I was involved in an interesting discussion regarding E39 M5's Lap times on another board. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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Although not a complete shock that the 12 year newer/dressed up Chevy Cavalier/Cobalt was quicker around Nurburgring (Lap time of 8:23 recorded in 2008) I was still surprised to confirm that most internet magazines listed E39 M5 Nurburgring Lap time at 8:28, lap recorded back in 1998.<o
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Regardless of my ownership of the E39 M5 (or the love and regard for it) I found myself trying to look for a reason why a Super Saloon of its era was 5 seconds slower than a Chevy Cobalt SS.<o
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I have been racing motorcycles since 1994, and anyone who has hit the race track pavement in more than "track day" capacity and has used different compounds of race rubber understands how much affect tire technology and compounds can have on Lap times.<o
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After doing a lot of research and checking up lap times of street cars from the late 90s, I have now confirmed my initial suspicion that the street tires used on the 1999 M5 in 1998 VS the street tires used on the Chevy Cobalt SS in 2008 must have literally been decades ahead in technology (and grip). 10 Year newer/better/gripier tires on the longest race track in the world would probably have a 10-15 seconds or more advantage (over lap time as long as 8 minutes etc)<o
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The performance tires available in 1998 were no match for what is on the streets right now. Street tires in the last 3-5 years (car or motorcycle) have truly taken off.<o
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I figured I should share some of my thought process and conclusion with you, just something to keep in mind when the "kids" try to use Lap times done by one of the best test drivers as any measure of how fast a street car really is.<o
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Although not a complete shock that the 12 year newer/dressed up Chevy Cavalier/Cobalt was quicker around Nurburgring (Lap time of 8:23 recorded in 2008) I was still surprised to confirm that most internet magazines listed E39 M5 Nurburgring Lap time at 8:28, lap recorded back in 1998.<o
<o
Regardless of my ownership of the E39 M5 (or the love and regard for it) I found myself trying to look for a reason why a Super Saloon of its era was 5 seconds slower than a Chevy Cobalt SS.<o
<o
I have been racing motorcycles since 1994, and anyone who has hit the race track pavement in more than "track day" capacity and has used different compounds of race rubber understands how much affect tire technology and compounds can have on Lap times.<o
<o
After doing a lot of research and checking up lap times of street cars from the late 90s, I have now confirmed my initial suspicion that the street tires used on the 1999 M5 in 1998 VS the street tires used on the Chevy Cobalt SS in 2008 must have literally been decades ahead in technology (and grip). 10 Year newer/better/gripier tires on the longest race track in the world would probably have a 10-15 seconds or more advantage (over lap time as long as 8 minutes etc)<o
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The performance tires available in 1998 were no match for what is on the streets right now. Street tires in the last 3-5 years (car or motorcycle) have truly taken off.<o
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I figured I should share some of my thought process and conclusion with you, just something to keep in mind when the "kids" try to use Lap times done by one of the best test drivers as any measure of how fast a street car really is.<o