TopGear Test Track Times. Weird Results

[Hark]

I was looking at the times for a E46 M3 (1:31.8)

I can't get my head around these.

Audi TT Mk2 2.0T - 1:31.4
The M3 seems to weigh about 150kg more, but the M3 has 140bhp and is rwd, I was sure this would make it quicker?

This one surprised me as well

1:30.4 - Volkswagen Golf R32 mk.V

I would expect this to be slower. Likewise I thought an M3 would eat this for breakfast:

1:31.8 - Mazda RX-8

But they achieved identical times.


FULL LIST HERE:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Top_Gear_test_track_Power_Lap_Times

[deveng]

M3 in the wet? or driven by the old stig (perry mcarthy) who was considerably slower than the 2nd stig (ben collins)?

[mrmr96]

Weather?

[Hark]

mrmr96 said:

Weather?

All dry, hence my confusion.

[tim2100]

I guess it all depends on who the stig is that day, & the atmosphere conditions and the state of tyres.

[deveng]

or, wikipedia is wrong. it has happened. check the bbc's top gear page for official info.

[deadtom]

how much difference will it make having different temperatures and atmostpheric pressure at different times of year, or even day to day changing weather?

I've always thought that cars tested in the height of summer are at a distinct disadvantage to those tested on cold crisp winter days, whos engines get to breath that lovely cold dense air..

unless the colder tyres in winter negate that advantage?

Edited by deadtom on Sunday 1st May 21:00

[anonymous-user]

If you watch the early laps done (of which the M3 was one) no corner cutting occured, as the series went on, more and more cutting occurs, which makes a massive difference to the lap times. Also, as the "circuit" was not a circuit, it is reasonable to assume that it has "rubbered up" as the series have progressed. (often a marked difference if you do airfield trackdays and the like)

Like everything Top Gear, take the times with a pinch of salt ;-)

[FurballS2000]

M3 was lapped by the black stig in the dry, thought it would have a faster time as well, wish they had a dry time for an s2000.

[YBTurbo]

Anyone up for a GT5 beat the Stig ?

[IainT]

I remember the RX-8 and them comparing it to the much more powerful M3. They put it all down to the sublime chassis and handling. Probably a touch lighter too.

At the end of the day all the times are going to vary by tryre fitted, temps, 'stig fo the day' and if he got any the night before.

[greggy50]

M3 was old stig who was a few seconds slower than the newer stig

[Gizmo!]

YBTurbo said:

Anyone up for a GT5 beat the Stig ?

I hate the TG track on GT5. No bloody grip...

[jamiebae]

Tyres can make a huge difference, so if they were worn the car will be slower than on fresh rubber. Atmospheric temperature will change things too, as well as track conditions. Also, I'm told the last 2 corners were resurfaced at some point which made the track quicker as the new tarmac was grippier.

[Oelholm]

The first few seasons were done in a different manner, I believe that they used wet tracks for all the cars in order to do it evenly...

I can't remember which episode they mentioned it in, but they definetely did do something in the first few seasons, which would make the cars appear slower.

[TonyTony]

I wouldn't be surprised if half of the times weren't made up.

Ben Collins (The Stig) book about it is quite a good read, gives you a good insight.

[IainT]

greggy50 said:

M3 was old stig who was a few seconds slower than the newer stig

IIRC (and I may RC incorrectly!) the M3 and 8 were not done far apart in the smae series of TG.

[greggy50]

IainT said:

IIRC (and I may RC incorrectly!) the M3 and 8 were not done far apart in the smae series of TG.

RX8 was tested quite close 2003 I believe so that may well have been old stig I was referring to the audi tt can see why an RX8 could come close they are meant to be very good at handling.

[ClintonB]

Old Stig would appear to be slower, for whatever reason. IIRC, there was a 3s or so gap between the same model Civic Type R laps and I don't remember any rain or similar influences.

[Trap]

Could also be due to the fact they make a lot of it up? I wouldnt take TG test track times as any indication of a cars on track speed in the slightest.