Comparing stock

[raul.garcia]

I think we should take a poll on whether cars with different methods of making power can be compared as long as they're stock, otherwise any claims to faster times with a modified N/A is moot.

I don't see how it's fair, but that's just my opinion.

[Joe 1320]

Do you keep you car stock? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Would you race a N/A against a boost? Why not?
Would you race a non-sportscar? Why not?
IS it fair to compare them? Sure.

Anything can be made to compete against anything else. Thats why there are class rules in racing.


One of the most intriguing classes is Top Alcohol. You can run a supercharger and methanol OR Nitromethane and injection. The good old blower vs N/A race. (even though Nitro is an oxygen bearing fuel.)

[Mirroredshades]

Hmmmmmm, I wondered what caused this thread......

Yes I think its fair. I personally don't care how a car gets its power as long as it is fast. I think comparing "stock" should mean, straight off the show room floor. A Road an Track comparo. If you put a K+N filter on your car, too me, it no longer stock.

I would kill to come up to a light next to a Twin Turbo Supra. Would it be fair if I had a bottle of nitrous? Who cares?

The only forum it really matters is in a race. That is when the bs stops.

PS. I hope you know I was just kidding about the Bell Bottom joke. Everyone was getting so testy over at that other thread. He He.

[TimeLord]

That is why E.T. bracket exists.

I enjoy beating 7.sec dragsters!!!

[tabahr]

I'd race any car next to me at the tree. As far as comparissons go, you have to stick to bone stock numbers. Saying my modified car can beat your stock one is stupid. That is why I started the Subaru thread, I wanted to see how people responed to a turbo'd import beating their V8. I was wondering how many folks would brag that there modded car could take it.

I'd say I like too stick with the V8 grunt. It's a whole American muscle attitude. The deep growl of the V8 exhaust cannot be duplicated with a 4 or 6. Plus, the butt-on-the-floor airplane style cockpit of the F-bods and vettes is awsome. I just havent seen an import that sits and feels like that, no matter how fast it is. My brother's Lexus SC400 came close, but just didnt get it.

As far as respect goes... The numbers talk. I give respect to anything that deserves it by making the numbers. Even imports, even mini-vans, even turbos and superchargers.

BTW... There are some pretty fun minivans being built these days.. how does 245 HP sound? I can't remember what the ad I saw was for... maybe a Mazda?

[Joe 1320]

I saw a pro-mod PT cruiser this weekend..... does that count? That was a genuine bad boy.

[tabahr]

It's a bit off thread... but check these numbers out...

Toyota Sienna : 230 HP

Dodge Caravan 3.8 : 215 (I drive an AWD model for work)

Honda Odyssey: 240 HP

Nissan Quest : 240 HP

We will soon see minivans pushing over 250 HP! which is great for occasions that the kids NEED to be at soccer practice 5 minutes ago and wanna watch a DVD on the way. Zoom Zoom

[MN6WS6]

On the vans, what you are not factoring in is weight. Sure, it may make 245 HP, but when it weighs 5000#'s and is front wheel drive with an automatic "shiftless" transmission, then you are beating a dead horse. The ground MIGHT be seeing 175, and it's trying to push a 5000# brick through a wall of air.

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

There are all different ways of making power.

Some manufacturers like large displacement pushrod engines... the pushrods allow for smaller physical size and weight, and end up with better fuel economy.

Some manufacturers go with the DOHC because these engines breathe better and can typically rev higher -- moving the power up top at the expense of torque down low.

Others will need to keep displacement small (because of taxes or other reasons)... for these manufacturers, they begin with a disadvantage. Everyone is quick to point out the N/A cars are disadvantaged next to forced induction cars -- but aren't the FI cars at a disadvantage first by not having the displacement?

When all of these thing are variables to the equation, the only thing that remains constant is their stock trim.

I have seen f-body guys (on this board even) brag about their win over a Honda S2000. Now, that car has NEITHER large displacement nor FI. But I still believe that comparison to be fair. Why? Because they are both stock cars geared for performance, and they both excel in their own ways.

I am all for lining up and seeing which is the better car... hell, even modified versus stock is "fair" in that sense. But when you talk about a car's *true* identity, you are talking about the way the car arrives on the showroom floor. Any time you compare factory built cars, you have every right to do it.

[faster then u]

If it's next to it and it's willing to race you. Then i say race it. Some times you mite just get suprized. Of corse it's nice to win but thats not allways going to happen if u race eveything.

[CorollaRacer]

It's always fun racing. ALways try to race everything. Legally, though. And smaller, boosted motors can be pretty cool. Although big, boosted motors are the best.