Torque on Demand

[blacksambo]

Perahaps you've answered your own question? The more sheer numbers and technology you buy may not be the vehicle answer you're seeking at all. Instead, it seems like the VX delivers some sort of magical or quasi sophistcated driving experience not found in these other contrived numbers-only driven package scenarios. One might say that the VX delivers some sort of very satisfying unique blend of sensory factors not easily duplicated by other attempts, no matter what the date of manufacture. I know this sounds somewhat mythical like dragons or something but don't deny its potential existence. These things due happen and its what SCCA vintage racing is all about.

[blacksambo]

On the subject of technology marching onward. That Subaru you speak offers a system called VTD,right? Which if you read about it sounds an awful lot like the VX's TOD. So is the difference performance-wise really more down to Horsepower than a more advanced driveline? If so, don't the VXer's with the Alpine supercharger compensate somewhat for this difficiency by adding this extra? Just curious.

[Chopper]

Naa... the Subie is much bigger. Anything more than 5lbs. of boost will grenade the Isuzu engine (without MAJOR mods) I've seen Subaru engines making 400hp. on pump fuel...different deal. The flat 4 was made to be boosted, the six was not...too much compression, among other things. You are right in your nostalgia take...the old mans' series two E-type is still a special car to drive, but a Miata will out drive it everywhere but the straights, and is a better car in every measurable way

[circmand]

Come on a Miata? I think the car is a cute little sports like car and would not mind having one as a 2nd car in the garage ut to name it and performance in the same breath is a stretch. I don't want to insult you or your chosen ride but I have a 1974 JH in my garage that I am restoring and the stock specs of this car in 1974 out perform a Miata in everything but breaking power since they did not have discs back then

[Chopper]

'74 is a twelve cyl. if I remember...the early ones all had that beautiful, straight six. I learned to drive a manual in my dads, at the Hatfield racetrack (long gone) in PA, when I turned thirteen. I only used a Miata as an extreme example of how much things have changed. I am not a Miata lover (I am 6'3" and 200lbs.) but I have "spec" raced them several times at Robling and Sebring road courses... I am pretty sure it is a faster way around the track. They allow you to brake sooo much later, and carry sooo much more speed thru a curve...you can even get back on the power earlier comming out. The Big Cat just can't compensate with enough in the straights. I dunno...never saw anyone race the two. (Pinks..road course edition) I never dared drive his E-type hard.... but I was in it with him goin' balls out, all opposite lock, chasing a little Alpha at Lime Rock. I think I coulda taken him in a '06 wearing Pilot Cups P.S. we didn't catch the Alpha

[johnnyapollo]

The only current production vehicle that still ships with a Borg-Warner TOD is the Jaguar X-type (that I know of) - they don't reference it as TOD but it's supposedly the same system. There was a brilliant commercial - showed a close up of a guy spinning around - camera pans back and you realize he's in a sedan that's spinning on an icy road - creeping up behind and eventually passing him is a Jag X-Type and then they go into the whole 4-wheel drive with sensors bit. Here's a different commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfL3egQ61bU

There was also this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QvSymMUL4A

-- John