Quote:
Originally Posted by glamcem
Please don't get me wrong since my intent is not to misprize the old E30 cars or anything but I saw a couple PRO3 cars at PR before and wasn't astonished by their performance. I had my Corvette Grand Sport at that time so no surprise there. What are the official specs of those cars? It should be like 2600-2700lbs weight restricted (with driver) with stock hp (160-170 hp), if I am not mistaken. I think it all comes down to lbs/hp ratio, anything above 12 lbs per hp is considered slow (in this case it is like 15.6 lbs per hp) How is the body flex with those old cars? since chassis technology has come along a long way.
The point is, more than likely, the guy in the GT-R had absolutely no idea or previous track experience. Same apply to the other fast and expensive cars, many of the times the guys who track their expensive cars barely push them(or can push them) hard but what does this tell us? It won't change the fact that it's so much easier to go fast with those more expensive cars because they have a lot of technology built in to them. Take a look at the Z06 with Z07 package, or new Z28 their suspension technology along with their PTM modules are so advanced which ultimately help with a lot better lap times
I am also not so sure about the E92 M3s' ability to keep high corner speeds but there is no way that a 30 year old 3 series that can put 20-30 mph higher corner speed than a proper sports car such as Corvette which can be attained a lot less than $60k 
Also another problem with old 4 door sedan/econobox cars is that they're not designed as a real performance car and the only advantage they might have is the weight savings (due to previous years poor chassis and safety regulations) and whatever you do to them it won't be a real sports car like Corvette, Porsche, Viper or even a Miata.. |
I think you missed the point completely. Nobody is saying that an E30 can compete with a Z06 or a new Z28. The fact is that a better driver in a DE session can pass many "faster" cars with scared or inexperienced drivers. The point was that the E30 can make you a better driver and can improve your ability on the track much more than forced induction can. The PRO3 and SpecE30 are spec racing series where the driver skill is the biggest factor in toping the podium. If you would rather win a DE trophy and utilize the computers and advanced traction management software in todays modern vehicle to pass every car in your session, then more power to you.