Jap car shoot-out!

[Trappy]

After downloading that 96mb video (it took an hour with broadband!) i've finally seen just how good the current RX-7 is. It features two NSX( an s-zero) 2 Skylines (an R34) 2 Lancers(one an RS) and an RX7 RS. It seemed that the drivers were unfamiliar with their allocated cars at the start as the R34 started poorly but improved considerably towards the end (5 laps!!) Just as it approached the leading car ( the RX-7) it's tyres failed and it was oversteering everywhere. Too hot or something. So much for all that computer wizardry, the tyres are being worked too hard. You can't beat balanced neutral handling. I was VERY surprised to hear the skyline's driver say that the RX-7 has the upper hand on the straights, it was pulling away from it! I thought that all the other jap supercars had the 7 in a straight line because of it's low torque... Definately worth downloading.

[bnaellis]

Yep must agree awesome video. I 've watched it about 10-15 times now. The 99 onwards rx7 that had 280 bhp type r, rs, rz are considerably quicker than alot of people imagine. When mazda redisgned the 99 spec onwards they made them quicker, better brakes, suspension etc etc. Say for example the 95 type rb if you drive one and then jump in a post 99 spec rb it's considerably different.

Regards

Brian ellis

(ps suprised it took so long with broadband ??)

[richrx]

ya i got it too.It is awsome :D


Did you notice the breaking distances of the three cars the rx-7, nsx and r34? they were in that order during the race. As they approched a corner you see the 7 fly past the camera, and then jump on the breaks, and the same with the skyline, they both pass the camera by about 10m then break, but the poor nsx was already on the breaks before he came into the shot.

Just shows that some cars 2-3 times the price of the rx-7 still were outdone by it;)

And in recomend it to anyone who hasnt seen it yet

[Glenn Butcher]

If you were wondering where this video was...

Here is the link:

Tsukuba Battle Video (http://www.mymazdarotary.com/mazda_rotary_general/tsukuba_battle_video/tsukuba_battle_video.htm)


It does go to show that the RX-7 is a true racecar!

[richrx]

Originally posted by gbutcher

It does go to show that the RX-7 is a true racecar!

As if we needed any proof:cool:

[Trappy]

Brian, I was downloading it to file and playing from the site at the same time cos I couldn't wait to see it!! What sort of performance would you expect from the 99 on spec model then.
At 239bhp (255bhp?) the RX7 records a 0-60 of 5.3 and a 0-100 in 14.0. The 1/4 mile is 14.2 ish.

[richrx]

those figures sound right for the pre-99 but the newest are 280 bhp, 0-60 still about 5 secs 0-100 13.5secs and 1/4 mile 13.7@105mph. All the speeds are obviously dependant on the driver

[Trappy]

How do you suppose an early jap imported Type-R would fair in the same race?

[Fish]

It would be about two laps down by the time the others had completed their 5 laps.

Dan

[Trappy]

It can't be that bad surely!

[Trappy]

Its a shame the race doesn't include the latest Impreza of the time as well. It would be nice to see an STi get eaten too!

How would an early Supra twin turbo fair in the same race? It would surely beat the NSX..?

I've recently written to Steve Sutcliffe at AUTOCAR and he reckons a Supra is a better proposition than an RX7. He obviously didn't see my 'Gorgeous looks' criteria, cos a supra looks like a bloody whale shark or something!!

Finally, as I am intending to buy an imported RX7 Type-R, I was wondering how much faster they are than UK spec cars.
I know that their modifications included better (harder) dampers, slight power hikes and that they were lighter, but do these bring the 7's performance into line with the Supra's because these are the areas in which the supra beat it?