Pick up the latest issue of Car and Driver. A track model 350Z actually beats an MR around VIR by a few tenths. They were apparently able to get on the gas a bit earlier in the Z thanks to the n/a powerplant. ??? Amazing. I'm thinking they didn't know how to drive the Evo. And it isn't that hard! Having driven 350Z's, I think they're pretty much crap compared to an Evo. Big, imprecise, vague, heavy, etc...

 

I am going to put aside my love for the EVO. Why is it when a magazine does a comparison test of any vehicle versus the EVO and the EVO loses people get pissed? Is it not possible for the EVO to lose? Before you go off on me for being a "Lancer" driver, listen, I know the EVO is a great car but it is not unbeatable. As for it being beat by a Track Model 350Z, anything is possible. The only way to settle it is to have one person drive the same car around the track and see what vehicle gets the better time or find two drivers that have the same vehicles and see if they are willing to go race on a track.

Oh yeah I forgot to say, "that sucks that the EVO lost, the race was rigged."

 

I understand your point but given tests by other magazines and my own personal experience with both cars, I find it really hard to believe. Especially considering that the Cayman also beat the Evo by a good margin in this test yet in another test, the Evo was .4 seconds quicker around the same course. VIR should suit the Evo pretty well.

 

It could be ANYTHING. I think they should add a small "margin" or error, when they test cars. Like a few tenths up or down error wise. Because of possible error, excessive heat, etc.

 

Was this the 2007 Z with the new HR motor (basically the prototype NA version of the next gen GT-R motor)?

I agree with Kurt, the evo is definitely not unbeatable but the news is shocking to say the least (in a good way).

Don't get all bent outta shape guys, a few tenths in a road course is nothing, it'll come down to a drivers race. This simply means we have an equal in the new Z. I'm honestly glad to see the 350z finally get some *****, I think it was a great concept that became too mainstream.

In the end its Car & Driver, so check out the mini van comparison on the next page and you'll feel better...

 

Yeah, I just got that issue in the mail and found it pretty surprising. But if you look at the breakdown of turn-in and turn-out speeds for each part of the course, the Evo is consitently a couple of tenths from the top slots, while the top slot holders (350z sometimes, sometimes RX-8) are great some of the time, but significantly worse in other timings. The Evo may not be highlighted in red, but it's always, in all areas, a very close second, and that's something that no other car can claim. Another thing: they tested an MR which is heavier with more gears. It may have been harder for them to find the right gear coming in and out of turns. Finally, we can all agree that an evo is a neutral handler. That's what makes it a great track car: it's predictable, neutral and forgiving. The 350z has 300 horses going to the rear wheels. It may not be as neutral, but it sure does make it fun when you can steer the car with the throttle. C&D may have been keying on that.

 

wow this is definitely interesting....will have to get the article to read it....

was it hot that day? as we all know hot days with humid air affect FI'ed cars more than n/a's...that could be a reason...

another possible reason could just be the driver...blah.

even if this result is valid it doesn't bother me though.....there's barely any stock Evo's left on the streets anyways lol

 

meh....Its not like the Evo is the greatest car to ever touch the hardball

 

ARR! Still waiting on my c&d. I think my mailman is stealing them.

 

well thats why we mod our cars right???

 

The Evo isn't unbeatable... at least it was a Z, and not some other poo car. The Z is great on a road course, and this time beat out an Evo. I think if they put it up against an RS the outcome would've been a little different.

 

Any idea if this was the 2007 Z with the HR engine?

 

^ Not sure, but it could make sense. The performance of the VQ35HR should hopefully close the gap between the Evo IX and the Z. It's the way the 350Z shoulda been in the first place.

 

I don't think it was the 2007 model. Maybe the 35th anniversary model? I looked up the straight line/skidpad figures in R&T (that arrived in the mail today)for the 30th (which is listed at 300hp) and the MR

Z MR
0-60 5.6 4.6
0-100 13.7 12.5
1/4 14.1 13.3
mph 101.8 105.9
60-0 114 114
80-0 202 197
skidpad .89 .92
slalom 67.3 70

The AWD makes up the difference in a straight line but it should also do so off the corners. I own a high hp rwd car and even with an extra 200hp, I'd play catch up to my Evo coming off of any low to medium speed corner and probably in a high speed corner too.

 

driver, driver, driver...