Power Over Displacement?

Sorry - I don't see it. A mod'd SRT-4 can maybe outpull a mod'd S4 V8 on the highway? on a straight line?

The 2nd being a Stealth over a Ford GT - both mod'd. At least this one's on the track. Looked like the ford bogg'd or had bad wheelspin shortly after launch - and then started to catch up.

Drivers, traction, tires, suspension tuning, drivers, gearing, weight, boost/nos - 1,000 variables for why cheaper cars can outrun faster/"better" cars in a straight line.

On a Ferrari forum you're going to hear all about the other factors that make a car better - the handling in the corners, stability at speed, acceleration at speed, aerodynamic stability, sophistication of the suspension, feedback/confidence, the craftsmanship... (the privilege of Ferrari repair bills and insurance).

 

Having been a big Ferrari fan for many years, I've often been told by others that a __________ will outrun a Ferrari. Even recently - the Ford GT - Some smugly comment, "it's faster than a Ferrari." Often, they'll add, "And, it's cheaper, too."

Here's my answer, "Yeah. But, it's not a Ferrari." End of story.

Mike - owner of two very quick 4-cylinder cars (Elise and STi)

 

To me, it doesn't really matter. Its the overall package that counts, and if one has more HP per liter over the other, is useless to me out on the road. For example, a 600HP Viper produces 6 HP per liter more than my 150HP 944. That does not make me like my 944 one bit less. Although I do wish it had 100Hp per liter, which would really make it fly!

Also, your thread title is in need of serious work. Its just like saying Watts are greater then fluid ounces.

A lighter weight car with more traction and a better power band is going to be faster then a similar car with less power or more weight, it has nothing to do with displacement. A chevy LS1 displaces nearly twice that of my Porsche motor, but only weighs a few lb's more.

 

It is surprising how fast you can go for a few $$$. But going fast is not the only goal. Driving is a sensory experience and some of the really fast cars are so insulated that you don't feel like the car is doing much. We rarely ever need to get somewhere faster than any of our vehicles will go, so the goal should be an enjoyable driving experience. I had an old alfa that was really pretty slow, but was much more fun to drive than the Honda Odyssey which is a faster vehicle.
BT

 

Yep. I think the SOUND of a Ferrari is worth 85% of the cost!

Mike

 

Alright let me brake this up for you. The Stealth is on race gas and has tons of mods and somewhere around 30+lbs of boost. A 50 trim SRT4 can put down 450fwhp+ more and with that weight its pretty crazy. If im not mistaken a Stage 3 kit also has meth injection which will only add more horse. There is no replacement for displacement plain and simple. If you want to see race cars on a budget theres alot of cars out there that will walk that stealth and SRT4 for cheaper.

 

A stock EFI 5.0 with a Hellion Turbo kit will put around 500 safe hp at the wheels. Put a 93 Mustang Notch on a slight diet, get the weight to 2900lbs or so, and toss on a Hellion kit and you'll smile a lot. Add a couple more pounds of boost and you'd have a seriously fast and dangerous car.

My point is that car modded in the right way can become a serious contender. Doesn't matter what engine, chassis, or manufacturer you choose. Hell, there was a guy who ran an 86 or 87 Dodge Caravan with a Chrysler turbo on it an he ran in the 12s, IIRC. A stock 430 runs about the same in the 1/4...is that sad to you?

 

Some of the most fun I've ever had was autocrossing a little 4 cylinder alfa spider. Don't think the car had much over 100hp, and probably never went above 40 mph when autocrossing.

Speed and power aren't everything. It's the whole package. And there's nothing like a Ferrari. Nothing.

Dom