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0-60 is so yesterday!

154 messages,  Last post on Oct 09, 2007 at 10:40 PM

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#1 of 154 0-60 Is So Yesterday! by hpmctorque Jan 14, 2007 (9:19 am)
As a performance measure, 0-60 used to be very important to me, but not anymore. I value overall performance as much as I ever have, but assign less value to standing start acceleration than I used to. Do any of you feel similarly? To cite an analogy, one could argue that Europeans enjoy performance as much as Americans do, but it's been my observation that you rarely see anyone burning rubber in Europe. Enthusiasts there tend to drive in a spirited manner, or fast/very fast, even, but they seem to depress the accelerator rather than stomp on it.    I know that the title of this topic is more provocative than accurate, because the automotive media emphasizes 0-60 as much as it ever has, reflecting the fact that standing start acceleration remains an important performance benchmark for many car enthusiasts. On the other hand, some of you may agree that 0-60 is overplayed.    What are your thoughts on this? Replies to this message: robertsmx (Jan 16, 2007 8:44 am)
#2 of 154 I'll bite. by drfill Jan 14, 2007 (8:24 pm)
A. Stop and go traffic is big in the states, especially the urban centers, so 0-60 is somewhat important.      B. It may be becoming less important only in the fact that most cars have more power than they need to satisfy 0-60.       No one needs a 270HP Camry. With a 6 second 0-60. that's fast! V6 Mustangs can't get close to that fast. And '04 V8s need to work to stay ahead!      It certainly is more tangible than slalom or skidpad measures. Braking numbers are pretty important. The difference in 15 feet could be everything.      DrFill Replies to this message: cobraboy1 (Jan 16, 2007 9:08 am) british_rover (Jan 16, 2007 9:10 am)
#3 of 154 Re I'll bite (drfill) by hpmctorque Jan 15, 2007 (4:23 pm)
"It may be becoming less important only in the fact that most cars have more power than they need to satisfy 0-60."   My thought, exactly.
#4 of 154 Yeah, I'll go with... by wale_bate1 Jan 15, 2007 (4:33 pm)
B as well.   The straight-line and HP wars have gotten silly.   Lateral acceleration, quick reflexes, great stopping power and a little character take you a lot further than stomp and go.
#5 of 154 0-60 by rockylee Jan 15, 2007 (7:44 pm)
It has become a important part of performance testing IMHO.   Rocky
#6 of 154 To Host: Please... by hpmctorque Jan 16, 2007 (6:09 am)
...fix the title of this discussion to 0-60 "Is." Sorry for the mistakje.   Thanks.
#7 of 154 Indeed by robertsmx Jan 16, 2007 (8:44 am)
Replying to: hpmctorque (Jan 14, 2007 9:19 am) 0-60 testing is indeed a silly number, but primarily because the way it is established. It is unfortunate that few reviewers actually care about rolling acceleration (like 5-60 or 10-60) which is far more indicative of performance than those involving brake-torque launch (when was the last time anyone here did that to their car?). The way 0-60 run is conducted contributes more towards satisfying (or dismantling) ego than reflect realistic/practical driving situations. In many cases, automakers have made it a point to gear the vehicle right for excellent 0-60 runs while some compromises are made elsewhere. But then, a good 0-60 run helps in propaganda.   Some reviewers also test rolling acceleration like 30-50 and 50-70. While they are useful too, again, sometimes these magazines act silly and test the time only in top gear for manual transmission equipped cars. They should instead focus on elasticity of the vehicle by going thru gears (vehicles equipped with automatic already get that). Some European reviewers use this method perhaps because they understand the point of having manual transmission unlike in America where slush box rules and one can live with leave it and forget it attitude which is also passed down to manual transmission equipped vehicles.
#8 of 154 . by sls002 Jan 16, 2007 (9:04 am)
I think 0-60 in 8 seconds is good, with the standing quarter mile in 16 seconds with a speed of 90+ at the end. Vehicles that are quicker are not going to be quick enough to get you out of trouble, but may get you into trouble. Slower vehicles are not bad, but you may need to plan ahead better. Replies to this message: bhill2 (Jan 16, 2007 1:02 pm)
#9 of 154 Re: I'll bite. [drfill] by cobraboy1 Jan 16, 2007 (9:08 am)
Replying to: drfill (Jan 14, 2007 8:24 pm) No one needs a 270HP Camry. With a 6 second 0-60. that's fast! V6 Mustangs can't get close to that fast. And '04 V8s need to work to stay ahead!   Check your facts again, pick up a motortrend. They show that the V-6 camry hits 60mph in 6.8 seconds. Your are correct it has 268hp.   The New Mustang V-6 has 210hp and it hits 60 in 6.9 seconds with the 5spd.   The 2004 Mustang GT Has 260 hp and it hit 60mph in just 5.4 seconds which blows the toyota out of the water.   but youare correct 6.8 to sixty is FAST for a camry, which no one needs in the everyday hall the family to picnic kind of car. On the other hand for those people that want to take the kids to school and then carve through the mountains. Or if they do not have the budget for a second toy car, then the V-6 camry is a good option. Replies to this message: british_rover (Jan 16, 2007 9:10 am)
#10 of 154 Re: I'll bite. [cobraboy1] by british_rover Jan 16, 2007 (9:10 am)
Replying to: cobraboy1 (Jan 16, 2007 9:08 am) OH god please don't try to carve any mountain roads with a Camry you will just be disapointed.

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