Originally posted by Ali_Khl:
About the Mitsubishi Evolution 8 overtaking a BMW E46 M3 at
speed - Not as easy as you claim. The Evo uses a highly-strung
turbo 2.0 litre, which although has power output in the 300hp range
and a high torque figure of approximatly 380 Newton Metres. It also
hosts 4WD, a feature that (when combined with high-revolution
clutch-balacing) helps it attain a 0-100 km/h time in the high four
second range. But if we look more closely at its top end permance,
past the point where the traction advantage is cancelled out, then
we see that although it is a very quick car on its own it cannot
quite match an M3 in straight-line speed at least.
The Evo 8 is primarly a road-going rally homoligation special, and
because of its 'boxy' shape compared to the M3 and the front
splitter/ rear spoiler combination and other downforce-producing
components, the car is limited in its top end (ie above 100 km/h)
acceleration. Its four-wheel drive drivetrain also induces road
drag and higher rolling resistance as the front wheels are turning
as well as the rear.
The E46 M3 features not only more Horsepower (332), but also a
lower aerodynamic drag coefficent (0.32) as well as much more
top-end power (The M3's powerband stretches to 8200 rpm, with
maximum HP in the 7500 range).
Oh and its [b]Lamborghini, not Lambourghini 
[/b]
*clap* *clap* *clap* - you are assuming that the manufacturers'
claim are accurate. The Japs, based on gentlemen's agreement, have
decided to limit the 4WD sedans to a max of 280ps. Like I said,
based on the dyno results, I think the evo in its stock form will
give the M3 a good run.
