GT5 Driver's Insight (Reviews) Mitsubishi GTO SR.

[Skython]

Welcome!



To the newest place to get some opinions on what you're getting for all those credits you earn in the latest Gran Turismo release. Here are our Journalists who will be giving you insight in the world of Gran Turismo.​

Firstly, we have the Gran Turismo 4 Veteran, and newcomer but quick learner to Gran Turismo 5. Here he is, it is none other than SVX. Who is mostly found posting in the Photomode Forums. Now he is going to give himself an introduction.​

Hi there, I’m SVX.

You may know me from such threads as ~SVX’s Gallery and Crooooooow and SVX’s Gallery. In short, I love being behind the camera.

That doesn’t mean I don’t like driving cars or writing about them.

I’ve been playing GT since the first one. Then, I was very little, but I now think I have improved my driving skills a great deal. Just recently I have finally got GT5, and loving it. So, that means I’m a bit of a noob with GT5. If I have stated some facts wrong, please do bring it/them up, as I’ll fix them right away.

Thanks, SVX.

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And secondly, we have the not so frequent Gran Turismo 5 forum visitor. Who mostly visits for his Gallery, and Fan Fiction (which doesn't get as much attention as was intended). It is the ugly, and odd Skython. Who is seen most frequently in The Rumble Strip and the Music Sections. My small intro is:​

I've never had much interest in any of the extras GT has offered, like photomode. But when I signed up here I've used it for many things, photo Gallery, Fan Fic. But mainly here at GTP, I'm you'll most likely know me from the Rumble Strip forums and my GT5 Gallery. My reviewing gear is a simple setup of a DFGT. No traction, and Fun factor - speed scales. I hope you enjoy our reviews,

Cheers, Skython.

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And there's korza493... Um, do you have anything to say? Anything in particular? Uuuuh, okay... Yep... Aha... I need words, not noises, I need a message for once of these...

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But we needed someone to test the cars, who would drive them all evenly. So we needed someone who isn't allowed to have an opinion, or a personality. Some would go even as far as to say, a man with no brain! Here he is, our very own Stig! We caught up to him this morning to ask him about his opinions about working for us.​

Skython: Hello, Stig.

Stig: ---

Skython: It would appear Stig isn't very talkative as of now.

Stig: I like your hair.

Skython: What!? Stig, you're speaking! Oh my, what made you break your silence?

Stig: It's you, Skython. I like your shirt, Iron Maiden is one of my favourite bands.

Skython: SVX! I can see your head behind the couch, GET OUT OF THERe!

SVX: Hi, Skython.

Skython: Get out, I'm trying to have an interview.

SVX: Okay (walks out of room giggling)

Skython: Sorry Stig.

Stig: Mincemeat.

Skython: Um, chaps?

That went well, but before we get into what you've all shown up for, this is our Index, to keep track of reviews you miss just click the link.

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Index

Skython:
Aston Martin V12 Vantage vs Rival. (See Below)

SVX:
Viper ACR vs Corvette ZR-1 (See a little further below)​

 

[Skython]

Aston Martin V12 Vantage

​

As of recently I've loved the new V12 Vantage. It's a mad idea and is quite a hard thing for anyone to do. Which is put an engine which is almost 6000 cc's in size into a car and chassis which originally supported just a 4.3 litre engine. But Aston Martin has pulled it off superbly. The car is the best Aston Martin I've driven, and even at idle it sounds even better than James LaBrie! The DB9, DB7, not even the Vanquish can catch this beauty. With over 510 horsepower from that monstrous V12 sitting on the Vantage chassis makes it a recipe for pure excellence.

​

The car is surprisingly quick in the turns, and manageable powering out of the turns. But when you turn off the traction, you better wake yourself up. The car feels different, very different to when it's on. It will understeer if you try too hard and just go bonkers if you have too much power while turning. So sticking with the bonkers part, this car is actually even in a power slide quite smooth. Many cars you can feel the bumps which throw your hands around the wheel while snapping off your thumbs, but the Aston doesn't.

​

The main reason is that it weighs over 1.6 tonnes, which is more than the DBS which the Vantage takes it's 5.9 litre V12 from. This car isn't balanced in any way though, because as you slide around any turn it will suddenly flick the other way... But in any other car it's a little more predictable as to when it will snap back so you can pull off the slide. So you better be careful so you don't dent that beautiful body. Get some practise in an open space, like where we are today. The Top Gear Test Track!

​

The Aston's exterior is almost identical to any new V8 Vantage, but of course the new slats on the bonnet show who is the big hairy boss who wields the cigars. The head lamps work better with the traditional Aston Martin grill than with the DB9, or even the DBS for that matter. The clear tail lights add to the raw power flares that the bonnet slats have. And that small frontal spoiler made of carbon fibre also shows it the way to being bigger and better than the V8 Vantage.

​

But while the Aston is quick; fun and mad; It's also comfortable. With many interior options for anyone who wants their Vantage to be different from the rest. This car's interior options is an OCD person's wet dream! There's even options for the stitches in the lining! Though what am I to comment about the interior? It's typical Aston Martin; flash; spacious; and a big bulky steering wheel. But in this particular example, it lacks the rather love or hate wood centre console, which allows me finally to give the Aston a better interior score. The seating position is very nice; you can see where you are and that's all fine, the nose of the car stretches forward as far as the Mulsanne Straight, but it's an Aston. What did you expect? But as the way with any car with a V12 in the front, you can't exactly know for sure whether you are going to scrape those 19 inch rims on the footpath or not. But there are definitely worse cars to get around in; so it's a small price to pay.

So, what we have here is... A 510 horsepower British Supercar weighing almost 1700 KG's. What else could possibly be near those specifications? None other than Jaguar's new XKR, because I was told that the V12 Vantage was the perfect competitor for it. Looking at the specs. The 510 horsepower matches the Aston but the Jag weighs some 100 KG's more!

Jaguar XKR



​

So immediately the Jag is at a disadvantage, and as I sat in the XKR's large comfy seats and was rather disappointed by the seating position. It was so low the car felt bigger than it really is. Simply driving around into town to find the closest liquor store becomes difficult because you simply can't see where the car is. The Jaguar also has rear seats, which Aston Martin never even thought of trying, because they just threw in the most comfortable racing seats available in the front and the third passenger can rest in the boot. Which may gave been a good thing, because from what I see the Jag's rear seats aren't designed for humans. Well unless their legs are as thin as a neatly shaved standard pencil, or a dwarf. But since the world doesn't have too many of those, it's better to just put the body of the dog you just ran over in there. Or you could throw it into the boot because the Jaguar does once again have more of than the Aston. But what will all of these extras in the Jag do to the drive quality?

​

Taking off is a little slower than the Vantage, but the Jaguar can hit higher places. The Jaguar will go to 0-100 in 4.9 seconds on our simple tests. Which is turn traction on and floor it. The Aston managed to get there in 4.6 and will reach 304 KM/H. Though the XKR with it's V8 will go on up to 322 KM/H. And don't take these as claims, because luckily we had access to Route X. A 30 KM Speed testing Facility. But for the Jaguar, all this speed comes at a price . While the Aston Martin had rather hard suspension and was reasonably controllable the Jag was far from playful. The Suspension is soft and the body roll was immense! Trying to exit Hammerhead and one minute it's understeer then it'll lose it even though you've made no adjustments. This is worse than most cars I've driven I must say! It's so indecisive and nervous, as if there was a Hunter waiting around the corner. Though my views changed as I drove through the Follow through. The Jaguar was making more sense. It didn't slide like it wants you dead in the nearest ditch, though rather calm allowing you to be a lot smoother. This made it interesting, because the Aston was the other way around due to it's harder suspension setup. Though taking the Jaguar powersliding is a nightmare! As I said before it's understeer, slide, twitch and you've lost some valuable time. So now it's time for the important piece. Lap times!

​

Until we can find somewhere that will let us use their facilities the BBC has lent us Top Gear's test track to review on. Out on the track the Aston Martin was easily capable of hitting 1:19's and better. After a few hot laps I ended up settling with a 1:18:249! Throw in a better driver and the Vantage would be capable of 1:17's or maybe a 1:16! Though the Jaguar wasn't so spectacular. After the same time of hot lapping with traction off to follow hot lap rules, it was only capable of a 1:20.014. That's almost two entire seconds behind, which is ridiculous if you consider how they both have the same horsepower; similar weight; similar car class.

​

So that brings me to a question. Why was I told to compare these cars? The Jaguar XKR looks excellent, shouty and very rounded and soft at the same time, but drives like it doesn't want to get it's flares dirty or doesn't know where it's going. But the Aston is the loud show off with it's V12 and bonnet slats, while secretly being a professional Manager of a very well known business. So what will I choose? Despite the Jaguar costing over $100,000 NZ less than the Aston Martin, I would happily buy an Aston Martin V12 Vantage any day! Now, since this is probably going to be the only time I'm going such perfection, I'm off to enjoy it as much as I can.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage

Overall fun-speed factor: It's not the quickest out there but it's impressive. And very fun to drive, so it's score are.

Comfort/interior: 78/100: The hard suspension isn't so perfect over the bumps. The seating position was good though, but the seats weren't as comfy and the butt absorbers in the Jag.
Speed: 70/100: It's too heavy to be as fast as a Lamborghini or Ferrari.
Fun: 95/100: The most fun I've had in any car in a long time, guaranteed to bring a big smile on your face.
Looks: 89/100: Perfect mixture of beauty, and toughness.
Value: 42/100: Even if it is the most amazing car, it's damn expensive.

Jagaur XKR

Overall fun factor: It was hard to rate the Jag, because it wasn't more fun or quicker than the Aston Martin. But it was better equipped inside.

Comfort/interior: 79/100: It was very comfortable while I struggled with it, but the seats are just too low and prevents it from getting away the Aston's marks.
Speed: 54/100: To be quicker than the Aston the suspension would need a lot of work. It's simply too soft which increases ride quality but the speed isn't impressive.
Fun: 43/100: Not fun, it was too awkward to drive, and was rather disappointing.
Looks: 85/100: Like most Jags it looks very nice, with it's rounded shapes.
Value: 68/100: You get what you paid for.

Thank you for reading.​

 

[Onboy123]

Not a bad start. 👍 Though if there was one thing I'd say you'd need to fix, it's that last bit in bold. Maybe just bold it for the car's name rather than the whole thing, it makes it easier to read. Like this:

Aston Martin V12 Vantage-

-Overall fun-speed factor: It's not the quickest out there but it's impressive. And very fun to drive, so it's score are.

- Comfort/interior: 78/100: The hard suspension isn't so perfect over the bumps. The seating position was good though, but the seats weren't as comfy and the butt absorbers in the Jag.

- Speed: 70/100: It's too heavy to be as fast as a Lamborghini or Ferrari.

- Fun: 95/100: The most fun I've had in any car in a long time, guaranteed to bring a big smile on your face.

- Looks: 89/100: Perfect mixture of beauty, and toughness.

- Value: 42/100: Even if it is the most amazing car, it's damn expensive.

Jagaur XKR-

- Overall fun factor: It was hard to rate the Jag, because it wasn't more fun or quicker than the Aston Martin. But it was better equipped inside.

- Comfort/interior: 79/100: It was very comfortable while I struggled with it, but the seats are just too low and prevents it from getting away the Aston's marks.

- Speed: 54/100: To be quicker than the Aston the suspension would need a lot of work. It's simply too soft which increases ride quality but the speed isn't impressive.

- Fun: 43/100: Not fun, it was too awkward to drive, and was rather disappointing.

- Looks: 85/100: Like most Jags it looks very nice, with it's rounded shapes.

- Value: 68/100: You get what you paid for.

 

[Skython]

Not a bad start. 👍 Though if there was one thing I'd say you'd need to fix, it's that last bit in bold. Maybe just bold it for the car's name rather than the whole thing, it makes it easier to read. Like this:

Thanks, I have just edited in the changes.

 

[C-ZETA]

Skython: Hello, Stig.

Stig: ---

Skython: It would appear Stig isn't very talkative as of now.

Stig: I like your hair.

Skython: What!? Stig, you're speaking! Oh my, what made you break your silence?

Stig: It's you, Skython. I like your shirt, Iron Maiden is one of my favourite bands.

Skython: SVX! I can see your head behind the couch, GET OUT OF THERe!

SVX: Hi, Skython.

Skython: Get out, I'm trying to have an interview.

SVX: Okay (walks out of room giggling)

Skython: Sorry Stig.

Stig: Mincemeat.

Skython: Um, chaps?

I know very well where you got this from.

Anyway, I prefer the XKR over the Aston. The sound is so, so, so, so, so much better on the XKR and I think it's more well-rounded and a lot more easy-going.

 

[Skython]

I know very well where you got this from.

Anyway, I prefer the XKR over the Aston. The sound is so, so, so, so, so much better on the XKR and I think it's more well-rounded and a lot more easy-going.

Yes, I may have "borrowed it." And it's strange how we just continually disagree on each others reviews.

 

[mattythedog]

Has your Stig set a lap with those two yet? And I like the "borrowed" (stolen) bit from the Top Gear Annual...

 

[Skython]

Has your Stig set a lap with those two yet? And I like the "borrowed" (stolen) bit from the Top Gear Annual...

No, not yet. He's been busy following Nigel Havers around the place.

 

[C-ZETA]

He's been busy following Nigel Havers around the place.

I see this reference too...

 

[Skython]

I see this reference too...

Yes, it's much easier to use the ones that are already there but not everyone knows than to come up with some lame ones on your own.

 

[SVX]

No Replacement for Displacement Special-

Part 2- Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C6) ’09 vs. Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR ’08.

The big Snake meets the louder, badder Corvette ZR1.


​

Here, we have two cars, with two huge motors. Your fellow SVX here is going to find out if the louder, badder Corvette can take on the big Snake.

Looking at the stats while I was travelling to Route X, it was evident that the ACR would trump the Corvette on the huge Route X, with its massive 2.2 litre size advantage. Let’s look at the stats, shall we?

Corvette
Horsepower: 652 hp.
Torque: 833 nm.
Performance Points: 577 pp.
Weight: 1508 kg.
Engine Size: 6.2 litres.

Viper
Horsepower: 627 hp.
Torque: 784 nm.
Performance Points: 584 pp.
Weight: 1557 kg.
Engine Size: 8.4 litres.

Both are on S1s.​

Hmmmmm..... I might take that back. It seems to be that the Corvette has a smaller engine, but more power and torque. We’ll have to see if size, really maters!

First off, the Viper.
At full revs, this really does sound like a diesel, especially with its 6k rev line.
3…2…1…GO!​

And off I go! Pretty quick off the line, but not very loud like the engine size suggests. Off the line, I am pushed back into my seat by 0.76 g. It keeps going faster and faster, until it finally rests at 340.5 km/h. One thing that is annoying is the very small redline. With a car this quick it needs a longer redline to squeeze every last bit out of it.

These stats are the fastest I did:

0 – 400 m: 11.799
0 – 1000m: 20.736
0 – 100km/h: 4.152
0 – 200km/h: 11.074
Max Speed: 340.5km/h
Max g: 0.76 g

Let’s see how the smaller engined Corvette does.
At full revs, this sounds more like it. Let’s see how it does.

3…2…1…GO!​

Woah! Off the line like I’m on a rocket. I am exposed to 0.75 g. Nearly 10 and a half seconds later, I am going 200km/h and still going strong. I end up with a top speed of 353.1km/h, just 14.4km/h slower than my best yet in my Impala NASCAR. I definitely didn’t expect that. The reason the Corvette was so much faster was because of the gearing, suiting well with the 49 nm and 25 hp hike, I would say.

These stats are the fastest I did:

0 – 400 m: 11.650
0 – 1000m: 20.321
0 – 100km/h: 4.006
0 – 200km/h: 10.420
Max Speed: 353.1km/h
Max g: 0.75 g​

Next, I decide to see if the Corvette is king at the drag strip and at the race course, or the bigger engined, less powerful Viper ACR snatches the crown.

Well, we are here at Laguna Seca on a beautiful sunny day with two aggressive supercars. Which will be best in this best of 10 laps battle? We will soon find out.

First off, I test the Corvette.
​

Diving into the last corner, I am fully aware of how much power this has. All 652 horsepowers are released into the wild through fresh rubber. Fast is an understatement. Going down the main straight and going through the first bend, it gets squirmy and I completely lose control. The next few laps aren’t much better. One thing it is though is fun. Fun, in the same sense the RUF Yellowbird is fun. One inch wrong, you’re dead, but that’s the fun part, you never know what it’s going to do next. One thing though, if you buy this car for time attack and pure hard core racing, completely wrong choice. This car is not a car for ‘rules’. You will find yourself battling the car to keep it straight. In a straight line. The way to drive this car is to basically, slide it. If you’re going around a corner fast, and you’re not doing it slideways, it will understeer. Not heavy understeer, but still understeer. This car has lots of potential though, if you have the patience to tweak its LSD and Suspension settings to perfection.

​

Interior view is okay. Nice looking interior but sadly it has a horrible rearview sight, due to its aerodynamic Stingray curves.

​

My best lap was on my 6th lap, a 1:36.078. If I had a better understanding of power control, I’m sure this could get mid 1:35s.

After that tyre smoking chaos, I decide it’s time to drive the Viper.
​

Entering the last corner, it is evident that this is not a car which spews out smoke like it’s going out of fashion, but more like a road legal time attack car, which this car basically is. It still does spin its tyres, but not as much people would mistake your tyre smoke for a fire. This car feels like a more grown up Corvette ZR1. Quieter, better handling. More ‘mature’. You can feel that it was grown up here. The way it flows through the corners is excellent. Sadly, it just feels boring. Thanks to its horrible diesel engine note, it feels bland.

​

Interior view is not very exciting either, but the rearview is much better, which is kind of weird as it’s got a huge spoiler.

My best time was a 1:35.405 done on my 3rd lap, 1.34 seconds slower than the one that set the record. Unfortunately I just couldn’t jell with the car. That makes it faster around Laguna Seca than the Corvette.

The scores:

Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR ’08:
​

Comfort: The Viper feels aright at Laguna, but take it to a track like the ‘Ring or Trial Mountain, I’d say it wouldn’t be very comfy. Saying that, it is pretty much a road legal race car. I give it a 73/100.

Speed: The Viper is very quick, and very quiet, which gives it a bit of a more liveable appeal. I give it a 85/100.

Fun: Could have been fun, but a bit bland with the horrible exhaust note. I give it a 73/100.

Looks: Fantastic looks. Exterior looks awesome and race ready. I give it a 88/100.

Value: Bang for buck? Heck yes! 100,000 credits for this car is as cheap as chips. I give it a 95/100.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C6) ’09:​

Comfort: As with the Viper, the Corvette feels alright. This is a road car though, and I’d say with its low profile tyres and low ride height, it wouldn’t be very ‘nice’. I give it a 75/100.

Speed: This car is incredibly quick, but very hard to control in corners. I give it a 78/100.

Fun: As fun as a Yellowbird I said, being very tricky, but rewarding. I give it a 85/100.

Looks: Excellent looks with a nice interior. You can see the resemblances to the C2. I give it a 80/100.

Value: A little over priced, as you would expect an excellent handling car for the price. More realistic would be around 120,000. I give it a 77/100.

Which would I get if I had the money?

I would get the Corvette. It might not be as refined as the Viper, but man, is it fun.

Thank you very much for reading. ​

 

[werty_56-1]

Jagaur ???

I like this , could I test with SVX too , I have some stock cars too not like veyron all fully pomped

I like those reviews but I would prefer the DBS , I think it's a lot funnier and it has a very good handling and more power (POWERRR)

Edit : has for this both super cars , I don't know really , because both are fun (for me) but the speed

Very good reviews , thread subscribed.

I want more

 

[SVX]

Jagaur ???

I like this , could I test with SVX too , I have some stock cars too not like veyron all fully pomped

I like those reviews but I would prefer the DBS , I think it's a lot funnier and it has a very good handling and more power (POWERRR)

Edit : has for this both super cars , I don't know really , because both are fun (for me) but the speed

Very good reviews , thread subscribed.

I want more

Thank you for the very kind comments Werty!

More you say? Look up. I just finished mine.

 

[werty_56-1]

Jagaur ???

I like this , could I test with SVX too , I have some stock cars too not like veyron all fully pomped

I like those reviews but I would prefer the DBS , I think it's a lot funnier and it has a very good handling and more power (POWERRR)

Edit : has for this both super cars , I don't know really , because both are fun (for me) but has for the speed I think ACR

Very good reviews , thread subscribed.

I want more

Thank you for the very kind comments Werty!

More you say? Look up. I just finished mine.

Your welcome and ....

 

[SVX]

Your welcome and ....

Ooooops, I though you were still talking about Skython's review. Sorry.

 

[werty_56-1]

I talked about both

 

[SVX]

Pictures have now been added!

 

[Skython]

Jagaur ???

I like this , could I test with SVX too , I have some stock cars too not like veyron all fully pomped

I like those reviews but I would prefer the DBS , I think it's a lot funnier and it has a very good handling and more power (POWERRR)

Edit : has for this both super cars , I don't know really , because both are fun (for me) but the speed

Very good reviews , thread subscribed.

I want more

We don't have a DBS. We have the DB9 which is about four years older than the Jag we had which is from 2010. But still... Thanks, mate.

 

[werty_56-1]

We don't have a DBS. We have the DB9 which is about four years older than the Jag we had which is from 2010. But still... Thanks, mate.

I meaned the V12 , What a

Your welcome and thanks for doing this reviews 👍 sometimes it helps a lot.

Could I request a car ?

 

[Skython]

I meaned the V12 , What a

Your welcome and thanks for doing this reviews 👍 sometimes it helps a lot.

Could I request a car ?

Request? Go ooooon...

Yes, I prefered the Aston too. It was so much better to drive that it was worth the extra money.

 

[werty_56-1]

Request? Go ooooon...

Yes, I prefered the Aston too. It was so much better to drive that it was worth the extra money.

I would like you "to do" the Mitsubishi Mitsubishi GTO SR '96 please

 

[Skython]

I would like you "to do" the Mitsubishi Mitsubishi GTO SR '96 please

If SVX or I can actually find one. They're hard to find and the owners aren't willing to let us use them.

 

[werty_56-1]

If SVX or I can actually find one.

I can put one for share .... NOW !!! I already got SVX on my FL soo ?

 

[Skython]

Yep, talk to SVX. He'll take this further.

 

[werty_56-1]

Yep, talk to SVX. He'll take this further.

He's shared , 89,3518 Kms , 5 changes (5 changes just entering the car ) , totaly stocked and needs oil , but test it with it anyway , my only prob was the gear box the rest I tried with all ads of , the ABS 1 and went perfectly .

Good Luck

 

[uMadson?]

No replacement for displacement, eh?

If you're after naturally aspirated cars, why not go for the Mclaren F1? I wanna see your words about such a wonderful piece of engineering.

 

[Skython]

No replacement for displacement, eh?

If you're after naturally aspirated cars, why not go for the Mclaren F1? I wanna see your words about such a wonderful piece of engineering.

First we need something a little more focused to the cheap man. The we'll go for Mclaren... Ness. But since SVX is out there right now with a cheap car that leaves me to the Mclaren. I do apologize SVX for you having the slower cheaper car and then me get another dose of speed.

 

[Akmuq]

You should have picked me to be your Stig!!!

Anyway, nice reviews.👍

 

[Skython]

You should have picked me to be your Stig!!!

Anyway, nice reviews.👍

If you'd PM'd me you could have. But since you said it openly. I'm sorry you can't be a Stig now. Because that's what they'd expect us to do. Thanks, .

 

[BlazeTheCat05]

Seeing as how your topic is called GT5 Driver's Insight, why not do a Honda Insight vs Toyota Prius comparison? 👍