New Performance Benchmark

[saleen]

I found this quite interesting over at LS1.com

I hope Caprice270 doesn't mind me copy/pasting here.

What are your thoughts?

Personally, I think the 5-60 is a better measure of car performance, eliminating different and inconsistent launch techniques. Hey, even a Wheels/Motor journo should be able to do it.

Hi everyone,

Having spent some time on the US forums and blog sites, I have begun to notice the use of a new performance testing benchmark...the so-called "street start" which measures the 5-60 mile an hour time instead of the traditional 0-60 mile an hour time. This way, the variability in times attributable to things like tyre grip or drivetrain is mostly eliminated.

For example:

A 350Z recorded 0-60 of 5.2 secs and 5-60 of 5.6 secs, while an Evo scored 0-60 of 5.1 secs while the 5-60 showed 6.6 secs!

Based on the traditional approach we'd all be running off to buy the Evo, but the 5-60mph test reveals that its actually a bit of a slug in normal driving conditions, and that the 0-60mph is achieved only by abusing the 4WD setup. So now all of a sudden the 350Z looks like a much better proposition, especially since the Evo is not so pretty.

How long before this test is applied in Australian magazines? Its time they did because rear wheel drive muscle cars are struggling for grip and the 0-100km/hour times are not revealing the true everyday driving experience of say, a VE GTS.

Links to examples here:

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/d...vo_x_08_ss.pdf

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...ssan-350z.html

[R-SPEC]

Great idea.

Should have been bought in years ago. You can never really tell from 0 - 100 stats how quick a car really is. It's like when you rock up next to an AWD/4WD on the freeway or a main road and you both have a squirt and you romp it. Strange feeling when stats say it should leave you looking for a NOS button.

I'm guessing the tests are done by engaging the clutch (if there is one) and just flooring it...

Good topic!

P.S. Links don't work...!

Edited 05/01/08 08:05 PM by theblueyjr

[Guest Wingnut]

If they are suggesting that 5-60 is a better guide to a performance vehicle than 0-60 than I dont agree really. You can't discriminate against an AWD car just because it was engineered that way. Its like saying ALL cars tested MUST use the same transmition as an auto will always give a faster time. But in alot of cases an auto isnt an option. Also suggesting an EVO is a slug just because it is slower than a 350Z (lol) from 5-60 is silly.

I drive a RWD obviosuly that is a nightmare to get off the line but that's fine as I know ill end up catching them anyway hehe.

If anything they should make the test a 0-100mph test. I started thinking of this idea when I had my old GSR. When ever I would race my brotehrs clubby I would woop his 0-100km/h but then the thing would wind up and its gone. It was clear who had the faster better performing vehicle.

Edited 05/01/08 08:43 PM by Wingnut

[ZAP]

I think the main point about 10-100km/h (5-60) is eliminates , many factors that can slant a true test.

Launching is driver dependant. Getting some Wheels knob jocky to launch a 300kw rear wheel drive to it's full potential is difficult, in comparison to someone who drives one everyday.

Same goes for tyre grip, going up against a EVO with semi track rubber against a FPV with Dunslop rubber will also slant the times.

Having them both on a rolling start will enable the performance of the motor/driveline to be the main facotr, not the driver or tyres.

This will also stop the wankers in AWD claiming their cars are faster 0-100 than another, even though to get the times it requires a 7,000rpm launch wich will make the driveline last about 10 launches.

[saleen]

Couldn't have said it better myself Zapper!

[TUFGSR]

This will also stop the wankers in AWD claiming their cars are faster 0-100 than another, even though to get the times it requires a 7,000rpm launch wich will make the driveline last about 10 launches.

Sorry but that is crap. My Lancer has survived countless 6-7 grand lauches for over 5 years and I have not had one driveline issue since I bought it and the car is 13 years old.

At the end of the day who ever is quicker at the end of a 0 to 100 race is the winner plain and simple.

However having now owned the F6 for a few weeks now it would makes races a lot more interesting if you started from a roll.

[Guest Wingnut]

"Couldn't ahve said it better myself" haha

[saleen]

Could have spelt it better though. Or is it spelled?

[Venom XR6]

Sorry but that is crap. My Lancer has survived countless 6-7 grand lauches for over 5 years and I have not had one driveline issue since I bought it and the car is 13 years old.

At the end of the day who ever is quicker at the end of a 0 to 100 race is the winner plain and simple.

However having now owned the F6 for a few weeks now it would makes races a lot more interesting if you started from a roll.

Can't say the same for the WRX, its gearboxes are made of glass.

[Guest Wingnut]

Could have spelt it better though. Or is it spelled?

You're a CLEAVER one aren't you...