Such a nice car!

 

A few tuners were not so positive about the intercooler upgrade even though I was willing to buy them. He will need a new stronger LWFW clutch soon after the tuning.

 

Perfect shade of blue and perfect wheels, 100% my taste. You did a very good job.

 

Totally awesome car -- although i am maybe the only one who will say this -- i prefer the "look" of the oem wheels on this car.....however, if you did this for weight savings then i get it.

What mods will you do next?

Congrats!!

 

(I've been asked to do this by a few people so here it goes. Apologize in advance for the poor writing skills)

Gratefully being able to own a RS4.0 and GT2 at the same time, I'd like to share some thoughts on the unique characteristics of each car and how they may differ from one another. I've been asked by a few owners of each car to describe what it is like to own the other so I hope I can do each car justice expressing what they do amazingly well.

Compared to the GT2, the RS4.0 is like a hyperactive child on a sugar high. It wants to do everything yesterday and is already distracted by what's coming next. The engine begs to be revved, the steering is responsive, and the chassis is always looking for which direction to change. Overall the car is slightly nervous while at the same time controllable. It will require your full attention even at low speeds. The gear ratios are much shorter than the GT2 and the revs feel more natural residing higher in the RPM band. The inertia from the drivetrain is lighter and more responsive. The power is very linear and there is a good amount of torque even at lower RPMs. The power comes on differently from a turbo engine, but it never feels to be lacking. Overall everything feels more raw and direct in the RS4.0. The NHV is much higher and the experience is more geared to someone looking for a street legal race car. Much likely more intense than what many would want in a regularly (daily) driven car.

The GT2 is much more of a Grand Touring car, feeling much more at home during high speed cruises. Settle in to triple digit speeds on your favorite back road and it's not trying to surprise you with ever minor change in the pavement. The engine responds well, though with a lag not present in the RS4.0. The drivetrain has detectible inertia that will offer feedback with a jolting "tud" if you mis-time a gear change. Push too hard into a corner and you'll be welcomed with appreciable understeer that requires only a healthy amount of throttle to overcome. Overall I find the GT2 more enjoyable to drive on the street.

Driving the cars back to back is a strikingly different but equally rewarding experience. Push the RS4.0, and you need to think 2 or 3 steps ahead. Always guessing what the car may want to do because by the time it does it, it may be too late. And the sound... intoxicating. Push the GT2, and you can enjoy reacting to what it throws at you. A very rewarding experience of driving the car under you, willing it to do what you're asking. I grew up driving turbo cars so this feel will always have a special place in my heart.

Overall I thoroughly enjoy both cars the different reasons. The GT2 is a car I can daily drive and have it excite me when I want it to without it feeling unnatural for either of us. The RS4.0 is a race horse, ultimately at home doing what it knows best. I can daily drive it, but it feels wasteful and uncomfortable for its capabilities. It shines and (IMHO) outclasses the GT2 on the track. Both are amazing, just in different ways. I really can't recommend someone who is looking for a "driver's car" giving up one for the other. That decision would be regretted, you really need both.

 

Awesome post!
Thank you very much for taking the time to type it out and explain it so well.

I figured what you said without ever driving a GT2 just heavy feeling awd turbos.

Can you know please go buy a GT2RS and do it again to see if that is the true perfect middle of the road or the worst of both worlds at an even more staggering price?

Thank you in advance ;-)

 

Find me a CGT for a reasonably price and I'll write up a three way comparison (if one can even be made). Any color but red please.

 

I have been waiting for a review like that for quite a while. Well written and explained. Thanks for sharing! (must spread rep)

1. More pics please.

2. Did you sell your Mp4-12C?

 

I'm on it. No red, check.
http://www.champion-motors.com/web/u...orida/5324911/

 

Vernor,
Thanks so much for that detailed comparo.
Are both the cars you compared in stock form? Not much to do with the 4.0 in terms of engine and suspension, but the GT2 is fully transformed with a few mods to the engine and suspension and a new clutch.
The inertia difference you speak of might be the same with a new lighter flywheel clutch.
The turbo lag will be almost diminished with a tune and sport cats.
The suspension is vastly improved in my car with the suspension set up I have without comprising the nice ride you speak of.
I however, do not consider my car I good DD.

There is nothing you can do to a GT2 to make it sound even a fraction as good as the 4.0.
I heard a 4.0 with the RSS cross pipe and it was the best exhaust note I have heard in person.