a high AMG fanbase.

Personally if it were my money, the McLaren would be my choice, though I don’t doubt the Merc will be epic, the McLaren will undoubtedly be faster, more exciting and if you don’t mind McLaren depreciation, better value for money. Put simply if you wanted to buy a speed machine, buy the one that started out as a rocket ship rather than the cruiser that’s trying to be a rocket ship.