Which would you go for?? I know that it all depends on what you are going to use it for, so you can choose there. Lets say you have a 1600lb, 250WHP Z or a 500WHP, 3200lb Z, which would you choose and why?

I'd personally go for the lightweight model. I am more into road racing, and the stock power isnt bad at all. The Elise is around 220 with only 190 Hp at the crank in comparison.

How do you think they'd compare in a straight line? Through a corner? I am not gonna do either, I was just thinkin to my self today.

-Ryan

 

Lightweight hands down as it is easier to add hp and weightloss has it's limits. I think the lowest that we can get our cars with a motor swap is probably 2400-2500 (ie sr20)

 

Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 3200 pounds and HP of 500 is 10.81 seconds and MPH of 123.89 MPH.

Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 1600 pounds and HP of 250 is 10.81 seconds and MPH of 123.89 MPH.

Reference: http://www.wallaceracing.com/et-hp-mph.php

 

1/2 weight, that's a no-brainer

you'll out handle and out brake everyone along with accellerating faster

 

What he said!

& don't forget better fuel milage, longer tire & brake pad life.


LIGHT IS RIGHT!

 

Ditto.

 

Not to mention reliability....

I'd rather maintain a healthy 250 hp engine than a highstrung heavily tuned one. A little less wear on the drivetrain.

But at some point, too light might be TOO light. The car would have to depend on lots of downforce on certain parts of the car, and in certain road conditions to keep it planted.

Can we say "Flying car"??

 

Has anyone ever been in an elise that is next to an 18 wheeler? It's scary. I like 1/2 the weight but only on a track car, not a daily driver.

 

If you can afford it do both!!!!

 

lol. a 500hp 1600 pound car.

 

people have done that with the earlier lotus elises

 

How about a Fenomenon Stratos? 419 hp, 1654 lbs!

"Fenomenon Stratos

Geneva of this year was the first introduction of the Fenomenon Stratos, a one-off design study in building a modern rendition of a heroic competition car. The Stratos takes its name from the Lancia Stratos of the early 1970s, the first purpose-built-from-the-ground-up, mid-engined rally car. The concept car shown features sponsorship by Alitalia, the Italian airline and a sponsor of the original Stratos. The new Stratos is the brainchild of Chris Hrabalek who is drawing on the technical know-how and engineering prowess of Prodrive, the British-based rally team, to develop a plan to bring the car to market. The Stratos is powered by a 419-hp longitudinally mounted V-8 driving the rear wheels. The body and chassis feature space-age carbon fiber and aluminum composite construction. Weighing in below 1654 pounds, performance should be quite favorable. Three different versions are planned, including a Stradale (Coupe,) Barchetta (Roadster), and Competizione (Clubracing Version). The company plans to produce 50 cars per year over the next three years."

 

I would do twice the power. The feeling of the extra weight planted to the ground at 100+ mph is so amazing. I would be comparing a 300whp 240sx with full suspension at 2400lbs or the stock Z at full weight at 230whp. I do miss the power and a tad more nimble, but even at 80mph there is a noticible difference.

Then on an extreme example -- the Bugatti Veryon at 4000lbs and 900hp with top end of 250mph.

 

The Bugatti Veryon has 1001 bhp iirc.

 

The Bugatti Veryon ownz me.

 

less weight for the handling and accel

 

I would want twice the power. Even though both the cars would run the same 1/4 say to a highway run well into triple digit speeds the car with more power will pull. For example look at the Lotus Elise vs a stock Z. The Elise runs low 13's down the 1/4 vs high 13's for the Z. The trap speed is higher in the Elise by 5-6 mph, yet the Elise tops out at 140-145mph. The car is quick up to 140 Im sure but because of its low power at high speeds and the high wind resistance it simply wont pull anymore. The stock Z would eventually catch it and pass it on its way to 159(limited). Anyways thats my reasoning, Id rather have the big power to pull on the top end. Not to mention the car would feel more planted/stable-unless you get into using crazy splitters, or wings.

 

Half the weight, easy. As far as stability at speed, that's what downforce is for.
Will