Both the Pagani Zonda S and the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport are equipped with a 7.3L AMG V-12. Does anyone know why there is such a huge discrepancy in the power output between these two cars? The Zonda S output is 555 bhp @ 5900 rpm and the CLK GTR Super Sport is 720 bhp @ 6700 rpm. Even the new Zonda F is reported to have only (relative) 602 bhp.

Very simple. The super sport is not a factor car. Its an after market car that was custom made for an owner. The Zondas factory Im sure its not bord as much or theres more CI on the S.S.

Very simple. The super sport is not a factor car. Its an after market car that was custom made for an owner. The Zondas factory Im sure its not bord as much or theres more CI on the S.S.

Uhh, I'm not sure it's quite that simple. The CLK GTR was a factory car. The GTRs were built by HWA, which is basically Mercedes' race division (other than for Formula 1). Mercedes' in-house tuner AMG built the engines, SS and otherwise. It doesn't get much more factory than that.

By the way, let's not pretend that the guys at Zonda are not interested in more horsepower. These cars are about ego for the manufacturers and the owners. If there is a way to get more horsepower than the other supercar down the road, they have to consider it.

Uhh, I'm not sure it's quite that simple. The CLK GTR was a factory car. The GTRs were built by HWA, which is basically Mercedes' race division (other than for Formula 1). Mercedes' in-house tuner AMG built the engines, SS and otherwise. It doesn't get much more factory than that.


Yes the Clk-GTR is a factory car but the S.S is a custom model. Also theres a tons more forced air being let in the S.S then the Zonda.

Just look at the scoop\intake.

www.fast-autos.net/mercedes/clkgtrss5.jpg