Sport Auto runs Corvette ZR-1 - 7:38 at 'Ring

[jaspergtr]

Originally Posted by Skaterbasist

Same day/driver/conditions? If not, its no better/accurate than previous comparisons.

Same driver, same track - similar conditions (Sport Auto keeps a car for up to 1 month to wait for ideal conditions).

I agree that all comparisons are to be taken with a grain of salt. I do find it ironic that a car with over 150HP more, and weighs 600lbs less, with wider tires, and more expensive brakes, turns about the same time (hell, either give or take 2-3secs).

The ZR-1 is an absolutely amazing machine. I think it speaks volumes about what Nissan accomplished.

[Kuneff]

Originally Posted by jaspergtr

Same driver, same track - similar conditions (Sport Auto keeps a car for up to 1 month to wait for ideal conditions).

I agree that all comparisons are to be taken with a grain of salt. I do find it ironic that a car with over 150HP more, and weighs 600lbs less, with wider tires, and more expensive brakes, turns about the same time (hell, either give or take 2-3secs).

The ZR-1 is an absolutely amazing machine. I think it speaks volumes about what Nissan accomplished.

OK, I have some reservations about your comment... People seem to think that a car that is lighter with more HP should be faster... And people think the same about Bikes, and thats why these moron kids by these liter bikes (R1's, GSXR 1000's, CBR 10000's) and think they are the fastest guys on the road/track...

The GTR would have to be a more forgiving car, and easier to drive deeper into a turn, knowing the whole time that the AWD will allow the car to be controlled to some degree while sliding through a turn....

To get a Faster Lighter more Powerful Car OR Bike to run a faster lap time it would take a much smoother driver and a lot more work. Yes, the GTR is an impressive car... but I can't help but feel that it can run a faster lap time based largely on it being AWD... Make the GTR RWD and I bet the ZR1 would STOMP it into the ground...

I wonder how much faster lap time a ZR1 would run if it was AWD and did not suffer as much from Traction/Grip.... Granted that would also take out some of weight difference that some would say puts the ZR1 at an advantage.

MY thoughts... the GRT is AWD, and heavier. Heavier could possibly equal better grip in the turns, possibly, and yet its still not beating a V8 high horse power rear wheels drive American Muscle Machine??? Give me the ZR1... I would trade a lung and kidney for a ZR1.

[jaspergtr]

Originally Posted by Kuneff

OK, I have some reservations about your comment... People seem to think that a car that is lighter with more HP should be faster... And people think the same about Bikes, and thats why these moron kids by these liter bikes (R1's, GSXR 1000's, CBR 10000's) and think they are the fastest guys on the road/track...

The GTR would have to be a more forgiving car, and easier to drive deeper into a turn, knowing the whole time that the AWD will allow the car to be controlled to some degree while sliding through a turn....

To get a Faster Lighter more Powerful Car OR Bike to run a faster lap time it would take a much smoother driver and a lot more work. Yes, the GTR is an impressive car... but I can't help but feel that it can run a faster lap time based largely on it being AWD... Make the GTR RWD and I bet the ZR1 would STOMP it into the ground...

I wonder how much faster lap time a ZR1 would run if it was AWD and did not suffer as much from Traction/Grip.... Granted that would also take out some of weight difference that some would say puts the ZR1 at an advantage.

MY thoughts... the GRT is AWD, and heavier. Heavier could possibly equal better grip in the turns, possibly, and yet its still not beating a V8 high horse power rear wheels drive American Muscle Machine??? Give me the ZR1... I would trade a lung and kidney for a ZR1.

I don't disagree with any of this. There is a lot more involved in a car's time around a lap than just hp/weight. It's the ability to put the power down to the ground.

Heavier definitely takes a toll on braking. And I see it from the opposite side. I was quoted a price for the ZR-1 - $120 + tax. I purchased a GT-R for $79k +tax. So why pay $40k more for a car with less (provided performance is about equal)? It all comes down to personal preference. I'm not trying to debate which car is better for anybody. They each bring something unique to the table, and I appreciate all cars for their respective qualities.

I won't bring in the wet track results - because, obviously, we all know how that ends.

I guess, I enjoy the fact that there were naysayers about Nissan's claimed time around the ring (even here on this forum), and now that the same tester has acheived similar results in another car, with similar claims, the topic is not as spectacular.

[WhosUrBuddiee]

I personally would take the ZR-1 purely for the fun drivablity. The GT-R is an amazing car and no one doubts it for a seconds. But with the AWD and technology in that car, it can make even an average driver look good. Yet the ZR-1 would make an average driver look like a fool. In the end I just believe it would be a more exciting car to drive. (But the GT-R does win in the looks and interior styling). It is kind of like comparing doing a surgery with either a scapel or butcher knife. Both can cut off a leg, but one is going to be easier to use.

I wonder why all of these threads are always ZR-1 vs GT-R. Why does no one ever bring in the end all, be all......the ACR ? I would take a ACR over both for pure performance and looks. (Again interior blows)

[jaspergtr]

Apparently (according to people who have driven both the ZR-1 and Z06) - the ZR-1 is more forgiving than the Z06.

I've only driven the Z06, and I can't say anything about the ZR-1. But the Z06 felt 'twitchy' when pushed (I didn't push too hard, as I was just test driving it). I didn't feel stable.

The Viper is in a league of it's own (with all of those adjustable little pieces).

Again, I'm not debating which car is 'better', just that the 'Ring times of Nissan don't seem as far-fetched as once perceived.

[WhosUrBuddiee]

Poor Porshe is just in the back now crying. Having two American and one Japaneese car kick their butt.

Yes the ACR is amazing.

I am like you, I have driven acouple Z06 pretty hard and they get a little scary comming out of a turn. They really want to break loose and throw you. It is why I could only imagine driving a monster like the ZR-1. I will probably never know, but it seems exciting and scary all at the same time.

I have not personally driven the GT-R either around a track but all the reviews I have seen, seem to dictate that it is not a car to be feared in a corner.

[WhosUrBuddiee]

Ha ha, anyone else notice the stripe on the steering wheel matches the striped down the car. Pretty neat.

[jaspergtr]

^ I never noticed the stripe until just now - when you pointed it out. lol!

[Kuneff]

Originally Posted by WhosUrBuddiee

Ha ha, anyone else notice the stripe on the steering wheel matches the striped down the car. Pretty neat.

I never noticed, but that is way cool.

[GT-ER]

Originally Posted by jaspergtr

I don't disagree with any of this. There is a lot more involved in a car's time around a lap than just hp/weight. It's the ability to put the power down to the ground.

Heavier definitely takes a toll on braking. And I see it from the opposite side. I was quoted a price for the ZR-1 - $120 + tax. I purchased a GT-R for $79k +tax. So why pay $40k more for a car with less (provided performance is about equal)? It all comes down to personal preference. I'm not trying to debate which car is better for anybody. They each bring something unique to the table, and I appreciate all cars for their respective qualities.

I won't bring in the wet track results - because, obviously, we all know how that ends.

I guess, I enjoy the fact that there were naysayers about Nissan's claimed time around the ring (even here on this forum), and now that the same tester has acheived similar results in another car, with similar claims, the topic is not as spectacular.

I would never say that you made a bad choice with the GT-R since it's mst definitely a monster...but you aren't paying $40K for less with the ZR-1. It's BLOW THE DOORS off the GT-R in a straight line ( unless it's from a dig in which it'll still beat it but not by much, unless you change the tires and then it's a slaughter fest. ) and comes with unbreakable carbon ceramic brakes which are the real reason there even IS a price difference ( The brakes alone cost the price difference ). And speaking of tires...that's all you really need to change on the ZR-1 to make it unbeatable. Add a pair of soft compound tires all around and you have a MONSTER! Then there is the ability to make 750+whp with only a few bolt ons unlike the GT-R where you need to sell a kidney and half a liver to get that kinda of power.

In the, you DO get what you pay for with the ZR-1...and while the GT-R is super impressive and I wouldn't mind for one bit owning one...I'd take the ZR-1.

[WhosUrBuddiee]

I would take the ACR and destroy all. Only 15k more than the GT-R and 20k cheaper than the ZR-1.

PS
There is also a 'Hardcore' package option on the ACR. It deletes all carpet, tire inflator, radio, AC, ect. Saves 50 lbs. Just awesome to buy a car and see an option called 'Hardcore"

[jaspergtr]

Originally Posted by GT-ER

I would never say that you made a bad choice with the GT-R since it's mst definitely a monster...but you aren't paying $40K for less with the ZR-1. It's BLOW THE DOORS off the GT-R in a straight line ( unless it's from a dig in which it'll still beat it but not by much, unless you change the tires and then it's a slaughter fest. ) and comes with unbreakable carbon ceramic brakes which are the real reason there even IS a price difference ( The brakes alone cost the price difference ). And speaking of tires...that's all you really need to change on the ZR-1 to make it unbeatable. Add a pair of soft compound tires all around and you have a MONSTER! Then there is the ability to make 750+whp with only a few bolt ons unlike the GT-R where you need to sell a kidney and half a liver to get that kinda of power.

In the, you DO get what you pay for with the ZR-1...and while the GT-R is super impressive and I wouldn't mind for one bit owning one...I'd take the ZR-1.

I can't take away from anything said about the ZR-1, it's a beast for sure. The only areas I find superior to the ZR-1 (my opinion), is the everyday drivability in any condition. The interior is very convenient. My wife, mother, and daughter have all driven the GT-R with ease. My wife's first run down the 1/4mi (ever - never lined up on a tree before), she ran a 11.48. My first trip to VIR and I was running 2:15 laps with traffic (with a few around 2:12).

As far as brute performance, the GT-R shouldn't be able to compete with the ZR-1. However it does - because we are all not Jan Magnussen. For those who have driven the GT-R, they know how much confidence it inspires in the driver.

[WhosUrBuddiee]

No one has really talked about sound either. I have heard several GT-Rs in person, it does sound great. But no V6 will ever compare to the sound of a blown 6.2L V8 or the orgasmic sound of a 8.4L V10 (still gets 22 mpg)

[jaspergtr]

Originally Posted by WhosUrBuddiee

No one has really talked about sound either. I have heard several GT-Rs in person, it does sound great. But no V6 will ever compare to the sound of a blown 6.2L V8 or the orgasmic sound of a 8.4L V10 (still gets 22 mpg)

lol! Sound - ever since I got away from my modded (and quite loud) G35, I've really appreciated the civility of the quiet V6. In fact, the exhaust mods I'm looking to get, I've included/excluded based on noise increase. As beautiful as the big engines sound, it's great to have a conversation with the kids in the back seat on road trips.

[WhosUrBuddiee]

Ohh trust me I agree 100% the GT-R is the better everyday car hands down, out of the 3. I dont think anyone would ever argue that.
99% of people in the world would not want to drive a 8.4L ACR everday (there are 1% of very sadistic people out there). That is the great thing about the GT-R and the 911Turbo, they could be everyday cars (for ballas out there). They combine the power and the refinment. But for just a weekend fun car, I still think the ZR-1 and ACR would have to be in my garage first.

Sound wise, I was just saying in general. If I heard the 3 cars side by side. I dont think any would compare to that big 8.4L monster.