Fastest Koenigsegg vs. Fastest Bugatti Shows Speed Isn’t Just About Power

Two $7-Million Missiles, One Big Question

At nearly $7 million each, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport and Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut are hypercars built with one goal: speed. These are the ultimate expressions of what happens when brands throw out the rulebook and chase performance above all else. Most of us will never get close to driving one, so seeing them go head-to-head is as real as it gets.

Carwow on YouTube lined up both cars for a series of drag races, but with a twist: factory test drivers from Bugatti and Koenigsegg were on hand to ensure everything went smoothly. And right from the start, it was obvious this wasn’t going to play out the way the numbers suggest.

On Paper, the Advantage Isn’t Obvious

On paper, the Jesko Absolut should have the upper hand. It tips the scales at just over 3,060 pounds – about 1,300 pounds lighter than the Chiron Super Sport. Power is close when the Jesko runs E85, so both are in the same league for horsepower. Usually, less weight means quicker acceleration once traction no longer limits acceleration.

But that’s where the Bugatti pushes back. The Chiron Super Sport’s all-wheel drive gives it instant traction, especially off the line. The Jesko Absolut, even featuring its advanced gearbox, is still rear-wheel drive and much more sensitive to the road, gear selection, and how you use the throttle. It’s a classic matchup: traction versus lightness.

So Who Actually Won?

The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut walked away with the overall win by clinching the standing half-mile sprint. However, there’s a huge asterisk. The Chiron Super Sport proved more dominant when traction mattered most, particularly in a short quarter-mile sprint – all thanks to its all-wheel-drive system and sheer weight.

But as speeds (and gears) climbed, the Jesko’s advantage came through. Its lighter build allowed it to pull ahead. The Absolut shined in longer runs, even if it lost ground at the start. Neither car showed a real weakness – just two different takes on what it means to be the fastest.

The Jesko Absolut gets the bragging rights, but the close margins and changing advantages show this wasn’t a clear-cut win. In the end, the real winners are the drivers who get to push these cars to their limits – something most of us will only ever watch from afar.