Post by
GTRPower »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/gtrpower-u4895.html
Fri Jan 17, 2003 12:07 pm
umm...
Lots of info here... some disinfo too...
I own a GT-R. I also own a 2003 M3. I have driven a 1990 M5 (owned by a good friend and co-founder of the BMWOCHK) and a 2000 M5 (owned by a racecar driver friend based here in Chicago). I have driven all these cars on the track and on the street.
GT-Rs handle better than M5s.
The M3 is a good match up for a GT-R, but it loses out at mid speed cornering post apex. GT-Rs gain far more acceleration out of corners.
Nobody really drives a non-modified GT-R, but bog-standard M3s and M5s are everywhere. That makes the comparison harder.
The chassis of the GT-R begs for more power- not surprising since it only has about 300HP on a chassis designed to take twice that. The M3 and M5 don't have the "problem" but at the same time feel fast enough. Driving a bog standard GT-R at the track is a lesson in non-drama, yet it will lap as fast as far more exciting drives in the M3 and of course the M5.
All three cars have similar 0-60mph and 1/4mile times. The M3 and GT-R have similarly usable rear seats. The M3 has the best weight distribution of the three and the best overall balance of chassis vs. power vs. braking. The M5 can seat 4 people most comfortably. The GT-R is capable of some high HP figures if modified properly...
They are very different cars.
The person who stated that GT-Rs can handle 600HP without anything breaking probably doesn't have much experience working on GT-Rs. I guarantee you first off the head gasket will go, then the turbos, then third gear, that is, if you're lucky, since GT-R synchros are notorious for failing even under nominal power, and of running hot out of the box. That doesn't include problems with braking a 3300lb (dry weight, mind you!) car that has 600HP...
I hope that helps the discussion.
Cheers!