Bugatti vs Koenigsegg: In your opinion, which of these two hypercars wins?
We’ve seen plenty of drag races on YouTube. But here, Carwow and Mat Watson have taken competition to another level. When two $5 million hypercars face off in the Abu Dhabi desert, it takes on a whole different dimension. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport versus Koenigsegg Jesko Attack, with about 2,900 horsepower at the start line… and a result that was much closer than expected.
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Insane power, two opposing philosophies
On one side, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, driven by Mat Watson and the successor to the legendary Veyron, is designed to shatter straight-line speed records. In fact, its evolution, the Super Sport 300+, holds the record at over 304 mph. Under the hood, it features an 8.0-liter quadriturbo W16, developing 1,600 horsepower and 1,600 Nm of torque. The power is delivered to all four wheels thanks to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, allowing it to crush the asphalt from the start. Its only real drawback? Its weight—1,995 kg (4,398 lbs) on the scale.
Facing it is the Koenigsegg Jesko Attack, a car designed primarily for the track. Although it is less powerful in its standard configuration (1,280 horsepower for 1,000 Nm of torque with its 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8), it makes up for it with an ultra-light construction: only 1,420 kg (3,130 lbs). Unlike the Bugatti, it is rear-wheel drive, which complicates a standing start. But once launched, its power-to-weight ratio and aerodynamics work in its favor.
A duel closer than expected between the Chiron SS and the Jesko
In the first run, as expected, the Bugatti gets off the line faster, benefiting from its all-wheel drive to grip the road better. Meanwhile, the Jesko struggles to transfer its power to the rear wheels and quickly falls behind. But on the second attempt, everything changes. This time, the two cars start perfectly together and remain side by side until the finish line. At this level of performance, every detail counts: the Bugatti wins by just a few centimeters, even though both complete the quarter-mile in 9.6 seconds flat. An almost perfect tie that proves the Jesko has nothing to envy when it comes to pure acceleration. Perhaps the closest finish Carwow has ever seen!
In the third round, with a standing start on a half-mile, the advantage shifts once again to the Bugatti. With more downforce and better stability, it even exceeds 190 mph without shaking. But in the fourth attempt, plot twist! This time, the Jesko takes over, benefiting from a poor gear ratio engagement on the Bugatti at the start. Proving that even a hypercar can make a mistake.
Impressive braking and a battle of passion
The final test: braking. Starting at 150 km/h (93.29 mph), the two monsters must come to a stop as quickly as possible. And once again, the Bugatti prevails, stopping in a shorter distance despite its extra 575 kg (1,268 lbs). In the end, the Chiron Super Sport wins the duel, thanks to its better traction off the line and more effective braking. But the Jesko did not fall short, proving that a well-exploited lightweight can rival a monstrous all-wheel-drive system. Beyond the numbers, this duel will be remembered as a clash between two extreme visions of performance—a Bugatti built for pure speed, a Koenigsegg designed for track adrenaline… and one lucky owner who has the chance to own both… Please, check out their video!
This article explores the drag race showdown between the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport and the Koenigsegg Jesko Attack, the difference in philosophy between these two hypercars, and the intensity of the duel that was decided by mere centimeters.
Images: © Carwow on YouTube
