| Author | Message | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 524 Registered: 10-2002 |
For my part, I would rather see Ferrari "catching up" with the competition. Straight line accleration, although it is not everything, is unquestionably one of the most important factors. It is also the most immediately felt, and most common encountered, scenarios. Let the reality be faced. | ||
| MarkPDX (Markpdx)
Junior Member Username: Markpdx Post Number: 172 Registered: 4-2003 |
I hope all of you realize what this discussion will lead to:  | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 933 Registered: 4-2002 |
"Racing on the street WITH the kids in the car. Now thats smart!" Yep, practically guarentees a future Darwin award! | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 492 Registered: 4-2003 |
Racing on the street WITH the kids in the car. Now thats smart! And I bash the Ricer's all the time for irresponsible driving....Sheesh | ||
| ryan (Ferrari_kid)
New member Username: Ferrari_kid Post Number: 24 Registered: 7-2003 |
Coop, i have a big ole library of that kinda stuff including videos. i'd gladly share the vids if i had a server to use. | ||
| G.Peters (Wfo_racer)
Junior Member Username: Wfo_racer Post Number: 173 Registered: 5-2002 |
But the bottom line is, to the great unwashed a Ferrari is supposed to be fast. When mom toasts you taking the kids to swim lessons they will laugh. It's all about who is out in front. I mentioned this to my wife and she told me last week she was running errands and as she left the light the car next to her was racing her. She paid them no attention and was told the car was racing her by my 4 year old. And once again yes blowing you off going straight is never a race, but most encounters are stoplight to stoplight. You can wax poetically about the Ferrari experience and this soul thing ( I have a engineers mind -set , I deal with tangibles never could wrap my mind around this soul experience). Either your fast or your last. | ||
| Peter S�derlund /328 GTB -88 (Corsa)
Member Username: Corsa Post Number: 349 Registered: 4-2001 |
Just wrong track, John. Get some track time and a driving course amd go on 50 to 120 mph roads (max speed, not limit) for some hunting. You will be a winner I have modified shocks and springs on my 328 and running even with P996C4's and similar cars on roads like that. Ferraris are quite good on demanding roads. Ciao Peter | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 349 Registered: 8-2002 |
P.Thommy, Of course you didn't that why you bought the spider, you are safe don't worry. and leave my '76 Vette out of this.. | ||
| neal (95spiderneal)
Junior Member Username: 95spiderneal Post Number: 217 Registered: 3-2002 |
i wonder about track times with these amg monsters. last time at wat glen an e55 was doing same lap times as me (about 2.30) with an instructor in the mb. looked good on track too until it hit armco. i bet they could keep up with 355 on certain tracks until brake/tire wear on mb | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 491 Registered: 4-2003 |
You don't really think that F-car owners bought their cars based strictly on 1/4 mile times do you?? It is time to put away the 1976 Corvette and take off your Kiss rock t-shirt... The 70's are over. | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 348 Registered: 8-2002 |
Ferraris blown off by mommys with child seats and boxes of new shoes from the sale at the Mall? As Brando said "The Horror", "The Horror" I guess we Ferrari owners should just stick to "Posing" from now on. | ||
| Sebastian (Sjblaw)
New member Username: Sjblaw Post Number: 31 Registered: 3-2003 |
180mph in my CL55 is not nearly as fun as 18mph in my 355. Apples and oranges, boys. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 490 Registered: 4-2003 |
Naturally aspirated versus forced induction. What was the question again??? | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Intermediate Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 1435 Registered: 8-2001 |
So there are cars faster than my 360. What's the big deal? There'll alway be newer and faster cars than the one you currently own. Don't you think the next generation Ferraris will be even faster and quicker? | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 748 Registered: 3-2003 |
Maybe they need to experiment with different rubber? Hohoho, sorry couldn't resist! | ||
| Dan Gordon (Ferruccio)
New member Username: Ferruccio Post Number: 48 Registered: 2-2003 |
Someone please lend me there 360 so I can show these mb guys what Ferrari is about. Any track any where. (besides the fat assed mb will go thru tires faster than my sister goes thru boyfriends) | ||
| Kds (Kds)
Junior Member Username: Kds Post Number: 99 Registered: 5-2003 |
Tom Bakowsky.... You also forgot to mention that AMG cars have better resale with 75+ km on the odometer as well. People are not scared of high mileage MB cars. | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 746 Registered: 3-2003 |
I think you could post faster times around a track or in the twisties with an AMG-Benz. Their traction aids are very sophisticated indeed...I'd still rather be seen in a Ferrari, though. I can get a Benz after I turn 50. | ||
| Tom Bakowsky (Tbakowsky)
Member Username: Tbakowsky Post Number: 507 Registered: 9-2002 |
O.k. guys time to stop making exusess. The AMG Benz's are fast. They will blow away anything Ferrari has to offer(aside from the Enzo),for less money. And the have the usefullness to go with it. You can drive it in the rain and not get wet, you can driv it everyday with out worry, You dodn't have to change timing belts every 30,000 miles. The sl55 is faster then a 360 on the track(heck so is the Subaru STi) And I'll bet the e55 benz with the Amg suspension is just as fast as 550 around the track!! Admit it guys...we will get beat by the mommy in the next lane without her even breaking a sweat, on her way to the shoe store! Makes you think don't it? | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 347 Registered: 8-2002 |
Jim, Ahhh yes my mistake, thanks for clearing it up for me! | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2263 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jeff My wife's a horsewoman and it's 450. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5570 Registered: 5-2001 |
These Germans are  | ||
| Marvin Balagot (Mdb69)
Junior Member Username: Mdb69 Post Number: 97 Registered: 4-2002 |
Its all part of the German manufacturers power wars. What will be BMW's answer? Lets wait and find out. Very much like the muscle car wars in the 60's. | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 346 Registered: 8-2002 |
Watch out for those soccer moms in the 400hp Porsche Cayenne also. | ||
| Marvin Balagot (Mdb69)
Junior Member Username: Mdb69 Post Number: 96 Registered: 4-2002 |
Yes the mercs are fast in a straight line, blah, blah, blah. They really need to go on a diet though. More usefull for the autobahn than a track for sure. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1571 Registered: 12-2001 |
John,you are probably forgetting what the 8 cyl. ferrari will do that a 6oo won't; the tight twisties are much harder to negotiate in a land yacht, no matter how powerful. Maybe a smaller uber Benz would be more up to the task, but i doubt the 6oo is. I had a 6.3 3oo, circa 1969 and used to regularly smoke normally aspirated 911s and Corvettes from a standing start. On one ferrari rally, there were a number of big bore MB's done by Renntech. These things were insanely powerful, and could outrun anything going uphill at speed (except, perhaps the f-50 which seemed to spend more time on the truck than on the tarmac). Still, i don't think i'd regard a 600 as a driver's car; the one i like best is the CL, the big coupe. I assume those are AMG'd these days, as well. | ||
| James Angle (Jimangle)
Junior Member Username: Jimangle Post Number: 61 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'm suprised it took you guys this long to figure out Merc's with the AMG badge are rediculously fast. AMG has been tuning mercedes from the mid 80's. I remember a road and track issue where they took a 500 series mercedes tricked it out, and it was doing over 200 mph. Ruf also tricked out a 911, and they were doing something like 211, but the car kept breaking fan belts and frying the clutch so they stopped driving it. If you EVER come up to a Merc or Porche with an AMG or RUF badge on the back, admire it, and drive away slowly. Jim | ||
| James Govan (Admiral_thrawn)
New member Username: Admiral_thrawn Post Number: 19 Registered: 7-2003 |
So the 03' E55 W211 I bought a few months ago actually has *more* straight-line acceleration than a stock F355? Damn, that I did not know; although if I had done some close hp / torque comparisons between the two the disparity would have cleared up this misconception! (I always thought the F355 was marginally faster than the E55 and S55). My E55 does 0 - 62mph in around 4.5 seconds and the 1/4 mile in about 12.7 seconds. Here a basic F355 Berlinetta costs a few tens of thousands of dollars more (AUD) than the E55, would not be new, is not a 5 seat luxury car, and rides much lower with firmer suspension (thus less practical and more prone to damage during day to day city driving.) | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
Member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 632 Registered: 3-2002 |
Turbo charged Hayabusa. I am 1/2 way there. Mr. Turbo is in Houston ! | ||
| G.Peters (Wfo_racer)
Junior Member Username: Wfo_racer Post Number: 171 Registered: 5-2002 |
We got my wife a E55 recently to haul the children around. Before she took delivery I took it over to Brabus to have them install a tuning package (car now has around 530 hp). And to correct the post below you can have the 155 mph restrictors removed. In Germany it is a option, here Brabus can do it. Nothing funnier than toasting Joe Sportscar driver with a couple of child seats in the back , and the Blues Clues stuffed dog on the parcel shelf. I always remove the cheesy emblems on my cars (if their not paying me to advertise it's not staying on the car). So they don't know a modded car just spanked them. I don't drive her cars often but compared to my 360 it's a different kind of fun. For those that keep bringing up the track or twisties sure that's a option, but most encounters happen on the street . What are you going to do, tell the guy hang on let's go to the track. Lastly my turbo Hayabusa is still my favorite bike, said it before 0 to 150 in around 7.5 seconds rocks. "Don't mock the family truckster it will whip your ass". | ||
| Alex Papas (Alexpapas)
New member Username: Alexpapas Post Number: 36 Registered: 2-2003 |
I have a '03 S55 (493 HP) as well as 575 F1. I bought a neat toy from Escort - the G-timer which basically lets you measure 0-60 with very little calibration out the box. You clip it on your windshiled and press the start button. My S55 has had over ten runs under 4.45 secs 0-60, with one best time of 4.40 with no effort other than disengaging ESP and nailing the gas. My 575 managed one run at 4.35 and the rest were in the same area as the S55. Kinda mind blowing when you think how different they are (size, comfort , PRICE etc) | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 1197 Registered: 1-2002 |
>>And when I said "motorcycle," I meant real sport bike. Just so we're not talking about some Ninja 250 against a Murcielago or anything.<< Awww, hell. And here I was all suited up in my Dainese, about to take my 50cc Vespa hot-rod to the street drags. HO hum. Director of annoying, buzzing and innanely slow moving objects "yeah, right" racing. | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
Member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 631 Registered: 3-2002 |
Ahhh... and then there is the Hayabusa ! remapped with a full Ti exhaust from the header. Cmon you can also modify a bike ! | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 67 Registered: 5-2003 |
Would I rather be driving a Ferrari? Most definitely However, let's not forget the fact that Mercedes Benz does not make sports cars. They make luxury cars. They make cars that transport you to your destination in an easy, enjoyable manner. The fact that it make it feel quick and zippy is an added quality to enhance the mission, not the mission itself. Ferrari makes cars that evoke emotion through the driving experience. As a tool for getting to destinations? Perhaps the best uses for a Ferrari is when you have no destination at all. The point of all this is not that it's either Ferrari or Mercedes. It's both. You wouldn't want to pile your wife and and kid in the 355 and go to the theatre and you wouldn't necessarily want to take your MB to the next open track day. Each might be able to get the job done but neither is the right tool for that particular job. | ||
| Patrick Denonville (Arizonaguy)
Member Username: Arizonaguy Post Number: 467 Registered: 4-2003 |
Jeff, a MB sedan owned by Treynor makes it to the 1320 quite often... | ||
| Dan Gordon (Ferruccio)
New member Username: Ferruccio Post Number: 44 Registered: 2-2003 |
Why would anyone buy a big and heavy Mercedes because it does one thing right it goes fast in a straight line? 0-60 and � mile are over rated. A twisting turning racetrack is real performance is measured. Look at it this way: Its like dating a fat girl because she can cook well. Id rather date a model that can f_ _ _ well. And if she cooks that�s great too. | ||
| Jeff (Jeff_m)
Junior Member Username: Jeff_m Post Number: 195 Registered: 9-2002 |
Art, The problem is when the road turns, the street race is over and the kids are waving to you out of the back window!How often does a MB sedan make it to the track? | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2278 Registered: 6-2001 |
My little GSXR 1000, with a little work, runs mid 9s, at 140-150 through the traps, less than 3 seconds to 60. So what? much rather be driving the Ferrari. The Merc may accelerate faster, but what happens when the road turns? Bye Bye Art | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 63 Registered: 5-2003 |
And when I said "motorcycle," I meant real sport bike. Just so we're not talking about some Ninja 250 against a Murcielago or anything. Thomas, apparently the '03 GSXR-1000's are insane. It's not my cup of tea but if you want something that will be the fastest and most ridiculous bike you can put a license plate on, that's the one. | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 62 Registered: 5-2003 |
Kal, Right. I know the guy who has that Hayabusa. He was telling me all about it before he did the race. However, you need a very modified car to beat a fast stock motorcycle. Now, I am sure that we might disagree about "very modified" but for the most part, you will not see a stock car blow away a stock motorcycle. Throw in some mods though, and all bets are off. | ||
| Thomas I (Wax)
New member Username: Wax Post Number: 28 Registered: 7-2003 |
Ryan Sagba wrote: "The sad part is that my 998 would get crushed by something like a Suzuki GSXR-1000 on a straight road." That's what my employer rides ('01). He says it's got the best torque and handling of any bike he's ever had, and he's had many. And the newer models are even better. Ferraris aren't dragsters any more than dragsters are GT's. So what if a luxury car can beat you off the line, that's childplay. Real men and women can yawn as they pass somebody who is out of gears and throttle. | ||
| Coop (360)
Junior Member Username: 360 Post Number: 148 Registered: 4-2002 |
Ryan Love the pic in you profile. Do you have any more?  | ||
| Kal (Suprakal)
Junior Member Username: Suprakal Post Number: 52 Registered: 4-2003 |
Those new Mercedes Benzes make a VERY VERY respectable amount of power and torque. My first run in with a 2003 E55 AMG was quite shocking as it was faster then a VIper ACR I had raced. Mercedes is making absurds amounts of horsepower in their AMG models so be on the look out. Also these things are automatics which means the throttle plate never closes and the power just keeps pouring out. The new CL65 AMG or whatever its going to be called will have a twin turbo v12 making something completely crazy like 600hp and 712lbs of torque. People talk about the "Muscle Car Era" being in the 50's and 60's. Gimme a break. Right now is the real muscle car era. You got little affordable everyday run around groccery getter sedan's and coupes like the Nissan Altima, Maxima,Acura CL/TL, G35, 350Z etc making 260-300hp. Hell even the $20,000 DODGE NEON is making 250hp from the factory. The awd rally racer cars like the Evo and WRX STI are making 300hp. You got the affordable Sports cars like the Z06 and Mustang Cobra making over 400hp from the factory (Mustang is rated 390 but its closer to 420). The higher end luxery cars like the Benz's, Audi's, and BMW's are all making 450-500hp and are still under 100K. Viper and Porsche Turbo's making 400-500hp. And last but certainly not least Ferrari's are faster and more powerfull then they ever have been before with the Enzo, 575M and 360 modena all making 600+,500+,and 400+hp respectivly. So for all those people who said the Muscle Car era is over...I disagree I think we're just getting warmed up  . Ryan Sabga crotch rockets are far form invinsible by street cars. Infact they are some of the few road going vehicles that I can have a competative race with. I've beaten quite a few 600's and 900's on the freeway. I just have basic mods and make about 500hp but some more heavily modified Supra's have completely annialated the fastest production sport bikes. Here is one very fast 1000hp Supra racing the famous 1300cc Suzuki Hayabusa (fastest sport bike for the highway money can buy). http://www.t04r.com/members/media/Walser-vs-busa.zip Talking about a bike which only averages high 130 traps in the 1/4 mile vs a car that can hit low 150's. On a prolonged highway pull the difference in power vs drag would be even more evident. The faster the bike goes the more its about power vs drag rather then weight vs power. And as far as 0-60 goes the bikes have great 0-60 once their rolling but most bike riders can't really get a good launch on a bike usualy excesive wheel spin with street rubber. I had a friend with an AWD turbo eclipse that was the fastest car Sport Compact Car magaznie had ever tested to 60. With a proper launch and 1-2 shift the car could hit 60mph in the mid 3's consistantly and cut 60ft times of 1.5 seconds. Only a profesionally rider with excelent form and tires can beat car like that off the line from a dead stop. | ||
| Dan Gordon (Ferruccio)
New member Username: Ferruccio Post Number: 41 Registered: 2-2003 |
Take him to any race track in the world. Hand him his ass. If you wanted to have a 0-60 or 1/4 mile car you shouldn't have bought a Ferrari. If you wanted exclusive, hand built, race ready, history making, piece of art you chose the right car. | ||
| z. b. (Cheeseman)
New member Username: Cheeseman Post Number: 27 Registered: 4-2002 |
the thing to remember is that all the mercedes, including the amg's have a speed limiter at 155mph. they are just too heavy to be driven safely above that speed. none of the ferraris or maseratis have any limiters. so take heart in that and dream of the day when you can catch the same guy on the autobahn at 175. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5521 Registered: 8-2002 |
Um... Ok, so i'm not a Ferrari owner or a MerceDES owner, but i recently had a conversation with a Ferrari & MerceDES-owning friend similarly regarding this whole thing and my stance on this whole issue was/is as follows: A MerceDES will never look like a Ferrari. Granted part of the mystique is the speed, but, as a whole in Ferrari terms, speed is not a huge part of the Mystique; if it were, Mustangs would've been the preferred 'horses' long ago. MerceDES are nice, but i'd take a slow Ferrari over a fast MerceDES ANY day... If need be, i'd just get my speed kicks, elsewhere. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5814 Registered: 12-2000 |
I think most of the big sedans can move off the line because of torque and the weight actually helps to get the power down. Remember when the new M5 came out several years ago. That thing kicks some butt for it's weight and it doesn't have near the 600 S HP and torque. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 489 Registered: 4-2003 |
In this modern era, cars have evolved so radically in a short period of time. One car can not be the top of the class in every aspect. Everyone has their own personal criteria in what is important to them, and allows them to reconcile and give weight to their preferences. If driving fast in a straight line is highly relevant to you, that's great. I wish my 355 was a bit more potent, but on the streets/highways of the USA, who really needs (or can use) all those ponies??? I guess you could track a Mercedes or a Bentley, but it is kinda silly huh?? | ||
| Coop (360)
Junior Member Username: 360 Post Number: 147 Registered: 4-2002 |
...and this: Bentley GT, a 6160 lbs car, 479 lb ft@1600 rpm, 0-60: 4.7s HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE ? ? ? | ||
| Bert Kanters (Bert308)
Junior Member Username: Bert308 Post Number: 59 Registered: 11-2002 |
The new Mercedes S600 has basically the engine from the Maybach. Once on the Autobahn I was driving my old Alfa at 160 km/h (100 mph) and a Mercedes was behind me. As soon as I could go from the left to the middle lane it accelerated. It was 10 meters behind me, but when he passed already had a huge speed difference, then disappered on the horizon, an SL55 AMG it was, very impressive. These days in the 308 you have to be even careful with a VW Golf diesel, if you're not in the right gear it pulls away fom you, if you have to shift two gears down it's already gone in the distance. | ||
| Coop (360)
Junior Member Username: 360 Post Number: 146 Registered: 4-2002 |
O M G ! ! ! Just found this: the new CL65 AMG. This twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 produces 612 hp and 730 lb-ft of torque That's not fair... and it's a 100K cheaper than a 575... | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 487 Registered: 4-2003 |
Again you are comparing a naturally aspirated car to forced induction (ie, turbo, or blower) | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Intermediate Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 2458 Registered: 1-2002 |
A new 600, with a twin turbo V-12, will have 500 HP, and nearly that much torque. Of course you would lose! Those things will do 0-60 as fast as a 550 Maranello, ~4.3 seconds!!! | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1247 Registered: 3-2002 |
The thing about these sedans is that they have top end, too. It isn't even like you could outleg them over a greater distance, like with the smaller-engined, short-ratio street burners. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 486 Registered: 4-2003 |
Where is the big mystery??? Naturally aspirated versus forced induction. It is a no brainer. | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
Junior Member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 140 Registered: 3-2003 |
A LOT of cars can beat a 355 off the line, due to the combination of the tall first gear and a lack of low-rpm torque. Unless you are prepared to dump the clutch, and hope to get it right (usually the tires will light up and the motor will bounce off the rev-limiter), always go from a roll and use EVERY last rpm. You will win most races. | ||
| Gary Reed (Gary_reed)
Junior Member Username: Gary_reed Post Number: 142 Registered: 2-2002 |
Dr. Ken, Your right, it is not about "how fast you go".... it's about, "how you go fast." | ||
| Coop (360)
Junior Member Username: 360 Post Number: 145 Registered: 4-2002 |
It's unfortunately only getting worse: Supposedly all AMGs will hit 0-60 @ 4 SECONDS The world�s first standard-fitted seven-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars will make future Mercedes models even more economical and further boost their acceleration. In addition, the new transmission variant will also considerably enhance shifting comfort still further. The new 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission will be a standard feature of the E 500, S 430, S 500, CL 500 and SL 500 models from autumn 2003, replacing the five-speed automatic version currently fitted. The newly developed seven-speed automatic transmission reduces fuel consumption in the NEDC driving cycle by as much as 0.6 litres per 100 kilometres (depending on the car), increases acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h by up to 0.3 seconds and allows significantly quicker intermediate sprints from 60 to 120 km/h. At the same time, shifting is even smoother, and therefore more comfortable, than with the automatic transmission presently used. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1244 Registered: 3-2002 |
You never know. The driver of the Benz could have been a middle aged ricer with a nitrous kit! Did he have a fart can tailpipe and stickers all over? | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 195 Registered: 4-2003 |
It's not about speed. It's all about the babes You're a winner in our books John. | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 60 Registered: 5-2003 |
FWIW, I have a friend who has a 600CL and a 550 Maranello. He thinks that the big Benz may be faster. He says that while nothing matches driving the F-car, he never misses the speed if he's in the 600. | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 59 Registered: 5-2003 |
"In fact from 0-60 the only thing that will beat you is a crotch rocket." Don't ever make the mistake of racing a motorcycle. It's not even close. When I am out on my Ducati, I am always amazed at the number of people who want to race me - everyone from Honda Civics with big wings to Corvettes. I usually won't take the bait as I am a pretty tame on the street (I have been spoiled by the relative safety of the track) but every now and then I give it a go and it's just not a fair comparison with cars. A couple of weeks ago, a guy in a 996 twin turbo tried to get me to race with him on an open stretch of highway. We were doing about 50mph and he kept looking at me and accelerating up the road a little and letting off. I wasn't going to do it but I figured that it would be nice to see a tt in action and besides, how often do people with cars like that ever want to street race? So I down shifted and blipped the throttle a little bit so the guy knew to go. Then he hit it. He pulled away about a bike length and I opened up the throttle to close the gap. It took less than a second for me to get next to him. I just sat there next to him and held at about 1/2 throttle. We were still accelerating as fast as he could go. When he looked over at me, I just opened it up. I went from 110 to 140 in a few seconds. I let off and looked in thge mirror and he was very, very far behind me. When he caught up to me he shook his head and game me the thumbs up. The sad part is that my 998 would get crushed by something like a Suzuki GSXR-1000 on a straight road. As I said, it's really not a fair comparison. I don't like to tell stories like that because it illustrates irresponsible driving (even with pretty much no one else on the road) but it's just not worth it to get childish with a sport bike. Take on a Corvette or something. I'm sure it will be more fun. | ||
| ryan (Ferrari_kid)
New member Username: Ferrari_kid Post Number: 23 Registered: 7-2003 |
jim has a point, it didn't come out as a total loss. i'm surprised at how fast these new sedans are getting though. the 2003 E55 AMG is just as fast as the 360 Modena to 60. that's pretty impressive. of course you throw in a few twisties and it'll be a different game. | ||
| Kevin Marcus (Rumordude)
Junior Member Username: Rumordude Post Number: 182 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have an S600 and my boss has the newer one with the 490hp engine. (he also has my sl600 renntech). Anyway, the cars are very fast with a nice flat torque curve, but they are heavy. You will take them on any turn and/or any braking experience, which on a road course is all you care about i suppose. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 2208 Registered: 7-2001 |
John, I bet your car sounded better! And your date wasn't big! | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 483 Registered: 4-2003 |
I don't even mess around with those high HP Mercedes. I don't want to see the 12 year old's face smiling from the back seat as my 355 gets worked. But, hit the twisties and.....C Ya. | ||
| john w. houghtaling, II (Johnhoughtaling)
Junior Member Username: Johnhoughtaling Post Number: 201 Registered: 11-2002 |
I was out of my mind shocked at how fast this car is. Apparently, it has a twin turbo V12 making close to 500hp. It is very disheartening to see a big S-Class mercedes walk away from you. I mean I'm in a relatively modern Ferrari making almost 400hp and I'm dusted by a big 6,000 lbs Sedan. Ouch! | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 944 Registered: 12-2001 |
493HP and 590 pound-feet of torque with an effortless 0-62 in 4.8 sec. Just what the hell were you thinking? LOL | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5808 Registered: 12-2000 |
355 doesn't have 400 hp, but still a quick car at 4.9 0-60. 600 S is probably just a hair faster and I won't say it's driver related. ;) | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1242 Registered: 3-2002 |
I read the comparison of the new V-12 Benz vs the V-12 BMW 7 series, and I was amazed at how fast they are. They weigh in around 2 tons and hit 60 mph in 4 seconds! | ||
| Christopher John (Ecsplosive)
New member Username: Ecsplosive Post Number: 44 Registered: 7-2003 |
Ah, the dreaded 600S... raped my 328 off the line, blew away my Esprit, and ate my 55's tread. | ||
| gary green (Minuke)
Junior Member Username: Minuke Post Number: 173 Registered: 7-2003 |
Get a 427 Cobra, I guarantee you won't lose with that. In fact from 0-60 the only thing that will beat you is a crotch rocket. | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1475 Registered: 5-2001 |
John, those 600's DO have over 400 hp...but you might also consider that your car may not be making full hp, there could be an ignition or fuel fault...I was suprised at one of our club "dyno days" that someone's 355 was down on power. You may not notice a loss of 40-50hp just by "seat of the pants"...$125 for a dyno test may be money well spent... Well, seeing the posts above, I amend my comments...stay away from Mercedes 600's... :-) | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5807 Registered: 12-2000 |
funny, thy shall know his enemies, in the case of a 600 S... RUN!!! Actually, just a few fractions of a second can turn into a few car lengths, so maybe pretty close. Never drag a Ferrari from a stop, get them to do a running start. | ||
| john w. houghtaling, II (Johnhoughtaling)
Junior Member Username: Johnhoughtaling Post Number: 200 Registered: 11-2002 |
Very embarasing moment. Just came back from the movies, I'm in the ferrari, hot blonde in the passanger seat, feeling pretty good, then at a stop light a 600S pulls along side. He and his "big" wife and and three kids are in the back. He looks over. We nail it. (I know it is childish, but I could resist). Well the guy blew my doors off. 3-4 car lenghts by the time we got to the next light. It was pretty embarising when he looked over and shrugged. Now I know this guy has told EVERYONE this story. |