Firstly, I'd like to apologize to Contorted for making the statement that derailed his thread. Now that we are here, however, let me say this:
specific output is a useless statistic, unless we are talking about some sort of divisional racing where displacement is limited.
IMO, it doesn't matter how big the engine is that's producing the power, it matters how powerful it is versus the weight of the car.
*Hypothetical race aftermath*
"OMFG, I just blew your doors off!"
"Yeah, but your engine is twice the size of mine!"
"Why thank you. Now pay up."
Demon, I usually value and respect your opinion and knowledge, however callous it is at times. This time, I must disagree with you. One statement at a time.
You have a 3L SVT that is low compression because there is a turbo huffing positive pressure into that intake, correct? I know you just forgot to mention the hairdryer under the hood.
I don't know where the heck you're going to find a 3L Saturn to race you, because most of them are doing exactly what my wife's does, daily commute + hauling a small child around.
Do you really think the Saturn would be that far behind if it had all the mods that built 3L has?
Your 2.5L with just bolt-ons was a second faster. How many bolt ons? LOL. One second? I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to wring another second out of that 24v DOHC V6. Even with an ATX. Of course, in our case, that will stay theoretical, if not simply for the fact that it's my wife's daily driver, then for the fact that we already have fast cars.
182 h.p./190 lb.-ft. isn't a bad rating for a mass produced, affordable sedan. And you guys are always talking about flat torque bands..
I just think it's neat that my wife can line up next to an SVTC, or any other car in that eschelon of the performance hierarchy (or, more easily, any iteration of the Cavalier), and if that driver isn't at the VERY top of their game, she can take them. While sipping on her latte'.
This is not to mention the excellent service she gets at the dealership. Or the fact that the fit & finish puts the Ford's to shame. Or the cupholders you don't have to MODIFY to get them to hold cups. Or the better safety ratings.
I'm not saying I don't like my SVTC better. I do. I'm glad I got it. The 'tour is a stick shift, it's more fun to drive. It's just threads like these that make me realize how closed-minded people are.
And yes, I do realize this is a Ford-centric website.
