We sometimes think we'd make good F1 drivers if we had the chance. But we're likely just too confident of our skills. Just think of it this way: those guys have been racing since they were four or five. They have been training for the job their entire lives.
Project cars can be fast if you spend a decent budget on them. But don't think you'll automatically crush supercars in a race just because you have similar power levels. There's a lot more at play than just torque and horsepower. You must consider the gearbox, aerodynamics, suspension settings, grip levels, etc. That's why betting on today's drag race can be extremely tricky.
A stock R8 has a good chance of outrunning a stock Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 down the quarter-mile (402 meters), regardless of the driver. But when both have fiddled with their engines, that translates to a different problem. You don't come across a 740-hp FQ300 daily, and these cars are already becoming more difficult to find on a budget. And once you're at that level, a gearbox upgrade is in order. Otherwise, refraining from doing launches would be the smartest thing. Its opponent for the day is no ordinary Audi R8.
The German supercar is impressive in stock form with its 5.2-liter V10 engine. It looks fast even while standing still, and a twin-turbo setup will only spice things up. We've all seen the twin-turbo Lambos fighting insane Supras on YouTube, so at first glance, you'd be tempted to think that Goliath will wipe the floor with David on this one.
Interestingly enough, AMS Performance has changed its R8 Alpha Twin Turbo Kit. The company switched the GTX 3582 turbos (which the R8 in this video uses) for the G35-1050 ones. But there's one more thing to look at here. The Audi is 300 kg heavier than its opponent. The RMR setup and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires will provide ideal traction levels going off the line. But a lightweight vehicle should have the upper hand for the rolling race. Then again, the power-to-weight ratio favors the R8.
One thing's for sure: this is a tricky one! The Audi still feels like a decent daily driver once the two cars get up to speed. On the other hand, the Evo feels like it belongs at the racetrack. The Japanese saloon takes the lead in a shocking move, but its opponent doesn't seem to be trying hard enough.
It all feels like deja vu on the second run, and it's 1-0 for the Mitsubishi after the race's first stage. Goliath is back to prove a point for part two, as it drives away effortlessly from the start line. It doesn't lead to what you'd call a photo finish, but it still makes for an exciting run. The only problem is disaster strikes on the Evo's following attempt to take down its opponent.
The things Dragos enjoys the most in life are, in no particular order: cars, motorcycles, diecast cars, and drifting. He's seen (and driven) many vehicles since he started his writing career back in 2009, but his garage currently houses a 1991 Mazda RX-7 FC3S Turbo II and a 1999 Suzuki SV650-S. Full profile
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