A few days ago, I made a post about about Motor Trend's test of the Audi S8. It does a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds and goes through the 1/4 mile in 11.8 @ 118.3 mph.. very impressive numbers. Even more so when you look at a couple other cars: 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S 0-60 mph: 3.5 s 1/4 mile: 11.8 s @ 118.0 mph Power: 550 hp Torque: 553 lb-ft Weight: 4,388 lb 2012 Audi R8 GT 0-60 mph: 3.5 s 1/4 mile: 11.5 s @ 125.1 mph Power: 560 hp Torque: 398 lb-ft Weight: 3,484 lb Now let's compare those to the Audi S8 0-60 mph: 3.5 s 1/4 mile: 11.8 @ 118.3 mph Power 520 hp Torque: 481 lb-ft Weight: 4,619 lb The Panamera and R8 have weight to power ratios of 7.98 lb/hp and 6.22 lb/hp. The S8? Well, that one has a weight to power ratio of 8.88 lb/hp... The identical 0-60 time of the R8 GT and S8 can somewhat be explained by their engines' way of induction. Since the R8 is NA, the torque curve probably isn't as meaty so even though it weighs a lot less an
No, it's not because it's called Mach 1 or the heritage that comes with the name, although that's pretty cool for Mustang fans. There are few cars out there that have the widespread track use of Mustangs. A combination of affordability, a decent RWD platform with endless aftermarket support and the potential to be competitive when properly set up makes them a staple in most track paddocks in North America. But being popular for track use comes with some headaches for manufacturers. It means that the car will be pushed hard by its customers and that will inevitably lead to discovering weak links . The vast majority of factory main-stream performance cars have limitations on track when pushed to hot lapping pace. That's not to say they are all equal - some are, without a doubt, far more durable and dependable than others - but nearly all require modifications. Mustangs are no exception. And their popularity also means those weak links are discovered fast, and marketing d