Stock V2 CTS-V vs Stockish E92 M3 and Extremelly modified 300zx TT
This is my first post related to street encounters, but I figured I would share my stories since I don't race that often and these are the first real races worth posting I've had since purchasing the V sedan last fall.
First race (Last Wed) E92 M3 convertible vs. My Stock V Sedan (alone)
I was driving home minding my own business when a sick white convertible M3 with special ground effects and black rims with two guys inside started riding kind of close in hopes of getting my attention. I initially ignored them because it was quite a few cars around and not enough room to open it up safely without putting other drivers at risk. Finally the road ahead opened up with a clear stretch ahead of me, so I figured what the heck, let's see how my car performs against good competition before modding. So I moved over to the right lane and the M3 immediately even up with me in the left lane and signal for a 3 count. Knowing that I should win assuming the M3 was stock I let him get the initial hit from about 65 and I immediately stop his pull and proceeded to put about 3 car lengths by about 115ish when I let out as it was not necessary to go any faster. It was a slow but progressive pull and exactly what I thought would happen. After the race the guys in the M3 came up along my side and we exchange friendly gestures and we went on our separate ways. Overall, I was impressed by the M3, especially with it being a convertible and I can only imagine how bad a Gitani M3 would whip me in my current stock state.
Second race (Today) Extremelly modified 90's 300ZX Twin Turbo vs. My Stock V Sedan (alone)
Again, driving home I came up upon an extremelly modified 300ZX with a nasty turbo exhaust note and HUGE rear wheels. I knew this might be ugly knowing that a friend of mine has one of these beast with aftermarket turbos and other stuff pushing over 700 at the wheels, but I figured don't be a punk lol! Well immediately after I rode up along the Z rear bumper from the center lane he punched it from about an 80 roll and I immediately followed. He proceeded to put two cars on me by about 125. He slowly pulled me the way I pulled the M3. Despite the loss I was very impressed with how my car kept up considering a stage 1 or 2 would likely turn the tables when I decide to mod. I mean I was right there just getting inched away ever so slowly as the speed progressed. We then decided to go once again, this time I was right behind him and he hit it from about 70 and took it up to 135-140mph and I stayed right on him about 3-4 safely back. Neither of us was able to gain any ground either way this time. I then rode up to his window and we exchanged friendly gestures and gave each other props on our vehicles. Not that this justifies this behaviors in any way, but there was literally no one else on the road when all of this happened. Overall, I was very impressed with how the V performed (first loss) considering I was likely racing an aftermarket turbo Z. Time for some mods now.
Anyway, I have been wondering for quite some time about the cts-v. I am a CTS-V fan having one of the older ones, 2005, and I modded it enough to go a 12.81 at 114mph with bolt ons and a tune only and it handled incredibly. Problem for me on the newer ones is the room inside the car (I am 6'5" and 280lbs.) so an e55 was an order. The question is, which one is faster, the stock e55 or your stock ctsv?
Avg E.T. Range 11-11.5 @ 124-127mph with drag radials
Stage 2 - add a lower pulley only and power jumps to about 620-635 range depending on pulley combination
Avg E.T Range 10.4-11.2 @ 127-131mph with drag radials
Stage 3 - add a cam and headers and the power jumps to close to or a little above 700rwhp/rwtq depending on cam choice.
Avg E.T. Range 9.80-10.4 @135-142mph with drag radials
Now I may be a little off with my stages, but you get the basic idea here. Also, these numbers are based on a dynojet and Northeastern US geography.
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Anyway, I drove a V about a year ago and it felt very agressive...I couldn't get it to get traction in 1st or second gears at all. When it started moving in like 3rd and 4th I actually would have thought that my 55 is a little stronger. I guess you kinda mentioned that it was more like I am saying but again, I thought the V was wild in first two gears (auto) but thought traction was the problem. I don't know, hard to explain. Thanks for the opinion.
In reference to your driving impressions, I kind of agree with you. The CTS-V feels strong off the line especially in sport mode, but that power is somewhat difficult to put down because the tires just spin. From my experience even being pullied the E55 was easier to launch on the street. I feel that the traction control in the E55 does a better job of allowing you to exert more power while keeping everything pointed straight even though the yellow traction control light is blinking like crazy. With the V like any high torque car you have to ease into the throttle very gradually before matting it. The E55 traction control system allows you to be a little more aggressive with the throttle.
In my opinion the mid range power seemed to feel equal, but the V just fells like it has more top end pull whereas a stock E55 would start to loose a little steam.
Keeping it real...I actually felt more confident driving the E55 because it just felt like an animal at all times. The V feels aggressive, but like I said the power delivery feels more linear. From what I understand a tune really wakes this Drive train up making it feel much more aggressive. The key advantage the V has that I really like is its handling abilities for such a heavy car. The car just hugs the turns like a much lighter car.


