Photo by Bruce Benedict
The arrival of the Nissan GT-R has not only clogged up the automotive news headlines, it has sparked the creative juices of many journalists. Every publication is scrambling to concoct a unique comparison test for the new Godzilla. In the past, typical comparisons consisted of nonsensical number ratings calculated through a formula that only had meaning to folks offering their opinion based off their butt cheeks. Now the objective seems to have shifted towards streamlining variables and logging repeatable data for direct overlay between vehicles. First Inside Line brought us unbiased measurements of power output, now Road and Track gives us measurements of time. They did not quite eliminate the use of their own point scale to add up the results of various tests, but at least they provided the actual time results, as well.
The crew from R&T recently transported a U.S. market version of the 2009 Nissan GT-R, a 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo and a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 to Buttonwillow Raceway in California for a little fun. Don't worry about inconsistent journalist drivers either, as they also brought veteran 12 Hours of Sebring race winner Steve Millen along to be the pilot. Their plan saw each car take a few laps of race configuration 13, which has quickly become the circuit of choice for various media outlets. The typical 0-60 mph, 1/4 mile, skidpad, slalom and braking tests were also performed, but proved to be ill-equipped in distinguishing the competitors. The lap times really told the story with the Porsche clocking in at 2:02.1, the Z06 right on its tail at 2:02.2 and the GT-R well ahead at 1:56.9. Thanks for the tip Chuck!
[Source: Road and Track]
The arrival of the Nissan GT-R has not only clogged up the automotive news headlines, it has sparked the creative juices of many journalists. Every publication is scrambling to concoct a unique comparison test for the new Godzilla. In the past, typical comparisons consisted of nonsensical number ratings calculated through a formula that only had meaning to folks offering their opinion based off their butt cheeks. Now the objective seems to have shifted towards streamlining variables and logging repeatable data for direct overlay between vehicles. First Inside Line brought us unbiased measurements of power output, now Road and Track gives us measurements of time. They did not quite eliminate the use of their own point scale to add up the results of various tests, but at least they provided the actual time results, as well.
The crew from R&T recently transported a U.S. market version of the 2009 Nissan GT-R, a 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo and a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 to Buttonwillow Raceway in California for a little fun. Don't worry about inconsistent journalist drivers either, as they also brought veteran 12 Hours of Sebring race winner Steve Millen along to be the pilot. Their plan saw each car take a few laps of race configuration 13, which has quickly become the circuit of choice for various media outlets. The typical 0-60 mph, 1/4 mile, skidpad, slalom and braking tests were also performed, but proved to be ill-equipped in distinguishing the competitors. The lap times really told the story with the Porsche clocking in at 2:02.1, the Z06 right on its tail at 2:02.2 and the GT-R well ahead at 1:56.9. Thanks for the tip Chuck!
[Source: Road and Track]
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