The rivalry between the Renault-Alpine A442 and Porsche 936 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the late 1970s marked a thrilling chapter in endurance racing. From 1976 to 1978, these two titans battled fiercely, each pushing the limits of innovation and reliability. The Porsche 936 dominated early with wins in 1976 and 1977. Despite Alpine’s speed, mechanical setbacks plagued their efforts until 1978, when the A442B, driven by Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud, clinched a dramatic victory, outlasting Porsche’s challenges. This duel not only showcased cutting-edge engineering but also cemented turbocharging as a game-changer at Le Mans.
Porsche 935 K3
Porsche 3.2L Flat-6 RWD
Mirage GR8
Renault 2.0L Turbo V6 / Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8
Renault Alpine A442
Renault 2.0L Turbo V6
Porsche 936
Porsche Type-935 2.1L Turbo Flat-6
Note: Cars physics have been adjusted for better competition.
Credits: SportCars 70’s Style by ChiefWiggum & Porsche 935 K3 by Thomas Johansen.
Note: Cars physics have been adjusted for better realism and competition.
