Originally Posted by Kai
Of all the cars I've driven, the front-end lift is way more obvious in RWD cars, even those with not a whole lot of power. The front drivers I've driven have tried, but really want to spin tires by the time it starts lifting. I'm sure a heavier car would be more happy to keep traction though. How much does a VR6 Jetta weigh? They have 170-some lb-ft of torque, yes?
I saw a nice Camaro SS (327, bored and stroked to the high 400ci's) on the dyno the other day... when they punched it the damn thing tried to stand up despite it being strapped down. 596 horsepower, and they didn't even use the onboard nitrous system. :drool:
I agree... it's way more obvious in RWD cars, probably because there's isn't any negative feedback from the lifting. Awesome about that SS though, 596 is just stupid-fast.
VR6 jettas weigh anywhere from 2900-3100, depending on what options you get. Very nose-heavy, hence stock bad handling.
VW underrates their engines (slightly) from the factory. The company lists a stock 174 HP and 181 lb-ft for the MKIV 12v VR6, but I can show you several stock dynos around 159-163 whp and ~175 lb-ft. The same disparity exists for the 24v engine (200hp listed, 185ish wheelhp). Just really depends on the health of the stock engine.
The most under-rated is the new 1.8T. 180 listed, and occaisionally found to be near 170-175 whp. I can't really back that up with dynos, but that's what i've heard.
BTW- My roommate has an RX7, 1988 (I believe). Not a bad car, just wish he was turbo
