How does the Vette stack up....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 864
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From: Kelowna BC
How does the Vette stack up....
How does the Vette stack up against the likes of some of the old muscle cars? IE, 67 Charger, 67 Challenger, 68 Firebird/Camaro etc?
This question came to mind, as I know this girl who just got herself a 68 Firebird. It's a beautiful car, and she's running about 320 HP. I don't think I should be too worried about her if we line up, but am I wrong?
TIA
This question came to mind, as I know this girl who just got herself a 68 Firebird. It's a beautiful car, and she's running about 320 HP. I don't think I should be too worried about her if we line up, but am I wrong?
TIA
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: How does the Vette stack up.... (92BAV)
Believe it or not, most of the older stuff (if not crazy modified) won't hold a candle.... why? Well the old cars are HEAVY, and don't have as efficient drivetrains to put the power to the ground where needed.
Sure they might FEEL faster because of not-so-refined suspension and noise levels, but they aren't.
Sure they might FEEL faster because of not-so-refined suspension and noise levels, but they aren't.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Re: How does the Vette stack up.... (92BAV)
Also remember that cars used to be rated using gross horsepower. In 1972, they began using SAE net power which is still used today. Your 300hp LT1 would have been rated closer to 340-350 had it been produced in 1968.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
From: Kelowna BC
Re: How does the Vette stack up.... (scorp508)
Believe it or not, most of the older stuff (if not crazy modified) won't hold a candle.... why? Well the old cars are HEAVY, and don't have as efficient drivetrains to put the power to the ground where needed.
Sure they might FEEL faster because of not-so-refined suspension and noise levels, but they aren't.
Sure they might FEEL faster because of not-so-refined suspension and noise levels, but they aren't.
-Sheppe
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
From: Kelowna BC
Re: How does the Vette stack up.... (Elteefor)
Also remember that cars used to be rated using gross horsepower. In 1972, they began using SAE net power which is still used today. Your 300hp LT1 would have been rated closer to 340-350 had it been produced in 1968.
Thnx.-Sheppe
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1
From: NY
Re: How does the Vette stack up.... (Elteefor)
Elteefor -
I have heard that before. Could you please expalin gross vs. net HP? It does have something to do with accessories, correct? What about HP measured at the flywheel vs. at the rear wheels? That has changed as well, right? :confused:
I have heard that before. Could you please expalin gross vs. net HP? It does have something to do with accessories, correct? What about HP measured at the flywheel vs. at the rear wheels? That has changed as well, right? :confused:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 4
From: Henderson Nevada
Re: How does the Vette stack up.... (Elteefor)
As said prior the HP ratings back in the old days were gross not net therefore you got more HP & torque. Also a stock LS1 F-body can clean high 12's when broken in straight from the factory & get 28mpg Highway. The only mass produced cars back in "old days" that could do that where low volume specials like the L71 Vettes & even then the fuel economy would suck.
I tired of all the so called enthusiasts thinking that the golden age of cars was the 60's when today we have standard machines that can outperform the factory muscle from the sixties in all aspects including the quarter mile (heck a stock Acura RSX runs 14's). Preserve the old cars and enjoy them, but just remember that technology has progressed over the past 30 years.
I tired of all the so called enthusiasts thinking that the golden age of cars was the 60's when today we have standard machines that can outperform the factory muscle from the sixties in all aspects including the quarter mile (heck a stock Acura RSX runs 14's). Preserve the old cars and enjoy them, but just remember that technology has progressed over the past 30 years.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Re: How does the Vette stack up.... (rubyred93)
That's right. Gross hp was measured without any accessories hooked up to the engine. Exhaust, carb jetting, and ignition timing were usually non-stock as well.
Net hp is measured with the engine in it's stock configuration. Driveline loss is omitted.
Rear wheel hp factors in driveline loss. This is the number you will get from a dyno (which calcultes hp based on torque).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,381
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From: Pineville, Louisiana
Re: How does the Vette stack up.... (Smash)
I saw a vintage ad that claimed and boasted the top of the line 69 camaro could do 0-60 in 7.5 seconds