Inevitably, comparisons between the new +Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the +Nissan GT-R Nismo are being made. Before I get to any discussion, here are the performance numbers for each: Corvette Z06 (manual) Corvette Z06 (auto) Nissan GT-R Nismo 0-30 mph 1.5 sec 1.3 sec 1.2 sec 0-40 mph 2.1 sec 1.7 sec 1.7 sec 0-50 mph 2.6 sec 2.3 sec 2.2 sec 0-60 mph 3.2 sec 3.0 sec 2.9 sec 0-70 mph 4.1 sec 3.8 sec 3.7 sec 0-80 mph 4.9 sec 4.7 sec 4.7 sec 0-90 mph 5.9 sec 5.6 sec 5.8 sec 0-100 mph 7.2 sec 6.8 sec 7.0 sec 1/4 mile 11.3 sec @ 126.2 mph 11.1 sec @ 127 mph 11.2 sec @ 125 mph braking 60-0 mph 91 ft 91 ft 97 ft braking 70-0 mph 128 ft 128 ft 145 ft figure 8 22.5 sec @ 0.98 g (avg) 22.5 sec @ 0.98 g (avg) 22.9 sec @ 0.91 g (avg) The manual Z06 acceleration numbers are based on Motor Trend's test because they tested a manual and the auto's numbers are based on Car and Driver's test because they tested an auto. The GT-R Nismo acceleration numbers are b
I've been a huge fan of Michelin PSS tires and exclusively bought them for the Mustang over the last four years. So how did I end up here? This year, I was hugely interested in trying an "R-comp" tire. I had my eyes set on Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R's for two simple reasons: price and reputation. Although not a true "R-comp" tire on paper, it performs like one by the account of every single test and review I've read (down to wear rates...). They seem like they're easily the most affordable (from a big brand) R-comp tire and combine that with a reputation for having tons of grip, it was an easy top contender. I had my concerns, though. For one, I'm told and have read that they are an autox tire, not really designed for high speed, pressure, and temps associated with open track. For another, the Mustang is a heavy car (as far as track cars are concerned) being roughly 3,800 lb. (including driver), which will amplify the unwanted open track load