My Time Trial Results

[daan]

Toyota GR86 (2021)

Power: 235 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1270 kg (Stock)
Tires: Sports Hard (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:06.306

Compared to the cars I've driven before, the GR86 felt more agile but also much more sensitive to weight transfer. Every corner required a careful balance between carrying entry speed and maintaining stability on corner exit.

Hatzenbach and the Carousel were the most demanding sections, where pushing even slightly too hard could easily cost time. Overall, the GR86 felt lively yet delicate, and this lap gave me a better understanding of how rewarding a well-balanced chassis can be.
Video:View attachment 1549345

No inertia or rhythm?

 

[Wan]

No inertia or rhythm?

Haha, it’s still there. I just let the car do the talking this time.

 

[Wan]

Lamborghini Huracán GT3 (2015)

Power: 585 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1230 kg (Stock)
Tires: Racing Hard (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 6:33.167

This car completely changed my first impression of rear-engine setups. The Huracán GT3 feels surprisingly approachable, showing how well-balanced and controllable a rear-engine race car can be.

It is more agile than expected, although understeer remains its biggest weakness. The car feels light and responsive through technical sections, while still maintaining a solid and stable presence at high speed. This lap gave me a much better understanding of how a well-developed rear-engine setup can combine agility with confidence.

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[Wan]

Nissan Qashqai Tekna e-Power (2022)

Power: 190 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1624 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Soft (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 9:10.285

I expected heavy understeer and a limited cornering capability because it's an SUV, but the Qashqai surprised me. Its handling felt closer to a nimble front-wheel-drive hatchback than a tall SUV, making it easier to approach the limit with confidence.

Overall, it proved to be a well-balanced SUV that drives far better than its specifications might suggest.

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[Wan]

Nissan Skyline GT-R V·spec II Nür (2002)

Power: 341 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1560 kg (Stock)
Tires: Sports Hard (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 7:58.205

This car has a unique character. It gives clear warnings before understeer or oversteer sets in, but it never lets you become overconfident. Driving it demands commitment and precise inputs.

It felt like having a conversation with the AWD system—sometimes cooperative, sometimes unpredictable, but always engaging.

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[Wan]

Alpine A110 (1972)

Power: 140 hp (Stock)
Weight: 715 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Medium (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:59.759

At first, the car felt difficult to understand. The real challenge wasn't chasing apexes, but keeping it balanced and preventing slides. Its character is lively yet stubborn, constantly demanding precise inputs and full attention from the driver.

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[Wan]

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor (2011)

Power: 417 hp (Stock)
Weight: 2724 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Medium (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:38.127

The weight was impossible to ignore, but it never made the truck feel uncontrollable. Every corner demanded patience, with the mass always making itself known. Despite its size, the Raptor remained surprisingly predictable once I adapted to its rhythm.

It was a fun and rewarding drive, and I'd gladly take it around the Nordschleife again.

Just inertia and rhythm.

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[Wan]

Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992)

Power: 227 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1275 kg (Stock)
Tires: Sports Hard (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:16.172

This was one of the most demanding AWD sports cars I’ve driven so far. It isn’t unpredictable — it simply requires a very high level of precision. Once you adapt to its strict nature, the car becomes incredibly rewarding to drive.

A true classic with a unique character, creating a strong connection between the driver and the machine.

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[Wan]

Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary (1988)

Power: 456 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1490 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Soft (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 7:55.174

My first time driving such an old Lamborghini, and it was a very unique experience. It felt agile, but the rear weight always influenced the car’s balance and demanded my full attention.

The real challenge wasn’t forcing out its potential, but learning how to work with its character. A classic Lamborghini with a personality that rewards patience and precision.

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[Wan]

Mazda RX500 (1970)

Power: 251 hp (Stock)
Weight: 850 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Medium (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:17.333

This car is more complicated than it first appears. Despite its low weight, the weight transfer is extremely noticeable, and the soft suspension makes every change in balance easy to feel.

Agile yet unpredictable, the RX500 is one of the hardest cars I’ve driven to fully understand. It constantly demands attention and a careful approach.

Just inertia and rhythm.

Video:

 

[Wan]

Mazda CX-30 X Smart Edition (2021)

Power: 190 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1490 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Medium (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 9:02.860

It feels unusual. It has the agility of a small car, yet carries the inertia of a much heavier vehicle. The steering provides clear feedback, but understeer is always waiting if you push too hard.

Once I adapted to its rhythm, the CX-30 proved that even an SUV can be genuinely enjoyable on the Nordschleife.

Just inertia and rhythm.

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[Wan]

MINI Cooper S (2005)

Power: 170 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1180 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Soft (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:44.668

A lively little car, but its playful character depends on precision. It gives very little warning before reaching its limit, so every steering and throttle input needs to be deliberate.

Once I understood its behavior, it became far more rewarding to drive than I had expected. A small car with a big personality.

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[Wan]

Statement

All of my lap times are set using a standard PS5 controller with no modifications. This has been my approach from the beginning and will remain the same going forward.

 

[Wan]

Mazda Demio XD Touring (2015)

Power: 105 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1080 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Medium (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 9:51.406

Agile but demanding — its feedback is clear, yet it expects precise inputs to stay smooth. The real challenge isn’t overcoming understeer, but preserving momentum through every section of the lap.

It rewards patience and consistency far more than aggression.

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[Wan]

Mazda MAZDA3 (2019)

Power: 180 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1480 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Soft (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:53.524

It drives nothing like a typical commuter car — every corner feels precise and well connected. The steering is responsive, and the chassis gives confidence without demanding too much from the driver.

A refined and enjoyable hatchback that proves everyday cars can still have a rewarding driving character.

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[Wan]

Toyota Trio — Three Personalities, One Nordschleife

Three Toyotas.
Three completely different personalities.
One Nordschleife.

Toyota 86 GRMN (2016)

Power: 218 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1220 kg (Stock)
Tires: Sports Hard (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:14.755

Despite being approachable, the 86 GRMN rewards rhythm and momentum above everything else. Smooth inputs and consistent flow make the biggest difference, encouraging patience rather than aggression.

Just inertia and rhythm.




Toyota Aqua S (2011)

Power: 111 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1080 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Medium (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 9:58.613

Despite its light weight, the Aqua makes every transfer of weight easy to feel. Its responses are honest and constantly communicate what the car is doing, turning every lap into a surprisingly engaging experience.




Toyota C-HR S (2018)

Power: 138 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1440 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Medium (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 9:54.671

The C-HR asks you to preserve momentum rather than rely on power. Its steering is consistent and reassuring, giving it a level of confidence that feels unusual for a crossover SUV.

A surprisingly capable crossover that deserves more credit than it usually receives.


https://youtu.be/o8i8QSfohkA?si=veWJ0SPOGUCgWuCm

Three different philosophies.
Three different driving experiences.

The Nordschleife always finds a way to reveal every car's true character.

 

[Wan]

Audi R8 LMS EVO (2019)

Power: 585 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1235 kg (Stock)
Tires: Racing Hard (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 6:36.569

The R8 LMS EVO feels sharper and more responsive than expected. It isn't especially difficult to drive, but it demands commitment and precise inputs to perform at its best.

Once I adapted to its behavior, it became remarkably confidence-inspiring. Demanding yet rewarding, it proves that precision is what truly unlocks its potential.

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[Wan]

Dodge Viper SRT GT3-R (2015)

Power: 688 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1290 kg (Stock)
Tires: Racing Hard (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 6:34.238

The Viper GT3-R delivers immediate, uncompromising performance. Every throttle input feels direct, leaving little room for hesitation. While it naturally leans toward understeer, its behavior remains remarkably stable and predictable.

It demands commitment, but once driven with precision, it rewards the driver with confidence and consistency.

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[Wan]

Suzuki Collection — Lightweight, Different Minds

Three Suzukis.
Three completely different approaches to driving.

Lightweight doesn't always mean easy.

Suzuki Swift Sport (2007)
Power: 125 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1060 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Soft (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 9:08.838

Light and agile at first impression, yet surprisingly demanding. Weight transfer is more pronounced than expected, and understeer arrives with little warning. The key isn't fighting it, but understanding why it happens. Once you do, the car begins to make sense.





Suzuki Jimny XC (2018)
Power: 64 hp (Stock)
Weight: 1030 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Medium (Stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 10:48.439

The Jimny delivers the strongest sensation of weight transfer among the three, yet it remains surprisingly approachable. Its limits are easy to read, encouraging confidence rather than fear. It rewards smooth balance more than outright speed.





Suzuki Carry KC (2012)
Power: 48 hp (Stock)
Weight: 710 kg (Stock)
Tires: Comfort Medium (Stock)

Track: Nürburing Nordschleife
Lap Time: 11:32.443

With only 48 horsepower, momentum becomes everything. Every corner is about preserving speed, using the car's light weight and inertia instead of relying on the brakes. Simple on paper, but surprisingly rewarding when driven with rhythm.

Just inertia and rhythm.



https://youtu.be/jCDFu-qCKUA?si=6umll0yzm0kHBa_X



Three lightweight machines.
Three completely different driving philosophies.

The Nordschleife proves that driving enjoyment isn't measured by horsepower.

 

[CGT980]

How have I only just seen this thread?

Do we have t-shirts and merch for this?

Seeing the first page where Famine was arguing with an AI reminds me of that time in wrestling when Edge was arguing with a laptop.

Gave me a good chuckle.

 

[Wan]

Seeing the first page where Famine was arguing with an AI reminds me of that time in wrestling when Edge was arguing with a laptop.

Gave me a good chuckle.

Looks like every long thread starts with a memorable first chapter. 😄

 

[Wan]

Twin Test #1 — Ford Focus ST (2015) vs Focus RS (2018)

Two Focus models.
Two different approaches to performance.

Both come from the same family, but they deliver speed in very different ways. This Twin Test explores how the Focus platform changes from front-wheel-drive hot hatch to all-wheel-drive performance machine on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Ford Focus ST (2015)

Power: 254 hp (stock)
Weight: 1462 kg (stock)
Tires: Sports Hard (stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:10.402

The Focus ST delivers the playful character expected from a hot hatch. It changes direction quickly and feels engaging, but its front-wheel-drive layout makes managing understeer the key challenge.

Once the right rhythm is found, the ST becomes a rewarding car that shows how much performance can be extracted from a well-developed FWD platform.




Ford Focus RS (2018)

Power: 355 hp (stock)
Weight: 1557 kg (stock)
Tires: Sports Hard (stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 7:55.240

The Focus RS keeps the same foundation as the ST, but transforms the driving experience through its drivetrain and increased performance.

Its strengths come from using grip, weight transfer, and momentum effectively. It may not feel perfect in every situation, but when driven with precision and flow, the RS reveals a highly capable and satisfying character.



Two Focus models, two different philosophies.

The ST proves that a front-wheel-drive hot hatch can still be extremely engaging, while the RS shows how additional grip changes the way performance is delivered.

The Nordschleife doesn't just measure lap times — it reveals the personality behind each car.

 

[Wan]

Single Run — BMW M3 (E36) (1997)

BMW M3 (E36) (1997)

Power: 321 hp (stock)
Weight: 1460 kg (stock)
Tires: Comfort Soft (stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 8:14.080
The E36 M3 is a car where every input feels amplified. Every weight transfer directly influences the next phase of the corner, demanding precision and awareness.

Despite its age, it remains agile and highly communicative. The challenge is not chasing raw speed, but understanding its limits and keeping the car balanced within them.

A true driver’s car — rewarding those who focus on control, rhythm, and connection.

Video:

 

[Wan]

Competition Series #1 — Porsche GT3 vs Cayman GT4: Two Porsche Philosophies

Two Porsche philosophies.
One question: which one creates the stronger connection between driver and machine?

The Cayman GT4 and 911 GT3 (997) represent two different approaches to performance. One focuses on balance and precision, while the other embraces the unique character of Porsche’s rear-engine layout.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife reveals not only which car is faster, but how each one communicates with the driver.


Porsche 911 GT3 (997) (2009)

Power: 434 hp (stock)
Weight: 1395 kg (stock)
Tires: Sports Hard (stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 7:30.201

The 997 GT3 demands commitment from the driver — it offers very little room for mistakes. Its rear-engine layout creates intense weight transfer, but that characteristic becomes a strength when properly understood.

Using momentum and the movement of the chassis, the car can be guided naturally through corners. The learning curve is high, but once confidence is built, the GT3 reveals a rewarding balance between precision and character.




Porsche Cayman GT4 (2016)

Power: 385 hp (stock)
Weight: 1340 kg (stock)
Tires: Sports Hard (stock)

Track: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Lap Time: 7:34.387

Compared to the 997 GT3, the Cayman GT4 feels more balanced and approachable, thanks to its mid-engine layout. However, that balance does not make it easy — extracting its full potential requires commitment and precision.

The challenge is not simply finding grip, but using every bit of performance available while maintaining control. Harmonious and confidence-inspiring, the GT4 rewards a smooth driver, yet still leaves no room for mistakes.



Two Porsche answers to the same question.

The 911 GT3 represents tradition, challenge, and the unique character of a rear-engine sports car.

The Cayman GT4 represents balance, precision, and the confidence of a mid-engine layout.

The faster car is not always the one that creates the strongest connection. Sometimes, the true competition is between two different philosophies of driving.