Yeah some very competent drivers have recorded faster single lap times with the SST, search Car and Driver and Road and Track. I would also imagine in a very competitive race situation with other cars on the track the SST would allow the driver to concentrate better and give an edge (at least until the SST start overheating and you have to pit…)

 

The GSR is more of a driver's car, and in the right hands will put down faster lap times than the MR. It corners flatter (thanks to stiffer suspension and less weight), it pulls more Gs, it's faster in the straights, and has a much stronger tranny that is setup to handle mods, unlike the the MR. The MR pulls a rabbit out of a hat on certain road courses that are shift intensive because of the quick shifting tranny and marginally better braking. Mitsu used a couple tricks to try and gain back some ground on the MR by giving it lighter, 2 piece front rotors and lighter wheels. Put those on a GSR, and I don't think the MR would have a chance even with it's shift time advantage. GSR FTW, hands down.

 

Japan trim:

RS
GSR 5MT (same as USDM GSR)
GSR TC-SST
GSR Premium 5MT
GSR Premium TC-SST (same as USDM MR)

RS has puny brakes and wheels, but has Enkei wheels and 'MR (or GSR Premium)' brakes as option.

Only difference between 'GSR' and 'MR (or GSR Premium)' brakes are that the latter uses two piece rotors of the same size for the fronts. It is a performance option on standard GSR, but you can't separate it from the package, which also includes Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks. There is a debate on whether these suspension replacements on actually hurting the performance (such as magazine's lateral acc. rating). BBS wheels are also optional on the standard GSR, which is not a bundle.

Here is the breakdown of JDM weight and features:

It seems the RS is not worth getting if you don't plan on getting aftermarket brake kit for front and rear, wheels and tires. Only thing that is good about is that it comes without A/C and speakers, and any ducting, 'belting' and wiring related to it, and of course not having AYC if you don't like it. Having no ABS is a bit sucky tho. AYC doesn't seem as heavy as it seems, at least for Evo X. 60kg (132lbs) of difference includes AYC, ABS, one extra airbag, 6 speakers, A/C and some interior trim including trunk mats

RS - 1420kg (3130.5lbs)
+ 18" Enkei, Brembo 4pot front, 2 pot rear, 2piece rotors front: 30kg (66lbs)
+ wing: 10kg (22lbs)
+ intercooler spray (I know its useless but standard on other trims): 10kg (22lbs)

- 1.5way rear LSD
- cigarette lighter

+ ABS
+ AYC
+ S-AWC
+ ASC
+ Recaro seats
+ A/C
+ Auto leveling xenon headlights
+ 'privacy glass' tinting
+ power mirrors
+ better plastic panel trims
+ 6 speaker (no speaker on RS)
+ sun visors with mirror
+ leather trim on e-brake lever
+ aluminum pedals
+ trunk trim material and mats
+ door trim (?) and armrest
+ 12v outlet
+ front passenger front airbag
+ auto lights and wiper
+ alarm and keyless entry
+ paints on door handle and side mirrors

=
GSR 5MT - 1530kg (3373lbs)

- Intercooler spray
+ TC-SST

=
GSR TC-SST - 1550kg (3417lbs)

(all below are available in some form of option for standard GSR, some may not be separated)
+ BBS wheels
+ Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs and 2pc rotors front
+ leather trim
+ rockford 9 speaker with hdd navi
+ scuffplate
+ heated front seats
+ side airbags
+ child seat ready
+ exterior ducts and gill trim

=
GSR Premium 5MT - 1580kg (3483lbs)
or
GSR Premium TC-SST - 1600kg (3527lbs)

It seems USDM counterparts are significantly heavier, isn't GSR like low 3500 and MR mid-to-high 3600?

Ehh anyways my point is that TC-SST has only 44lbs penalty (well 66lbs if you include the intercooler spray system being removed). I think if reliability and fun factor is not an issue, GSR TC-SST would have a slight edge for both drag and road race, especially when comparing GSR 5MT to GSR TC-SST, and GSR Premium 5MT to GSR Premium TC-SST. Not only would the SST shift quick due to dual clutch mechanism and computer calculated action, it also has one more gear and have different ratios for each gear, unlike VIII or IX.

 

I know there are shift time differences to be achieved with the MR, but I would also add that there are distinct benefits to having both hands on the wheel at all times. Human steering response is quicker, sharper, and easier to maintain accurate turn rates which results in better lines and faster times. I'm not offering any insight as to the MR vs. X specifially, just a possibility of why there are time advantages between SST and Manual transmission types. I speak only from autocross experience, but I know the moment I stopped shifting so much and leaving my hand on the shifter and more on the wheel, my times instantly began dropping substantially. It's just a thought, I'm sure there will be differing opinions on it's merits.

 

umm harder spring rates DO NOT mean that the car handles better... I test drove both pretty rough and the MR seemed to corner 10x better lol... even though speed wise they are almost the same... shift times in the MR will add up. Lets say the GSR shifts 15 times per lap... MR's lightning quick shifts will add up...

 

The GSR does have much better road holding, its been measured, it the MR probably feels better just because its softer and feels nicer on the butt, lol.

Regardless, this comparison is only good for stock vs. stock. Any actual racecar will use the GSR, because the MR's tranny cannot hold much more than stock power, and will overheat after a few laps. No one can argue that the MR shifting is quicker and that the brakes are better. But for performance sake, the GSR wins in all categories beyond stock, it was made to be the modded one, the MR was made to try and carve out a luxury performance type crowd, like a BMW type, with the auto mode and what not. MR is still a great car but there is no comparison for modding wise (at this point i should add since someone will say they will come out with tranny coolers and upgraded clutch packs etc etc.).

 

But the bad side to the GSR is, once you mod or launch it, a new heavy duty clutch install will soon follow. Just had to through that out there. Once the heavy duty clutch packs, tranmission ECU tuning, etc. is out for the MR, I think the MR will a beast on the track.

 

^^Im sure that will not just cost 1.5k though. Upgrading the SST may cost as much as a tune and full round of bolt-ons. It definitely will not be as cheap as changing out the GSR clutch.

 

I know of two Evo X GSR's that have ran 1:56 and 1:57 at Buttonwillow....any MR's close to those times?

 

This was going to be my response as well, the MR tranny upgrading could be 4 or 5k+ for all we know, and where does that get you, maybe 450wtq, who knows. The clutch is standard for all modified cars and is much much easier to do. If the MR tranny can be easier than expected to upgrade, that would be sweet, but doubtful. I haven't looked into it, but i know the GTR tranny is fully encased and can't really be screwed with, no idea if that's how this one is, but could be very difficult to mess with.

 

This is also the first time I've ever heard of an MR being quicker around a track than a GSR. The only thing that would make the GSR slower would be a driver that wasn't very good. Less weight, stiffer struts /springs, quicker acceleration, etc... Only a poor driver could not win with this advantage. Think about it.

 

Stock for stock the MR is quicker around most tracks.

#1- You can be the Stig as far as driving skill is concerned and you still won't shift faster than a SST.

#2- The GSR has better road holding on a skid pad, but a track has imperfections and the GSR suspension has a tendency to bounce a bit too much for its own good. The MR's quicker reacting shocks help it remain more composed in these situations.

I don't own an MR but those are the two factors benefiting it, yes there are pitfalls to the SST such as the over heating. But the OP's question was which one is faster around a track not which is best for track use.

 

this is kinda nasty though

 

The MR uses an enclosed transmission, so if anything goes wrong with it, out goes the tranny.
link: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=yeMwC_...eature=related (5:30 min)

 

Maybe for the 1st year or so. That tranny has to be serviceable as the clutchs will evenutally wear out and needs replacement.