In previous threads I compared (using old GPS data) myself driving my 997TT and my GT-R on the same track (Reno-Fernley). The GT-R was 2-3 seconds faster, but there were a lot of other variables (weather, driver skill (GT-R test was a year later-- I hope I got better) etc.).

I just got back from a day at Thunderhill with Hooked on Driving. I had both cars with me.

Some pics: http://gallery.me.com/cnicholson1#100144

I am not a super hardcore track driver (let alone racer). Just a guy that enjoys DE days. My previous fast lap in 997TT was a 2:07. That was before they resurfaced the track. There is debate in the paddock as to whether new surface is faster (because smoother) or slower (because still too new and grip is still building).

Anyway, here are the results:

First session out on GT-R: tires squealing. Car felt heavy. Had to turn in later. I was sure I was slow. But I did a 2:08!! On my third session, I did a 2:05. Two seconds FASTER than my previous fastest lat in 997TT (after 12+ track days in the 997TT on that track).

Best lap in GT-R: http://www.viddler.com/explore/Cnicholson/videos/2/

After lunch, I switched to 997TT. First session, best lap 2:07. Next (last) session, I was gridded up next to a buddy who is very fast and has a very fast 993TT. We where tearing it up. I got back in to check my times and noticed that my TraqMate had come unplugged!!!! So no solid data. My friend's traqmate showed him doing 2:04s with one lap at 2:03.9. We were pretty evenly matched, but I think he is a a bit faster.

Using a bit of judgement, I am going to say that on that day, by the end of the day, I was a bit faster in the 997TT (perhaps by a second-- maybe 1.5 seconds). But: My 997TT has 700HP and hits 140MPH on main straight (versus 135 for GT-R) and I know I am getting closer to limits on 997TT.

It is amazing how easy the GT-R is to jump in and drive fast very confidently, but I still need to learn the car.

Conclusion: Stock for Stock, the 997TT HAS NO CHANCE WHATSOEVER versus a stock GT-R. GT-R versus a modded 997TT would be a driver's race.

-Chris

 

wow, nice write up.

ever bring the M out there?

 

Would have been curious to see if you took the GTR out again later if you might have been faster after a day of seasoning yourself on the track

Thanks for the write ups and impressions

 

Yes, but not lately and I don't have any GPS or laptimer data. I think I was probably doing 2:25-ish in the M5, and (now that I have more experience), I would guesstimate that I could get into the mid/high teens.

Just guessing here, however.

-Chris

 

thanks for the real world info!!!

 

Chris, i think you have way more in that Porsche of yours. I just have a flash(996 tt) and i can do 140 in the main straight at thill.... with some ****ty 300 thread falkens. When i get back to Davis i will upload my traqmate data, or send you some from my last event. PM me your email so we can share traqmate data.

 

no offense to f1crazy and the OP... but i think one of the points here is, (and this is a conclusion many others have arrived at,) is that the GTR's performance is incredibly accessible for the average driver.

put aside all the (valid) comments about driver involvement, the rewards of doing the work yourself, etc etc... the Nissan does seem to make going fast, very very easy.

 

no offence taken. the gtr is retarded fast. not taking anything away from it.

i prefer steak while others prefer sea food that is all...if i had the money like chris does i would have the best of both worlds -

 

amen brother.

a friend of mine just traded his 997GT3RS for a bnew GTR (he got cash of course, plus the GTR, in exchange for the Porsche). i guess he just wanted the latest hot car, though he's not wanting for nice toys, given the variety and size of his garage.

having said that, the GT3 will take a lifetime for me to master, whereas in 10 years, there will be a newer, faster, more sophisticated supercar out there (whether japanese, european, american, whatever), with even more computers and electronics helping out.

i think there's always be something new for me to uncover with the GT3, if i'm brave enough to try. but then, i also have an E30 M3 (Oct '86 production, first batch I believe,) that i doubt i will ever get rid off

 

Thanks for the real life skinny.

Did HC ever decide on what whine went best with crow?

 

Check out the cross post on the TT forum for that dish. He is trying to debate a hypothetical race, saying I should have made better mod choices on the TT. There is suggestion that my mods may have made me slower (which is contrary to my own GPS data and experience).

Oh well.

Attention world: Is there ANY available data to suggest that a stock TT is faster than a stock GT-R around any track with any driver under any conditions?

 

With 700 hp, you should have beaten a stock GT-R or something is wrong with the driving. The GT-R barely wins in stock vs stock form vs the 997TT. If the GT-R makes 420 AWHP and you are making 580-600 AWHP, there is no reason why you shouldn't win. I am not sure how you can justify saying that the GT-R is quicker. It seems that there is a driver error to me...


Attention: Do you realize you are saying that a 700 crank HP 997TT is losing to a stock GT-R who is 150 whp down? I don't see why you would brag about your lack of driving skills or something is wrong with your car.

 

Its not about hp on a roadcourse. More about handling balance etc than raw power. Its very concievable that the stock GTR is faster in the right hands. Also different track configurations favor different cars. Maybe if the Porsche TT could get its coil overs tuned by a suspension specialist and corner weighted [I think the latter is done stock on the GTR but I could be wrong] then it would be a match in the twisties and kill the GTR everywhere else.

 

The Audi R8 has consistently beaten cars with 150+ more HP around the track.

HP isn't everything.

 

Thanks for the nice detailed write up and pics/vids!