Nd4SpdSe wrote:A Subaru WRX will toast any stock Mx-3.
I've heard of KLZE Mx-3's beeting WRX Subbies, but probably not the latest ones. A Turbo KL or a Turbo BP should have no problem against it
Yep. I can testify to the first statement.
You can make an MX-3 that can beat a WRX in the LONG RUN. Ultimately, it's a power vs. weight problem.
But, off the line, the subaru will always have the advantage, because it's an AWD.
As I said in another thread, contrarily to popular belief, races are won outside the track, not in it.
Basically, if you know the advantages and disadvantages of each car, and you can play them, you win.
For example, the Subie has 2 big advantages over the MX-3:
1. When you step on the gas, all 4 wheels are transferring power to the ground. That means, at the same power to weight ratio, the Subaru will be much quicker off the line than the MX-3.
2. Also because of the AWD, if you lose control with a WRX you only have to power up, and, since all wheels are pushing together (no dead weight), the car will get out of most any situation faster and better.
That said, when there's an advantage there's a disadvantage:
1. Because of the added mechanical drag of the AWD system, at the same power to weight ratio, any 2WD (even FWD) will accelerate much faster (once they're moving), and reach higher speeds faster than AWDs. That doesn't mean 2WDs will reach higher top speeds (there are other parameters that need to be considered there), but they will reach their top speed faster.
2. 2WD cars are more flexible to drive on road courses than AWDs. That's because applying power to 2WDs creates a front to back imbalance you can take advantage of when driving. Especially on fast curves, as long as you don't lose control. However, on slow curves, or when recovering after losing control, the Subie will kick your behind, anytime.
On a straight line, however, unless you can come up with obscene amounts of power (and a way to transfer it to the ground), my money is on the Subaru.
