just starting out, your opinions?

[humblehumbert]

well, i'm somewhat new to gt3, and i'm about to purchase a car to race for the "stars and stripes" and the NA races...right now, i'm bettween the corvette and the viper, so i'd like to get your opinions on them, or any other suggestions you might have.
thanks in advance

 

[Gil]

Why buy a car? Go to the Amateur Cup and the American car series races. Contrary to popular belief, you can race any make car. One of the prize cars is a Camaro Race Car.

 

[humblehumbert]

Originally posted by Gil
Why buy a car? Go to the Amateur Cup and the American car series races. Contrary to popular belief, you can race any make car. One of the prize cars is a Camaro Race Car.

Any make? didn't know that, actually...still need a good NA car, though

 

[Eagle]

Unlike the earlier GT games you don't need an American car for the American series.

For a N/A car, go win yourself a Panoz Esperante GTR1 in the Seattle enduro Or an F1 car at Super Speedway.

 

[Gil]

Originally posted by humblehumbert
Any make? didn't know that, actually...still need a good NA car, though

Well if you beat the European series, also in amateur, you can, with the "save/reload" trick net a Vertigo. It will handle both the American Series, and the NA cup.
But the Camaro will be needed for Stars & Stripes.

 

[Hikari]

I don't recommend Viper GTS because its breaking doesn't match its accelerating. - -b

 

[Purple Platypus]

I'll have to go with that Camaro Racer suggestion. It handles really well, goes really fast, and can handle the entire amateuer league and a good portion of the pro league.

But...if you're still stuck over viper/vette, I'd suggest the Vette. It doesn't have the same hp numbers as the Viper, but I think it's still as fast, and cheaper.

 

[Duke]

Welcome, Humbert, to GTPlanet! Enjoy your stay with us.

Both the Viper GTS and the 'Vette Z06 are great cars. The 'Vette is somewhat cheaper, but the Viper makes bigger power with more upgrades and is a shoe-in for the Like The Wind race in Pro mode when fitted with lots of power and the race transmission.

I'd suggest buying the Z06 and doing some test laps. Then reload your game without saving, and do the same thing with the Viper. If you like the Vette better, reload the game again; if not, keep the VIper.

Also, don't overlook the blue Corvette Gran Sport, which is quite competent as well.

 

[Kent]

I suggest a new idea.
(just noticed that neon mentioned this. )

Corvette grand sport.

Cheaper and still very fast and balance until the 600hp range.

Buy good tires for it, and perform as many lightweight/ power modifications as you can.

This will carry you as far as you need to go in order to get better prize cars, all the while being cheaper. 👍

Good luck, good question.
Later.

 

[Taowulf]

I prefer the Mustang SVT Cobra for the American Series.

Damn ugly Bowtie cars can eat my tire smoke.

 

[Kent]

Originally posted by Taowulf
I prefer the Mustang SVT Cobra for the American Series.

Damn ugly Bowtie cars can eat my tire smoke.

I believe it is the other way around my friend.

See you on the track any time.

Later.

btw, Im gonna look into a comparo... if no one post before I get back, expect an edit with some open time discussions.

 

[Taowulf]

Originally posted by GoKents
I believe it is the other way around my friend.

See you on the track any time.

Later.

btw, Im gonna look into a comparo... if no one post before I get back, expect an edit with some open time discussions.

Oh, did I mention that they could eat my turbo'd tire smoke?

 

[Duke]

I like the SVT Mustang as well. I listened to too many people who said it handled badly, so I didn't pick one up until I was looking for something non-Japanese for the PD Cup. I had a ball using it there, and I intend to pick one up much earlier in my next game.

 

[Taowulf]

Originally posted by neon_duke
I like the SVT Mustang as well. I listened to too many people who said it handled badly, so I didn't pick one up until I was looking for something non-Japanese for the PD Cup. I had a ball using it there, and I intend to pick one up much earlier in my next game.

Exactly, neon_duke. The SVT doesn't handle badly for me at all and with the weight reductions, it gets even better. I actually did the American Series the last time with just weight reduction and racing tires on the SVT Cobra and pretty much walked all over the competition. Especially on the Seattle races.

 

[Kent]

What you are both saying is very true.

However, I still think the mustang is off pace. (infact, I know it is off pace.)

Don't get me wrong, I really like that mustang... go back a ways and you will find a weekly race that boom did where we raced a fully moded mustang at deep forest reverse. (you've gotta love the car if you're gonna run it will all 715 hp.)

So, like I was saying, the mustang is great, but it is off pace with the corvettes.

Now how it compares to the camaro.

But in terms of how it stacks up on the real world comp. (Z06 vs SVT R is the real world match up)

And in that case, the Z06 takes the cake easily.

I ran last night with a mustang that had all mods except, a na1 instead of an na3. That put me in the 580 hp range, with 1300kg* and a 2.3 pwr.

However, that mustang couldn't keep up on complex string when compared to a Z06 with the lightweight packages and about 440 hp.
11??kg*, 4??hp, and a 2.7 pwr.

So think about that...
2.3 vs 2.7, yet the mustang was still off pace.
Now, of course this could be tested further, but I did my testing, and this is how it came out.

Pretty bad for the mustang in terms of a comparison, but still, the mustang was fun and the balance of the mustang was never as good as when it was only tuned to 580hp and not the 700+hp that it usually is.

I like the mustang, but it just doesn't have the potential that the vette Z06 does.

 

[Duke]

No, not at all. I was considering it more on par with the GS. It does edge out both Camaros, while being only slightly more expensive. I didn't intend to consider the Mustang as equal to the Z06.

I have a Z06 but I never did get it dialled in to my satisfaction. Credit for credit, I prefer the Viper GTS; it suits my driving style better.

 

[Kent]

Hmm... respectable opinion.

I would say that the comparisons are a little biased in a real world sense, but in a game sense the mustang vs GS comparison is ok.

But like I said, in terms of real world rivals, the 75,000 dollars SVT Cobra R is a match for the 50,000 Z06... or maybe even the Dodge Viper GTS.

Anyway, I do like the mustang, just not as much as the vette.

I personally feel like both of the corvettes have better geometry and performance than the svt... but hey, that's just opinions.

 

[Taowulf]

I too, would be slow to try to compare the Mustang with any Corvette. Since the Corvette and the T-bird went different directions after the T-bird was no longer a 2 seater coupe, ford has had nothing in the same catagory with the Corvette. I can't really put the Ford GT in the same class with the Corvette either as so far it seems to be a class above. I am sure bow tie enthusiasts would disagree.

But as far as GT3 goes, a lightly modded Mustang can make mincemeat of everything in the American only series. I did have a little trouble catching the Cobra when it started first in the grid and I started last, but after I cleared the pack, the Cobra kept blowing corners (stupid AI) and I caught it and kept it behind me. The Vipers, Camaros and 'vettes couldnt keep up at all.

Oh, and let me add that I have driven both 'vettes and Mustangs in real life and the car I enjoyed more was always the 'Stang. As far as driving differences go, the 'vette has a very light butt and is easy to lose grip in the rear with "spirited" driving. The Mustangs were always solid and much more controllable with a bit of judicious throttle use. Well....there was this one time...

Ok, here is the story. When I was 18, I worked for an auto upholstery shop as the front office/estimator/delivery guy and we picked up a 84 GT Mustang that a local dealer in Riverside, CA was doing a theft recovery restoration on. So, I pick up this car, get it to the frontage road to turn left to go towards the freeway on ramp and tapped the throttle a bit harder than I did when leaving the dealer. Much to my suprise and dismay, the seat falls backwards on me, jamming my foot on the throttle and making it so I can't see. I am hanging on for dear life as I hear rubber vaporizing from the rear tires and trying to pull myself up with that skinny steering wheel they were using back then. The passenger seat had launched itself right into the backseat, it wasn't bolted down at all. So I get myself back up, and I am drifiting completely sideways down the street. I got it under control quickly as soon I was off the gas a tad (it had jammed my foot on the throttle fully) and there I was driving down the street at 40MPH like nothing happened. I carefully got onto the freeway (OK, not too carefully as I could prepare myself for the seat moving, let's just say that 'Stang was doing 70 and I hadn't left 1st gear yet). Off I get at the next exit, drove carefully back to the dealer took a look underneath the drivers seat. There was only ONE FRIKKIN BOLT. and it was the front one right under my right leg. Had it been under the left leg, I would have jammed on the clutch and would not have gone sideways...but who knows what I would have coasted into before I got back up again. So I find the service writer and when he asked why I was back, I told him "Find another bolt for the drivers seat or you will be telling my mom why her only son is dead".

So they put in a new bolt and I was on my merry way. That Mustang was a lot more fun when the seats were bolted down.

 

[Kent]

Well tao,

The computer's idea of racing is crap.

I wouldn't take the mustang's value as good or bad based on the ai competition.

I garuntee that you could get into the miata from this week's weekly race series and win the american championship.

Now, you are right about the Ford GT being a class above... no doubt there.

However, the truth is, the mustang should be getting comparisons to the dodge viper... the corvette is too cheap to compare to the mustang.

You have gotta love how the mustang SVT Cobra R in game sells for 32,000 (I think) and in real life the mustang SVT Cobra R sells for $75,000.

With such a huge screw up on prices, it is no suprise that all of us would like to dodge out on the real comparisons. (no pun intended)

The comparison should be...
Mustang SVT Cobra R vs Corvette Z06 vs Dodge Viper GTS.

That is the real comparison, and in that comparison, the mustang will come in last each time.

Note that this does not mean the mustang is bad... it is still a great car... it's just not up to par with the vette and viper.

btw, I am gonna go look into a grandsport vette vs mustang comparo.

Also, you guys might want to do some of these comparos on your own... Letting this bowtie friend make all the comparisons might be a mistake for the avid mustang men with a sense that a bias may exist in the testing.
jk.

But I will be back later with gs vs mustang results.

 

[Duke]

Originally posted by GoKents
You have gotta love how the mustang SVT Cobra R in game sells for 32,000 (I think) and in real life the mustang SVT Cobra R sells for $75,000.

Actually, the Cobra R was sold in the high $30k range. It definitely stickered under $40 large. Most of the ones you hear selling for high high prices were due to dealers gouging idiots.

 

[Kent]

Sorry bro, you have a mix up there.

The Cobra and the SVT Cobra R are two different cars... finding links to enter.

Looks like we are both wrong. (in a sense)

55,000
Before any sort of purchasing issues arise.
(including limited production price hikes as well as about a dozen other factors, all pushing the price up if anything.)

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0004_speedfre05/index3.html

Still though, you did have a mix up there...

That "R" makes a major difference.

 

[Duke]

I'm telling you, in '96 the SVT Cobra R stickered for under $40k.

 

[Kent]

I don't think that mustang you mention has any bearing on the mustangs we are talking about.

First off, the mustang in the game is a current generation of the mustang svt cobra R.

This is the most important point because the game cobra is what we are talking about.
Not the mustangs of 96.

Also, I don't know much about mustangs, but I haven't heard of an "svt cobra R" from 96.
I know there were cobras.
I know that they may have been using svt... (although Im under the impression that the svt wasn't brought back as a badge until the current generation.)

But the main point of this is that...

The SVT Cobra R in game is the SVT Cobra R in the link above.

A current generation mustang that was developed and marketed for the '99 model year.

The svt cobras before that are of no cosequence since the 99 was the first of an all new batch of cars.

The 99 was the first cobra svt r to be produced with the current body style and an independant rear suspension.

We need to make sure that we stay consistant in what we are talking about.

We are not talking about mustangs of the past or the future...
We are talking about the 99 svt mustang cobra R.

Sure the link above is for a new model, but it is the same model as the 99 car.
(same body, etc.)

So, what do you have to say?


I mean, sure the 96 stickered for under 40k, but we aren't talking about that...
(looking for links to show new price for the 99 model, back soon. )

Shoot, I just noticed, that motor trend svt r is the 99 model... go to the first page of the article...http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0004_speedfre05/

Written in 2000. (april)

 

[Duke]

Eh, I'll have to eat crow... I'd swear I saw a 1996 Cobra R - in that safety-cone orange, with the wing and the stripped interior and all, at a dealer in 1995. I seem to recall the sticker being around $39k. Of course they were asking more than that, but that's where I thought it was stickered.

So, we split the difference, eh?

[edit] - the game version is a '99? I thought it was a '96. That's why I've been so adamant.

 

[Kent]

No problem bro.

I was also adament just because I remember them coming out with this car.

I loved it, still like it a lot.

However, I knew the mustang in game was the current gen and I remember the generation change in maybe, 98?

I have no clue about that, but I do remember the car and what not.

Anyway, glad you atleast came into the middle where I have to sit now.

Take a bigger man to do that, than to try and win an argument that neither of us could have won to begin with.

Although still... that 55,000 svt cobra is a perfect match for the z06. (in terms of price... not performance. )

 

[Taowulf]

It is nice to see that you two have kissed and made up.

It was a sad state of affairs that under the former CEO of Ford, the fastest production vehicle they had was the SVT Lightning F-150. Yep, even quicker than the Supercharged Cobras.

What a shame. At least it seems like Bill Ford, Jr. is putting them back on track with the GT and the Shelby concept. The new Mustang, IMHO, is a step in the right direction, but I still like the Concept Mustang GT better. Now if they would do something about those Mopar wankers and their dang SRT's, I would appreciate it. No way a Neon should be able to run rings around a SVT Focus. The Focus needs more POWER!

Can you tell I bleed Ford Blue?

 

[Kent]

Originally posted by Taowulf
It is nice to see that you two have kissed and made up.

It was a sad state of affairs that under the former CEO of Ford, the fastest production vehicle they had was the SVT Lightning F-150. Yep, even quicker than the Supercharged Cobras.

What a shame. At least it seems like Bill Ford, Jr. is putting them back on track with the GT and the Shelby concept. The new Mustang, IMHO, is a step in the right direction, but I still like the Concept Mustang GT better. Now if they would do something about those Mopar wankers and their dang SRT's, I would appreciate it. No way a Neon should be able to run rings around a SVT Focus. The Focus needs more POWER!

Can you tell I bleed Ford Blue?

Indeed dude, I am right there with you on this one.

I am totally dissappointed with the performance focus. (thing sucks)
(needs so much more. )

And as for the new mustang concept.
That thing is awesome.

I sure would love to have one of those with the 385 hp svt cobra r engine.

 

[Taowulf]

Originally posted by GoKents
Indeed dude, I am right there with you on this one.

I am totally dissappointed with the performance focus. (thing sucks)
(needs so much more. )

And as for the new mustang concept.
That thing is awesome.

I sure would love to have one of those with the 385 hp svt cobra r engine.

Forget the 385hp blown SVT Cobra engine, the Prototype Mustang GT was a Supercharged 4.6 that was 405hp. 6 -speed manual and independent rear suspension.

Edit : If the 405hp GT had been built, I think we would be seeing a much more even competition woth the Corvette's in stock form.

THAT was badass.

Of course, give me a 450 - 500hp Cammer 5.0 like the Mustang GT-R and I would be EXTRA happy.

 

[Duke]

Originally posted by Taowulf
It is nice to see that you two have kissed and made up.

Now if they would do something about those Mopar wankers and their dang SRT's, I would appreciate it. No way a Neon should be able to run rings around a SVT Focus. The Focus needs more POWER!

Two thoughts for you:

SCCA Showroom Stock

and

Neon ACR.

And that's without the turbocharged 2.4... I swapped a junkyard 2.4 out of a plain Stratus into my wife's Neon and woke that little bugger RIGHT up. Scares heck out of most things she comes up against at the Stoplight Nationals! Especially the Poocus...

 

[Taowulf]

Originally posted by neon_duke


Two thoughts for you:

SCCA Showroom Stock

and

Neon ACR.

And that's without the turbocharged 2.4... I swapped a junkyard 2.4 out of a plain Stratus into my wife's Neon and woke that little bugger RIGHT up. Scares heck out of most things she comes up against at the Stoplight Nationals! Especially the Poocus...

Now that Ford has gone to 2.3 Inline 4 Duratech as the baseline Focus engine rather than the 2.0 Zetec 4 cyl, maybe SVT will wake up and start unleashing some of that potential. The Cosworth RS in Europe wasn't was was originally promised as a replacement for the Cossie Escort, either. It was supposed to be AWD, 300+ Hp and they ended up around 200hp and FWD. Ford is making noises like those mistakes will be rectified.

Of course, what I really want is the ST Mondeo's in the US. Me = Contour fanatic.