Interesting series of posts.
We'll start with what 2 seconds a lap translates to.
- INDY 500 6.6 minutes
- 24 Hour Rolex Daytona 24.03 minutes
- SCCA T1 2012 Championship 26 Seconds
2 Seconds a lap is an eternity on a road course.
Mustang vs Camaro
The rivalry is fantastic. I remember bumper stickers that use to read -- I would rather walk than ride in a Chevy / Ford. I hope the debate continues for another 100 years. On the other hand, there are some facts that get in the way of discourse.
- Lighter is better on any race course
- An IRS is better than a solid rear axle (see Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McClarren...)
- Floating rear calipers belong on a 1960 Muscle Car
- Continuous increases in RWHP offer diminishing returns
- Tire size is limited by wheel well size which limits traction
- Suspension and advanced electronic controls make the average driver faster
- The only series the ZR1 Vette runs has a rule limiting HP. The race version of the ZR1 is dialed down so the brand-x cars can compete.
I have extensive experience with the Mustang and Camaro. I know exactly what the strengths and weaknesses of both vehicles are. I see nothing in the current GT500 that would lead me to believe a huge increase in HP will make it a better car. Not a single one. From hands on experience and testing I can tell you the Brembo Mustang upgrade lasted all on 1.5 laps on a bone stock 5.0 before the rear brakes were gone. If we could have gone faster, the brakes would have been cooked sooner. Why is our experience so different than the magazines? Magazines are expected to keep the car in one piece. When we test we want to know where they break. It is a BIG difference.
This is in no way intended to degrade the current generation Mustang. Unlike the magazines, I find the Camaro a superior drive off the show room floor for three reasons.
The Camaro monocoque has less flex than the Mustang
The Camaro IRS is better than the Mustang 3 Link
The Camaro has better brakes
Do I enjoy my Mustang, oh yeah! Is my Mustang better than my current development ride (LPE L/28), nope but the ZL1 and the next GT500 won't match the L/28 either. I also understand this is a CAMARO forum and one of the few forums that welcomes brand-x owners. Pedders will be running the autocross at CamaroFEST III in Indy. There will be three classes.
Bone Stock
Modified
Super-Modified
Exhibition is where you'll find shop owned and mfg cars fighting for bragging rights, but no trophies. If you want to show off your driving skills and your Mustang you'll be welcome. That is about all I have to say on this subject other than to tip my hat and say -- WELL DONE CAMARO TEAM!