My good buddy has a new Saleen S281. I'm still breaking in my 997C2 (750 miles), so I'm wondering how you think our cars will compare against each other.

Not just in 0-60, but all the other all around comparisions as well.

I've riden in his car many times, tho I can't compare acceleration yet, his Saleen has very good cornering capability.

Quick stat refresher:

997:
325hp@6800rpm
273ft.lbs@4250rpm
3075lbs curb weight


S281
330hp@5200rpm
340ft.lbs@4500rpm
3550lbs curb weight


So what do you all think?

Will he dust me at the Stoplight Grand Prix?
Will I leave him on a tristy canyon road?
Or will they be about the same?


After my car is broken in, I'll post the outcome and you can see how ya did

 

I love both cars and the differences between them. So much style and what fun they must be in their own unique ways. Very nice.

 

personally, i think you'd have a good shot at keeping up with him in the straights, and will definitely own him in the twisties. i've driven my friend's new GT and it's a great handler, but still a bit too much of a town car-like chassis to outhandle a 997.

just curious, whatd he pay for it? i seriously didn't think anyone would actually pay $38k for an N/A 281, when that same friend of mine is probably putting down those same numbers with just intake, predator ECU, and exhaust all for $10k less... should've just bought a base C6 IMO

 

Not exactly the same comparison, but I owned a 2004 SVT Cobra with 390 HP, 6 speed manual. You really can't compare the two..Mustang vs 997. The Mustang was quick in the straight line, but the cornering left a LOT to be desired. I like the looks of the Saleen and the price is good for what you get If I had a 10 car garage I would be car poor. I'm kinda thinking of a Ferrari (used) for early next year.

 

LOOKS LIKE A GETAWAY CAR FOR A BANK ROBBERY.

 

I agree, but it would need some dark tints to complete the job!!!

 

IMHO that 500lbs will be his shortcoming. I think 500lbs is enough to warrant a loss in virtually every category. Won't know for sure until you get us a video though

 

I think that thing needs seriously needs a diet. I had no idea those were that heavy,maybe Steve Saleen will see this as a huge downfall. Trim some fat and reduce the overall weight of the car.

 

the 997 is faster and handles better. You'll win both at the stoplight and the twisties. Drive safe.

these are the performance specs for the S281

0-60 - 5.0
0-100 - 12.8
1/4 mile - 13.5 @ 103.9

 

can't believe your buddy didn't get the S/C


But man I love that rear treatment Saleen did to the new stang

 

He gave the S/C serious thought, but he hated the extra "Extreme" body work that came with it. He wanted minimal bodywork, and that rear body treatment sealed the deal.

There's definitely a weight penalty his side. I've driven his car before and I can tell you that the 997 definitely has better throttle response (at least to about 4200-4500rpm so far). And also more responsive to steering input (obviously due to the lighter front end.

He's got Pirelli P-Zeros on 20's tho, which allow the Saleen to corner amazingly well. He's taken me on a couple onramps and 90 degree right turns at intersections that frankly I wasn't certain about going into it, but the car handled just great. I just don't know how the stock 18's/Continentals will compare head to head yet.

Even though I haven't hit high revs yet, I've been hitting some twisties myself to get aquainted with my 997's cornering abilities. Interestingly enough, the 997's negotiates corners so well that it's sublime. I mean that although I "feel" that I'm near the limit, the car almost feels slower than I "think" I can travel through a corner. I find myself saying "I should be able to go faster", when in fact I was already approaching adhesion limits. (At least I "feel" I'm near it)

When I was in the Saleen, I actually felt it cornered faster. Now that I've had time to think about it, I believe the 997 actually cornered faster, but the 997 did it with less effort. Could I be wrong? Certainly. But I can tell you this- when I got done driving my car through the twisties, I got car sick! So the G forces were definitely present. It just didn't seem like it at the time.

In the Saleen, I didn't experience any motion sickness, and if anything it would have been exasserbated since I was the passanger.

This is my first Porsche, and I don't know if anyone else has felt this way. I guess I'll find out soon

Sorry for the long post; I just wanna say I LOVE MY CAR!!

 

ditto....the 281extreme is the version thats most worthwhile imo

 

Weight has forever been the downfall of Mustangs. The extra weight will level the playing field for you. I would imagine it to be a close run.

Don't forget the video.