Power is relative, and (mostly) over emphasized

[ThisIsChrisKim]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

So you only compare similarly powered cars without regards to price?

For reference
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...or_comparison/

That comparison was about fun. I wasn't trying to say you can't compare different cars at different power levels, price, etc. But if you want to compare if a car is a "better handler" using lap times, the two cars need to be similarly powered so that the power is out of the equation of the lap time.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by ThisIsChrisKim

That comparison was about fun. I wasn't trying to say you can't compare different cars at different power levels, price, etc. But if you want to compare if a car is a "better handler" using lap times, the two cars need to be similarly powered so that the power is out of the equation of the lap time.

I linked that comparison as evidence that the Mustang V6 is faster (indicating superior handling and power in some combination). It's an interesting notion to compare vehicle handling by removing the power aspect of it (even skidpad tests have an element of power required to achieve high numbers) is that mindest derivative of someone who sees a car as a chassis-suspension-powertrain combination where any component is swappable and not integral to the equation of "this is my car"?

Edit: Must they be on the same compound of tire as well?

[autobrz]

grip is not handling although grip is needed to handle well
it all comes down to numbers vs experience even when its about handling

[Deep Six]

FWIW, the Toyota dealership near me is negotiating with two local speed shops in conjunction with their UK parent to offer a supercharged FRS as a dealer provided and warrantied option. They believe two thirds of their buyers will go this route if it comes to fruition.

[Demandred7]

Originally Posted by daiheadjai

Isn't that part of the fun? To be accelerating through a curvy on-ramp when everyone else is braking?
Then hitting highway speeds well before you even reach the merge point - makes lane merges less dramatic, but more satisfying...

Fun - yes, absolutely - for me.

Scare the family - that too (yes I take my wife and two kids in my car (the kids actually often request my car)).

[Rampage]

Originally Posted by Deep Six

FWIW, the Toyota dealership near me is negotiating with two local speed shops in conjunction with their UK parent to offer a supercharged FRS as a dealer provided and warrantied option. They believe two thirds of their buyers will go this route if it comes to fruition.

I would be shocked if it ends up being more than 20% of their buyers going for the SC. But then that all depends on the price, I guess. If they are the only ones offering a fully warrantied SC FR-S that covers the complete drive train then maybe they would be pulling in everyone that wants FI. I just can't see a dealership covering a $8000 engine on their own.

[red_comet]

Originally Posted by Deep Six

FWIW, the Toyota dealership near me is negotiating with two local speed shops in conjunction with their UK parent to offer a supercharged FRS as a dealer provided and warrantied option. They believe two thirds of their buyers will go this route if it comes to fruition.

They've got moxy to take that risk!

By "they" I mean the dealer.

Power to them.

[Mikem53]

Originally Posted by red_comet

Street racing is probably the least responsible ,and most inconsiderate thing a person can do behind the wheel of a car. Every once in a while I'll see a couple of sh!t chucking apes drive by in like a 328i and a late 90's mustang, ripping through a population of cars on the freeway, usually impressing no one and scaring the crap out of john q public and his family that are probably on their way to the hospital cuz little timmy is sick.

.... Wait wtf am I writing?

Tldr: street racing is for chimps

Lol.. Sounds like your getting old... It happens.. I agree with you..
And I admit.. I was one of those chimps some time ago... In my defense...
There weren't as many cars on the road back then and no cell phones or texting going on while driving.. Having kids and now grand kids.. I have a whole different attitude about wreckless driving and street racing.. The track is way more enjoyable ..

[Suberman]

Originally Posted by daiheadjai

Isn't that part of the fun? To be accelerating through a curvy on-ramp when everyone else is braking?
Then hitting highway speeds well before you even reach the merge point - makes lane merges less dramatic, but more satisfying...

That's the technically correct way to merge. I generally go much faster than that. Physics explains you can brake much more rapidly than you can accelerate (4 wheels v 2 for a start) and it is much,much safer to brake smoothly into a gap in traffic than to try and accelerate into one.

Also, you may notice that freeway off ramps are curvy in part to encourage drivers to slow down. On ramps are often much straighter to encourage you to floor it to merge safely. The really interesting part is to clip the apexes on the off ramp and note how well the engineers usually design the bends. Most bendy off ramps are actually almost straight if you drive them correctly, not following the bends. Oddly, this is done for safety in case j q public is drunk or doesn't have a clue about safe cornering speeds. Heck, I've even clipped the apexes while towing my little sailboat, saves wear and tear on the trailer bearings.

As for power, bear in mind the 1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 weighed a little less than the BRZ (crashing one would be an event you might not walk away from) and had a 2.5 litre V6 producing 154 hp and 151 lb ft of torque. It was slower than the BRZ but was considered quick in 1982.

The BRZ has ample power AND torque. You just need to drive it closer to maximum throttle more of the time. Conversely, if you are commuting in heavy traffic the low down torque is adequate to the task. It is nonsense to say that the BRZ has insufficient power, the specific torque and specific power outputs are class leading. 100 hp per litre used to be racing engine output not so many years ago.

[meadowz06]

Honest opinion. Would you guys trade this car(my car) for a FRS? 27,000 miles, built by Lingenfelter. 560hp.
I am seriously considering it!! And I NEVER race the Corvette on any track.

[lickitysplit]

Originally Posted by meadowz06

Honest opinion. Would you guys trade this car(my car) for a FRS? 27,000 miles, built by Lingenfelter. 560hp.
I am seriously considering it!! And I NEVER race the Corvette on any track.

No.

[thill]

Originally Posted by meadowz06

Honest opinion. Would you guys trade this car(my car) for a FRS? 27,000 miles, built by Lingenfelter. 560hp.

Yes. I love Vettes but my BRZ is my daily driver...

[rice_classic]

Non daily driver? I'd trade the Corvette for a NSX because I like them more and a transverse leaf spring doesn't exactly fill my **** up.

Daily driver.. would rather have FRS where I get 30mpg (combined) and can throw groceries and work items in the back.

[Razz]

I would trade it in on a new Sting Ray.

Finally saw one in person at the club meet. Driven hard all they way from Detroit by the factory.

Much better looking in person than the photo's.