OK, folks, here's some hard numbers for the WRX vs. PTGT debate.
His setup was a stock 2002 WRX, with just a reprogram of the MAP(?)
timings, and a new downpipe. He regularly races VW Beetles with his pals,
but this was the first time he had the WRX on the track. (He just bought it used
recently for $18k....)
Mine was 2003 PTGT with ramair hood, H&R coilovers, Eibach sways,
and BTG front strut bar. I ran with the back seats out, tire and jack still in,
on 1/4 tank of Texan 93 octane.
Remember, no S1 on my car.
Track conditions were mild tailwind, about 54 degrees, and cloudy. The area
around the tree was *not* prepped at all and had a visibly thick and crumbly layer
of rubber all over the launch area. I had major wheelspin for all of 1st gear and
part of 2nd with my usual launch technique, compared to the rather decent
traction I was getting in California. 1/8 mile track, so no chance to try and make
up for my hideous R/Ts and wheelspin.
1st Run
PTGT____________________________WRX
R/T: 0.6354_____________________R/T: 0.9259
60': 2.9517_____________________60': 2.4529
330':7.4593_____________________330': 6.5111
1/8: 10.9367@70.96MPH___________1/8:10.0929@64.80MPH
2 minutes later we had:
2nd Run
PTGT WRX
R/T: 0.7696_____________________R/T: 0.5808
60': 2.7512_____________________60': 2.2542
330': 7.1034____________________330': 6.4019
1/8: 10.5408@71.38MPH__________1/8: 9.6373@77.07MPH
Read what you will from the numbers.
My take:
Stock WRX vs. stock PTGT - WRX takes it.
Stock WRX vs. S1 PTGT - Fairly even, leaning towards PTGT.
A lot will depend upon the launch and how long the track is.
Paul