pro touring vs modern muscle cars

[legend]

Hi guys, just visiting your board from the UK, and spent a good few hours reading the build threads, some amazing work going on here

Quick question, how does a fully rejuvinated 68 camaro for example compare to something like a BMW m5 or merc CL 6L in terms of performance and handling?

[chr2002ca]

I think it all depends on what degree in which a person modernizes a classic muscle car. There are multiple levels in which you can enhance an old car's suspension, braking, engine, chassis, etc, so it all depends really. An M5 is always going to be very refined, well-balanced, and responsive. It might take a little less 'work' to get an M5 around the track then it would a typical pro-touring car, so you might feel more confident in the M5. However, some pro-touring cars get to the point where they're so dialed-in and done 'right', like Bad Penny for example, that they can surpass the German engineering in many aspects. What's cool about the pro-touring cars that you see here is that the owners can basically make them be whatever they like, and that's what a lot of them have done and continue to do with the modifications and improvements they make each month.

[Josh69]

I have owned a Dinan M3, S4 2.7T, Esprit SE, and fairly modded 328Ci in the past and use those experiences when equating the performance of my recently road worthy PT Firebird. My car still has some gremlins, squeaks and rattles that I will sort out with more miles. However, my brakes are significantly better than any of the above, and the handling on the road is on par with them as well. Granted, I'm just going by seat of the pants feel and memory, as I am not able to do a direct or timed comparison on an actual road course. In general, I thought it was going to be un-realistic to expect my '69 firebird to drive and handle as well as it does. I am amazed at it's capabilities, and my suspension is far from being dialed in, nor is it that exotic. I just have the basic bolt-ons, retaining the coils in front and leaf springs in back. The Koni shocks are a MUST have. I've owned many brands of shocks for my various Euro projects, and none compare to Koni's ride quality....I had 4 sets of springs and 3 sets of shocks in my 328Ci. 2 sets in my M3. Koni's always served me well. It's a bit harsh, and has a good deal of cowl shake, but that's what I expected out of it. It'll never be as quite or refined as the BMW's, but I wouldn't want it to be either. I have driven my M3 at 10/10ths a number of times, but have not in my PT car yet....so that will be the real test.

I certainly wouldn't build a PT car though and expect it to match an M5 in every category...there are just too many variables depending on individual tastes and expectations.

[rogue]

Your question has far too many variables....

As far as a pro-touring car keeping up with a modern sports car? No problem. Then again driver plays a big role.

heres some footage from Cal Speedway. The field was filled with all sorts of modern cars. The only one I had trouble with was a Mistubishi Evo MR. Then again it was only a High Performance Driving event.

[acohoon]

Awesome video rouge. What are the specs on your car? You were eating everything out there right up but man that Evo was fast. It makes me want an all wheel drive Camaro!

[speedshftr]

ive had 5 vipers several vettes ect.it all boils down to the tourqe for me.the vettes are fast but they need revs to go.the viper made its power down low.it all depends on the build.as mentioned many variables .
the cl65 is a incredible car and demands respect.you could however get that performance for less cash but its all in what you want

[Roadrage David]

Battled it out with a couple of cars on the highway. so far so a BMW M5 and a Merc sl AMG55 gave me a runn for the money!!. at lower speed il leave them behind, when doing 120 mph its the one that puts the pedal to the metal first and the one who hase momentem ,who then ""slowly"" leaves a gap.. i owned a merc e500(the origenal one 93) and a 750 ia v 12 from 98, altho both cars are supream in driving they are no where near the stone age Fred Flinstone mecanicel grip 68 Firebird when it comes to handling and trashing. so far so i have YET to get my but kickt. Hold on im a euro guy from the Netherlands hahahah.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn3K6d_e7bw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dp0PngisVI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFaA51l1HmE

[legend]

thanks for the responses guys