0-60 isn't a good way of differentiating supercars (archive)

Supercars are fundamentally different than regulars cars; hence, the title "super." I really don't think 0-60 is a good way of differentiating them. The Lamborghini will naturally have an extrememly fast time to sixty, based solely on the fact that 1st gear goes up to like 67 mph. 0-60 times are also functions of the launch, which have little overall to do with the car. In terms of pure acceleration/deceleration comparisions, 0-150-0 is a more prudent test of differentiating a Porsche GT2 with a McLaren F1 or Ferrari 360 Modena F1.

Also, there are a lot of other numbers that you can use to differentiate cars, but then you have to ask yourself one question: When you are spending so much money on a supercar, is it worth it to have a car that does the 0-60 dash in 3.9 (as opposed to 4.1), when the car that does 4.1 feels so much better on the road. Surely, on the road, you will never come within 80% of the car's potential, so the times don't relaly matter. I really liked a top gear article I read a few months ago that blatantly agreed that in terms of numbers the 996 turbo bludgeoned the 360 modena, but gave the thumbs up to the modena, simply because driving it was so much more of a pleasure.

My final point is this. Sure, numbers are good to talk about with friends and use in comparison, but when you are by yourself, driving merely for the enjoyment of driving, you want the car that feels the best, not the one with the best numbers.

Follow Ups:

and let's not forget... dp 19:45 12/01/2000 (4)
- Re: and let's not forget... coky 22:49 12/01/2000 (3)
  - Re: original two points dp 23:55 12/01/2000 (2)
    - always some PITA exception like you, dp. coky 10:50 12/02/2000 (1)
      - someone's got to be PITA, why not me? ;) dp 13:47 12/02/2000 (0)
that was the most tangible way to express how: coky 16:43 12/01/2000 (0)

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