2wd Vs 4wd

[wonkynutz]

Been wondering how much of an advantage ATESSA really is. Sure it gives more traction,but it increases the weight of the car by around ten percent. I know that the Whologan Racing GTR in West Oz races in 2WD.

So has anyone done comparative testing? Would need to be as near as possible to same engine,suspension,tyres,etc but one lighter 2wd against the heavier 4wd. Mostly curious about point to point times on road or circuit. Drag aint my thing.

If this has been covered before would appreciate a link. Thanks.

[Big Rizza]

Your best bet would be to find comparisons of R32 GTS-T vs. R32 GTS4 - essentially identical cars, one with ATTESA and one without.

Driving impressions from Autospeed.com

If you've been behind the wheel of a rear-drive GTS-t, the presence of the GTS4's additional front-drive arrangement is apparent; driving over normal bumps, humps and corrugations, its nose feels heavier. That makes sense, because the extra weight of the GTS4 - just over 1400kg versus the GTS-t's 1320kg - comes purely from that front-end drivetrain. Despite this added weight, the early stage of turn-in feels very similar to the rear-drive brother. Steering is nicely weighted and the HICAS rear toe control obviously does its job well. Just like the R32 GT-R, however, it's a split-second after the initial turn-in motion that handling gets interesting.

With the ATTESA system still sending 100 percent of engine torque rearward, the back-end will skew out whenever you're punting hard around a tight corner. Assuming you keep your foot on the loud pedal, the system will then apportion some of the available torque to the front wheels, which helps to pull the chassis straight and enables you to accelerate outa there. Note that this is a slide'n'save kind of system - it doesn't offer the ever-dependable chassis stability of a constant AWD. Based on our experiences, however, the GTS4 is a safer and lot more forgiving friend than a R32 GT-R. It won't get into such wild oversteer attitudes at such an early - and often unexpected - stage. Outright grip levels are not up to the standard of the GT-R, but this is hardly surprising considering the standard tyre size - 205/55 16s versus big 225/50 16s. When things are a bit less frantic, you'll appreciate the ride quality derived from the selected spring and damper rates - the GTS4 is genuinely liveable day-to-day transport.

In terms of straight-line performance there's little separating GTS4 and GTS-t 5-speeders. A skilfully launched four-wheel-drive GTS4 will jump away from a GTS-t, but its extra beef slows it down slightly once traction is no longer an issue. Both vehicles are capable of 7-second 0 - 100s. Every GTS4 comes powered by a silver rocker cover version of the RB20DET - a 2-litre air-to-air intercooled turbo six producing 158kW at 6200 rpm and 263Nm of torque at 3200. Breathing is through a DOHC, 24-valve head with a single throttle body. During our previous test of the GTS-t, we mentioned its 2-litre engine struggles to haul the Skyline when off boost - well, as you'd expect this situation is slightly worsened by the GTS4's extra kilograms. Low rpm throttle response is quite dull - you really need to wait until 3500 rpm before things start winding up. Once on boost, however, it's a revy and sweet engine.

In short, the GTS4 is everyday usable, quick (even in standard form) and the ATTESA four-wheel-drive is a valuable bonus. It helps you out of tight corners and makes the most of the available power when launching off the line. It also adds a heap of potential to the whole package.

Edited October 30, 2006 by Big Rizza

[Duncan]

I know that the Whologan Racing GTR in West Oz races in 2WD.

That is bound to be because the regs don't allow 4wd....4wd is quicker on a circuit even allowing for the extra weight over a gtst, they are just much better out of corners and that advantage remains right to the braking for the next corner. And they look after their tyres better too

[R32Abuser]

why is there such disparency between weights of the 32 Gts-T?

I have seen several sources of the 32 Gts-t weighing roughly about the 1260-1280kg mark. Yet a few others quote 1320 or slightly more. I thought ive read from a factory source they were 1280kg...but anyone care to clear this up?

[wonkynutz]

why is there such disparency between weights of the 32 Gts-T?

I have seen several sources of the 32 Gts-t weighing roughly about the 1260-1280kg mark. Yet a few others quote 1320 or slightly more. I thought ive read from a factory source they were 1280kg...but anyone care to clear this up?

Check out the sticky "New to Skyline Scene?" thread. Has links to all the specs for different models. The first R32's were slightly lighter than the later ones.

Edited October 31, 2006 by wun hung lo