A Simple Solution to the Whole Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche Debate

October 1, 2008

Just when the fire(s) started by the Nissan GT-R vs. (insert most any Porsche model here) had started to burn themselves out, Porsche goes and throws fuel on the flame war by calling into question Nissan’s publicly announced lap times at the Nurburgring.

If you haven’t been following the story that closely, don’t feel bad, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick refresher.

In January reports started surfacing about the GT-R beating the Porsche 997 Turbo in every test thrown at it. Soon there after various print and online automotive rags started a feeding frenzy about the proposed

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Porsche GT2 Compared to a Corvette Z06

March 30, 2008

What is the purpose of zero to sixty straight line comparisons, especially when the cars are not evenly matched in the first place? I think the answer depends on who is conducting the test. In the instance of this post, it’s Autocar and Chris Harris. Simply put, I think this type of test brings eye-balls to a web-site and helps to spark conversation and controversy amongst loyal readers. What other reason is there to compare a Porsche GT2 to a Corvette Z06 in a straight line speed test? Let me know what you think.

Take a look at the following video and you be the judge.

Let’s look at the following specs from MotorTrends review of the Porsche GT2 (as compared to the Corvette Z06).

0-60 mph
Porsche 911 GT2 3.4 sec (Porsche claims 3.7 seconds)
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3.5 sec

Quarter mile
Porsche 911 GT2 11.4 sec @ 127.9 mph
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 11.5 sec @ 127.1 mph

Braking, 60-0 mph
Porsche 911 GT2 98 feet
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 104 feet

Weight
Porsche 911 GT2 3175lbs
Cheverolet Corvette Z06 3132 lbs

Horespower
Porsche 911 GT2 530 HP
Cheverolet Corvette Z06 505 HP

I admit, on paper, the cars are fairly close. However, even if you overlook the fact that the GT2 has 25 more HP, is rear-engined (helps traction off the line) and has a proper suspension, you can’t get past the fact that the GT2 is a purpose built track car from the days of “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” (the least of all those purposes is drag racing in a straight line).

Don’t get me wrong, the Corvette is a fantastic performing car (especially when you factor in the price differential) and this simply isn’t a fair or proper comparison. To me this is simply another instance of the media helping to perpetuate the legend that is Porsche. As you can tell from the image at the top of this page, comparisons like Porsche vs. Corvette have been going on for a long time and I don’t expect them to stop anytime soon. This is something I don’t have a problem with, for obvious reasons. What do you think?

Favorite Chris Harris quote from the video (in reference to the Corvette):

“The bonnet appears to end in a different time zone. It’s miles away.”

[Source: MotorTrend, Autocar]

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The Difference Between a Porsche 993 Turbo and a Porsche 993 Turbo S

March 19, 2008

This worked out much better than I could have ever hoped for. Last week in this post I offered myself out as your free Porsche research assistant (the offer still stands) and I’ve received a number of question this week via email as a result of that post. Yesterday, in this post, I discussed Seinfeld’s 1997 Porsche 993 Turbo S that is currently for sale at TruSpeed Motorcars. So, how very appropriate is it that the first question I get to answer was/is “What are the main differences between a 993 Turbo and a 993 Turbo S?”

Porsche 993 Turbo vs. a 993 Turbo S

The Porsche 993 Turbo S is a product of the Porsche Exclusiv department (more on this in a later post)
The Turbo S has two larger K-24 Turbo chargers
The Motronic engine control unit received an electronic upgrade
The Turbo S has an additional oil cooler installed
The dual exhaust was modified and included Quad round tips vs. the dual ovals on the standard turbo
Combine the above with a few other minor engine improvements and this created an engine that produced 424 hp or 25 hp more than the standard turbo
There is an ongoing debate as to the weight of the Turbo S vs. the standard Turbo. Supposedly due to the larger turbo chargers, full leather and carbon interior that was standard on all S models, the weight could possible be 66lbs heavier than the 3307lb standard Turbo, thus negating some of the HP gain

The info above captures most of the mechanical differences between the two cars. That leads us to the second part of this post

What are the styling difference?

Yellow brake calipers vs. “Big Reds”
European front spoiler with brake cooling ducts
Full-leather (including air-vent louvers) and carbon fiber interior with aluminum gauges was standard
Carbon fiber door sills with Turbo S script
Carbon fiber shock tower braces
Aerokit II rear spoiler from Porsche Exclusiv
Quad round exhaust tips (instead of two ovals as noted above)
Air scoops in rear fenders
Wheels were matt finish vs. gloss

I’m pretty sure I’ve captured the major differences, but if I’ve missed anything let me know. Tomorrow’s post takes a look at one of Porsche’s earliest (and perhaps most ugly) designs.

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