Personally, I prefer a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making the same amount of power as a V-8. I really enjoy it when the boost kicks it, because the acceleration is virtually exponential when it happens. The response of V-8s is instantaneous, which is an obvious characteristic of a larger displacement engine with a wider, flatter torque output throughout the rev range--and some people would prefer that type of more linear acceleration instead. But from a practical standpoint, whether you're driving a VW New Beetle or a Ferrari Enzo, you don't need instantaneous every second of the day, and that's why I would pick the high-output four-cylinder. When you're just driving around the block or in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you can just keep it out of boost around 3000 rpm and just drive regularly, and get much favorable fuel consumption. A V-8, on the other hand, will have gobs of torque available down low, but in those situations, you don't need it, and giving the car too much gas can easily send you into the car in front of you, even at 2000 rpm (if you're not completely accustomed to the car). Just my opinion based on my own experience. I've driven several types of cars from both camps.

 

I'll just reply to this post, even though you came back and said that you meant something else.

NOTHING beats the feeling of a normally aspirated, high horsepower motor. It's always awesome when it's normally aspirated. There is no waiting for boost, or whatever. You mash the pedal, and you move.

 

Maybe you should have mentioned that in your first post.

All that matters is the torque because that's what pushes you back in your seat. No one "feels" horsepower. Me, I'd prefer a turbo setup because I like the way you feel nothing and then all hell breaks loose suddenly. I know turbo lag is bad for performance but in a way I like it for the aforementioned reason.

 

are you geting more of that "stuck to your seat feeling" with the NA V8 or with the turbo?? i know iam asking the same question but wichh one should have more torque?

 

In theory they can both make the same amount of peak torque, however it's pretty certain that the V8 would have the flatter torque curve, therefore much more "linear" power, and that's what the difference comes down to: power delivery.

 

v8, i might be biased but torque is good

 

drove a 2006 mitsubishi evolution MR today and iam already in love with the handling. i tested the awnser to my question and got results. the comparasin , an LT1 f-body(280 rwhp) and the 2006 (MR) (250-260 awhp?). The awd evo definetly has more ***** in first gear and seems to have more torque then the v8 in frist. 2nd gear is defirent the v8 does seem to have a little more torque in 2nd the the (MR) although iam almost for sure the v8 would lose at a second gear roll and go. third gear is the highest gear i achived on the (MR) since i didnt take it on the freway. 3rd was similar to 2nd gear in comparison. all in all the v8 has a more steady
"glued to your seat feeling" in second and third and 1st belongs to the (MR).

 

brian, your post actually intrigues me. I have a 94 LT1 Firebird and was wondering how it felt against an EVO. Im selling the firebird right now ( if you know somoene, send em my way ) but I am planning on an EVO next. I really did want to know that difference between the 2 cars. Can you elaborate a little more on how u felt between the two. For a 135k mile lt1 my firebird sure seems quick and seems to be faster than my buddies slightly modded WRX ( full exahust, h2o, UTEC, FMIC).

Thanks!

 

Well my .02 cents, My 96 Impala has about 475 Horse, and 495 lb/ft of torque. out of the hole it is nice, but it wastes all that torque with wheel spin. still pulls nice to about 5k. it will plant you hard it the seat when you punch it at 100mph too. my evo is awesone from the hole. it does not waste any power with the tail out nonsense either. on the top end though its not as quick. totally different cars that are great fun. one makes a ton of noise, tire smoke, and will snap heads of people in and out of the car. the other makes other cool noises, the spooling of the turbo, the woosh of the BOV and snaps heads of people in and out of the car too. both cool. both fun. both head turners. I am building a 85 Z-28 with a 671 Supercharger on it too.
I can tell you I cant wait to feel the rush of a boosted v-8. different cars with different good things.

 

I take turbo over NA anyday, especially in a high hp laggy setup, when it kicks in there is just no way to describe the violent acceleration that you are put through. My buddy has a supra that runs 9.90s and its just unbelievable when that turbo kits in.

 

there's no replacement for displacment...... besides TURBO!!!

 

id like a v8 that revs to 8.

 

It all depends on what you are going to use it for...........

 

first off the 2006 Evo (MR) has INCREDIBLE handling and i was amazed by this. i had alot of fun with the handling in general, hitting full boost through tight turns and such, its AMAZING. I didnt get tons of time with the evo to test this but i pusshed it to the limits HAHA. I think with a bigger turbo the feeling would be cooler since iam used to my LT1s power and i have also been in a ATP turboed Evo with 353 awhp . i was getting a ride home from school from what i remember to be about 2 yrs ago. I asked the dude driving to WOT it so i can see its power, he woted that ***** up a hill and i will never forget now that i remember. the hill had a wide angle to it like this ----> ) and as soon as the driver punched it i felt a slight lag and then brutal warp like acceleration out of nowhere throgh the turn with the sweet jet like sound commin from the bigger ATP turbo. Now i have also taken a 2004 Z06 for a test drive. this vehicle has about 355-365 RWHP, a little more then the evo just mentioned. The Z06 was AWSOME and i seen a difference in my LT1's power in coparasin to the ZO6. THe thing is even at 360 or so NA RWHP Iam not as impresed with the Z06 as iam with the evo mentioned regarding acceleration and handling. its that slight lag to all out brutal warp like acceleration of the turbo
thats got the woohoo hairs trickling on my neck. i say TURBO. since we are bolth going from Lt1's to Evo's we can experience the best of bolth worlds, cheers.