The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > General Topics > Open Discussion Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 8 May 2017, 02:07 AM   #1
superdog
2024 Pledge Member
 
superdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Real Name: Seth
Location: nj
Watch: Omega
Posts: 24,834
It's not all about HP

We talked not long ago about how crazy the HP wars are becoming.

And that most don't know what to do with that kind of power. I admitted to driving a Z06 for less than 5 minutes simply because I could feel it was too powerful for me.

But more than anything, imho, power is only part of the equation. A car needs to "handle" as well. Brakes, suspension, etc. are equally important.

Case in point:

http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2017/05/...-18-miles.html
__________________
If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it?

IG: gsmotorclub
IG: thesawcollection

(Both mostly just car stuff)
superdog is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:13 AM   #2
GB-man
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GB-man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Watch: addiction issues
Posts: 37,356
You ain't kidding. About 3000 pounds and 3-400 hp is all I require. I'll never understand the desire for a super high hp rear wheel drive car. Too much time managing the throttle instead of driving the car.

If I see a hellcat on the road, I'm getting as far away from them as possible.
GB-man is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:19 AM   #3
superdog
2024 Pledge Member
 
superdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Real Name: Seth
Location: nj
Watch: Omega
Posts: 24,834
Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
You ain't kidding. About 3000 pounds and 3-400 hp is all I require. I'll never understand the desire for a super high hp rear wheel drive car. Too much time managing the throttle instead of driving the car.

If I see a hellcat on the road, I'm getting as far away from them as possible.
I agree on all accounts. Anything near to 400 I feel is plenty. And then some. With the entire package included, I can understand more than that. Especially for some car nuts. But just raw power. Meh.

And yeah, staying away from the Hellcat if I see it on the road.
__________________
If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it?

IG: gsmotorclub
IG: thesawcollection

(Both mostly just car stuff)
superdog is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:22 AM   #4
bdex75
"TRF" Member
 
bdex75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Brandon
Location: Indianapolis
Watch: my money vanish
Posts: 8,506
Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
You ain't kidding. About 3000 pounds and 3-400 hp is all I require. I'll never understand the desire for a super high hp rear wheel drive car. Too much time managing the throttle instead of driving the car.



If I see a hellcat on the road, I'm getting as far away from them as possible.


And if I see a Demon I am running the other way!!

800+ hp in street tires and a public road. Whoever thinks this is a good idea is unstable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
bdex75 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:39 AM   #5
KDS777
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: YYC-GIG
Watch: 16618LB
Posts: 675
The floating meatball who wrecked this Hellcat would have been a menace to society in a Mini.

Doesn't mean we should stop making incredible automobiles though.

How about a test that you need to pass before you can vote ? After providing ID (like a drivers license.....) and proving citizenship of course. Voting is much more serious and dangerous than driving a car.......and millions more have been killed thru voting.

Of course, for some, one death is a tragedy, but a million deaths is just a statistic, as long as they get their way.
KDS777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:40 AM   #6
Fleetlord
2024 Pledge Member
 
Fleetlord's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Vain
Posts: 6,026
Too much is never enough....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuhMOh-14Ck
Fleetlord is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:44 AM   #7
superdog
2024 Pledge Member
 
superdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Real Name: Seth
Location: nj
Watch: Omega
Posts: 24,834
Quote:
Originally Posted by KDS777 View Post
The floating meatball who wrecked this Hellcat would have been a menace to society in a Mini.

Doesn't mean we should stop making incredible automobiles though.

How about a test that you need to pass before you can vote ? After providing ID (like a drivers license.....) and proving citizenship of course. Voting is much more serious and dangerous than driving a car.......and millions more have been killed thru voting.

Of course, for some, one death is a tragedy, but a million deaths is just a statistic, as long as they get their way.
Umm, what?

Edit: never mind. Forget I asked.
__________________
If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it?

IG: gsmotorclub
IG: thesawcollection

(Both mostly just car stuff)
superdog is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:45 AM   #8
KDS777
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: YYC-GIG
Watch: 16618LB
Posts: 675
You get it.
KDS777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:45 AM   #9
Abdullah71601
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Calumet Harbor
Watch: ing da Bears
Posts: 13,568
Quote:
Originally Posted by KDS777 View Post
The floating meatball who wrecked this Hellcat would have been a menace to society in a Mini.

Doesn't mean we should stop making incredible automobiles though.

How about a test that you need to pass before you can vote ? After providing ID (like a drivers license.....) and proving citizenship of course. Voting is much more serious and dangerous than driving a car.......and millions more have been killed thru voting.

Of course, for some, one death is a tragedy, but a million deaths is just a statistic, as long as they get their way.
A political rant requires a proper response... here's a feel good car for you..
Attached Images
File Type: jpg eureka 113.jpg (174.8 KB, 523 views)
Abdullah71601 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:47 AM   #10
KDS777
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: YYC-GIG
Watch: 16618LB
Posts: 675
Close......but it's not a Prius.
KDS777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:48 AM   #11
Abdullah71601
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Calumet Harbor
Watch: ing da Bears
Posts: 13,568
Quote:
Originally Posted by KDS777 View Post
Close......but it's not a Prius.
Absorb the love, baby.
Abdullah71601 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:49 AM   #12
texex91
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: .
Posts: 17,898
It's not the size, it's how you use it...horsepower that is.

But honestly, you're spot on regarding HP being only one part of the equation.
texex91 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 02:55 AM   #13
superdog
2024 Pledge Member
 
superdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Real Name: Seth
Location: nj
Watch: Omega
Posts: 24,834
Quote:
Originally Posted by KDS777 View Post
You get it.
No sir. I don't.

I get your comment about making great automobiles.

I would debate that and say you are referring to a great engine.

I don't get the political twist. That's the part that's got me...

Simply put, it's just not the place for it.
__________________
If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it?

IG: gsmotorclub
IG: thesawcollection

(Both mostly just car stuff)
superdog is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 03:11 AM   #14
Fleetlord
2024 Pledge Member
 
Fleetlord's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Vain
Posts: 6,026
Quote:
Originally Posted by KDS777 View Post
The floating meatball who wrecked this Hellcat would have been a menace to society in a Mini.

Doesn't mean we should stop making incredible automobiles though.

How about a test that you need to pass before you can vote ? After providing ID (like a drivers license.....) and proving citizenship of course. Voting is much more serious and dangerous than driving a car.......and millions more have been killed thru voting.

Of course, for some, one death is a tragedy, but a million deaths is just a statistic, as long as they get their way
.


This was supposed to go somewhere else, yes?
Fleetlord is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 03:13 AM   #15
mailman
TRF Moderator & SubLV41 2024 Patron
 
mailman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: .
Watch: 126610LN
Posts: 35,510
Quote:
Originally Posted by KDS777 View Post
The floating meatball who wrecked this Hellcat would have been a menace to society in a Mini.

Doesn't mean we should stop making incredible automobiles though.

How about a test that you need to pass before you can vote ? After providing ID (like a drivers license.....) and proving citizenship of course. Voting is much more serious and dangerous than driving a car.......and millions more have been killed thru voting.

Of course, for some, one death is a tragedy, but a million deaths is just a statistic, as long as they get their way.
No political talk on TRF. It's all listed in the rules.
__________________
JJ
mailman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 03:56 AM   #16
Rolex addict
Banned
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Real Name: The Enabler
Location: South Cackalacky
Watch: me crash my bike
Posts: 5,564
When I raced dirt bikes, the first thing we did was suspension work. For racing through the woods, the stock engines had plenty of power. Dialing in the carb for the specific race fuel was really all you needed. Suspension, however, was the key. We could be riding in South Carolina red clay and pine forests one weekend and Florida sand and palmetto roots the next. Doesn't matter how good the engine is if the machine doesn't handle well.
Rolex addict is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 04:24 AM   #17
Etschell
"TRF" Member
 
Etschell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: FL
Watch: platinum sub
Posts: 15,884
1 pound and 10 hp.
__________________
If you wind it, they will run.

25 or 6 to 4.
Etschell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 04:32 AM   #18
rootbeer7
2024 Pledge Member
 
rootbeer7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: london
Posts: 6,157
I have a 160bhp Abarth 595. The fact that you can use most of its power makes it incredible fun, surprises many larger and more powerful vehicles (especially round corners) and makes me smile every time I drive it.
__________________
@imrootbeer7
rootbeer7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 06:20 AM   #19
Tri-Tip
"TRF" Member
 
Tri-Tip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: CA, USA
Watch: Out!!!
Posts: 6,474
Quote:
Originally Posted by superdog View Post
We talked not long ago about how crazy the HP wars are becoming.

And that most don't know what to do with that kind of power. I admitted to driving a Z06 for less than 5 minutes simply because I could feel it was too powerful for me.

But more than anything, imho, power is only part of the equation. A car needs to "handle" as well. Brakes, suspension, etc. are equally important.

Case in point:

http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2017/05/...-18-miles.html
I drove a Corvette ZR-1 about 4 years ago. It was a chore to drive due to the power...I wouldn't want to do it on a daily basis.
Tri-Tip is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 06:40 AM   #20
Rzani
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: POLAND
Watch: BLRO
Posts: 615
Recently I "upgraded" from a manual 911 S to a Turbo S. Why? Because I was seduced by all that power and wanted to feel as much of it that I possibly could. It was the biggest mistake I could have made. I just sold the Turbo the other day.

My point is that I really enjoy driving a manual transmission sports car, but I gave that up for HP (I listened to far too many people who told me that oooh you're going to love the PDK and it's just as much fun blah blah blah....NOPE) only to find out that HP is really just a fleeting, kind of momentary enjoyment.. So, no HP isn't that great and there is more than enough of it in the mid range models of these high end sports cars. If you ask me, there is a HP threshold/enjoyment equation that we long ago surpassed. In the future I'm going to go back to a manual S. Hopefully Porsche keeps making them!
Rzani is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 06:58 AM   #21
BristolCavendish
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: United States
Posts: 1,864
I'm probably in the minority here but I've always preferred a lower HP car that was nimble and zippy. Back in the 70s some friends and I owned 2002s and we would modify the suspensions with Bilstein sport shocks/lower coil springs and add other components like Alpina short-ratio steering boxes, dual Weber side-drafts and Supersprint headers. By the time we were done, the stock HP was increased from about 100 to around 115. Some went even further adding high-compression pistons and more radical camshafts increasing the HP to around 130. High-end aftermarket sources like Miller and Norburn and Hardy and Beck were our go-to vendors. In those days, The 'M' concept hadn't been conceived and BMWs (e.g. 2002, 2002tii, 3.0CS) were more of a cult-car. Folks would often flash their headlights to greet other BMW drivers and the BMWCC was in full swing. It all seemed to change towards the late 70s with the introduction of the 320i and its subsequent consumer base. The flashing headlights gradually disappeared and with an increasing number of newer and oftentimes rude/reckless BMW owners, other drivers began flashing middle fingers.

Another fun car was the Austin-Cooper S. It was essentially a go-kart and fun to drive but I would never get in one when traveling along the freeway. Like the earlier BMWs, the original 'Mini' had a completely different set of followers compared with today.

As far as maxing out on HP, back in HS this guy bought an old Austin-Healy 'bug-eyed' Sprite and put in a Chevy 327. How he managed to change sparkplugs still eludes me but the outcome was tragic. The car was way too light for that kind of power and along with the natural recklessness and deceptive immortality of youth, he eventually wrapped it around a telephone pole and became a quadriplegic.

To me, younger drivers + mega HP = a bad equation as a sense of maturity and freedom from other distractions become critical safety factors.
BristolCavendish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 07:00 AM   #22
1st amg
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
1st amg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Real Name: nicholas
Location: ottawa canada
Watch: Rolex,AP,Panerai
Posts: 10,410
Yikes
1st amg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 08:48 AM   #23
Kyle13
"TRF" Member
 
Kyle13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 484
I want to also add in that you should also "know" what you are doing when behind the wheel of a car with that much power. I wanna say a good 70% of the drivers on the road have no clue what to do when the rear end comes out on you in a corner, or you run into understeer. Heck I even know people that brake half way through a corner and I just face palm and stay away from them or don't even bother getting in the car with them! Always go with the the old sang money buys you the car, and not the skills required to drive it. Unless of course you buy an Amg or M car or other high performance line car and attend the school that comes with the car


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Kyle13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 08:57 AM   #24
keschete
"TRF" Member
 
keschete's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: Kaya
Location: Louisiana
Watch: 116500
Posts: 3,575
It's not the car. It's the driver. I have owned 2 Z 28 Camaros, 2 Corvettes ( hardtop and Z06) and 3 Vipers. 2 of the Vipers had no traction control. 505 Hp and my current car has 640. We as a couple also own a variety of other American muscle that will make your ass pucker on a trip down the drag strip. Neither me or my husband has ever wrecked one of our cars despite thousands of hours of drag strip and track time.

There isn't anything in this world that compares to driving at high speed. But it also takes knowledge and respect for the car you are driving.


__________________
GMT II BLNR, Submariner, Submariner Serti, Datejust, Daytona C, TT Yacht Master, Hulk Submariner, Pepsi GMT II
keschete is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 09:13 AM   #25
LawMan
"TRF" Member
 
LawMan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Another Planet
Posts: 228
well , to each their own , i will keep mine
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20160322_150815.jpg (85.7 KB, 417 views)
LawMan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 09:33 AM   #26
Alexwwjd
"TRF" Member
 
Alexwwjd's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: Alex
Location: Texas
Watch: Out!!!
Posts: 2,352
Quote:
Originally Posted by BristolCavendish View Post
I'm probably in the minority here but I've always preferred a lower HP car that was nimble and zippy. Back in the 70s some friends and I owned 2002s and we would modify the suspensions with Bilstein sport shocks/lower coil springs and add other components like Alpina short-ratio steering boxes, dual Weber side-drafts and Supersprint headers. By the time we were done, the stock HP was increased from about 100 to around 115. Some went even further adding high-compression pistons and more radical camshafts increasing the HP to around 130. High-end aftermarket sources like Miller and Norburn and Hardy and Beck were our go-to vendors. In those days, The 'M' concept hadn't been conceived and BMWs (e.g. 2002, 2002tii, 3.0CS) were more of a cult-car. Folks would often flash their headlights to greet other BMW drivers and the BMWCC was in full swing. It all seemed to change towards the late 70s with the introduction of the 320i and its subsequent consumer base. The flashing headlights gradually disappeared and with an increasing number of newer and oftentimes rude/reckless BMW owners, other drivers began flashing middle fingers.



Another fun car was the Austin-Cooper S. It was essentially a go-kart and fun to drive but I would never get in one when traveling along the freeway. Like the earlier BMWs, the original 'Mini' had a completely different set of followers compared with today.



As far as maxing out on HP, back in HS this guy bought an old Austin-Healy 'bug-eyed' Sprite and put in a Chevy 327. How he managed to change sparkplugs still eludes me but the outcome was tragic. The car was way too light for that kind of power and along with the natural recklessness and deceptive immortality of youth, he eventually wrapped it around a telephone pole and became a quadriplegic.



To me, younger drivers + mega HP = a bad equation as a sense of maturity and freedom from other distractions become critical safety factors.


You are right Mr. Bristol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Alexwwjd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 09:35 AM   #27
c41006
"TRF" Member
 
c41006's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Real Name: Joshua
Location: Atlanta
Watch: Pelagos
Posts: 7,933
It's not all about HP

Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
You ain't kidding. About 3000 pounds and 3-400 hp is all I require. I'll never understand the desire for a super high hp rear wheel drive car. Too much time managing the throttle instead of driving the car.



If I see a hellcat on the road, I'm getting as far away from them as possible.
I'm not so sure 3 hp would be able to move 3000lbs



Quote:
Originally Posted by rootbeer7 View Post
I have a 160bhp Abarth 595. The fact that you can use most of its power makes it incredible fun, surprises many larger and more powerful vehicles (especially round corners) and makes me smile every time I drive it.

I agree with you there

I have a 2016 VW GTI and even though it only has 210 hp, it is loads of fun.
c41006 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 09:48 AM   #28
GB-man
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GB-man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Watch: addiction issues
Posts: 37,356
Quote:
Originally Posted by c41006 View Post
I'm not so sure 3 hp would be able to move 3000lbs






I agree with you there

I have a 2016 VW GTI and even though it only has 210 hp, it is loads of fun.



I guess I mean to say my ideal car is a 911 or cayman. I'm a prick who likes Porsches.
GB-man is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 09:49 AM   #29
G8RDPM
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 3,252
I love HP and torque. That said,700+HP on a rear wheel drive car in inexperienced hands is dangerous.

I never felt in any danger in my 997 TT,though it was slightly less than 500 HP!
G8RDPM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2017, 09:49 AM   #30
Maybelline
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Gone
Posts: 448
I feel hp is like money. You can never have enough.
Maybelline is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.