Can the 996 Turbo handle like a GT3? - Page 20 - 6SpeedOnline

baq · 2010-01-26 07:38:37

I agree, but I also think the GT3 crowd is overstating the case that it can keep up on a "tight" track. Assuming a bit of engine work on a turbo and 150 to 200 more hp, it gains a HUGE advantage anywhere you can use the power coming out of turns. For example, between T1 and T3 at VIR, the short straight before T4, the short straight at VIR before the esses, the really short straight after T10, between T3 and T5 at Road Atlanta, etc. I can't think of a track without some straights, and the turbo advantage on even the smallest straight is significant. With 200+ more hp, a turbo just swallows the GT3 whole anywhere you can use the throttle. Yes, but the problem with that is that whatever you make up on the straight, a good GT3 driver can make up in the braking zone. You can go faster quicker, but they can go flat longer. It's frustrating, but I've had a guy who races the nurburgring 24 hr race do that to me for a whole weekend in a 996 GT3. I was a 2-3 seconds faster a lap, but mostly because Road Atlanta is a HP track. I think he'd give me a serious run on a track like Barber. The GT3 actually has a a better advantage on tracks with long sweeping turns (a lot of them). It turns in better, pushes less and can carry more speed do to it's lighter weight. The long sweeping turns are the equalizer because you are turning for a long time and can't use all of the power during that time, so the more precise steering car will have the advantage. On the contrary, slow sharp turns mean you need torque to get out of them and that actually helps the Turbo's. I think a place like Roebling Road would be hard for a Turbo to match the GT3. It's ALL long sweepers. But you can still make up at least a second on the straights.