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Porsche 911 turbo races Nissan Skyline R34

A comparison of two engine styles and drive trains, the Nissan Skyline R34 race against a Porsche 911 turbo is an interesting turn of events. First, the Nissan's all-wheel drive system and inline six cylinder engine takes the lead from instant torque and traction. However, once the race gets rolling the Porsche 911 turbo with it's horizontal six takes the lead. Why? The Porsche engine has less friction based on design.

The beauty of a horizontal engine is that all piston loads from firing in the cylinder is used on the crank in similar manner to a rotary engine, but with out the chance of wearing tips reducing horsepower. The crank and rods move in almost a perfect circle, while V and inline engines have a point of reversal where the piston and rod experience a point of pressure. This pressure reduces the engines ability to rev out smoothly, thus the outcome of the race.

Pay special attention to how the Porsche claims top speed territory. As you can see, our previously discussed engine design basics plays a huge roll in the race. The Nissan could be modified to be quicker, however if the boxer engine is also modified at the same rate it will continue to win. Based on pure physics of the engine design, the boxer engine is a perfect engine design. The low end torque of a V engine thanks to a large bore plus the ability to accelerate like a rotary engine creates a very interesting package. I personally chose the horizontally opposed engine for my own tuning, based on this very theory.

Video content: Porsche 911 turbo races Nissan Skyline R34

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, Tampa Sports Car Examiner

Full-time engineer turned writer, Michael brings knowledgeable articles about Tampa Bay's sports car scene. His experience in import, domestic, and exotic manufacturers ensures quality content for all readers. Michael is also a contributor at CarDomain.com and can be contacted via Streetfire.net...

Comments

  • Salman P 2 years ago

    Nice....

  • Mike 2 years ago

    The outcome has nothing to do with engine design. It's based on engine output (horsepower), gearing and weight. Any friction due to design will be shown in engine output. An inline 6 cylinder or V-12 are arguably better designs due to their inherent smoothness.

    Comparing a Boxer 6 to a V6 can only be done if all other factors are the same such as the heads, cams and exhaust.

  • Tampa Sports Car Examiner 2 years ago

    I'd love to see a comparison for data reasons. But it probably won't happen :*(

  • yipe222 2 years ago

    Nissan got spanked!!

  • Keith P 2 years ago

    All very well in a straight line, what about sa sprint around a handling circuit. Oh, I've forgotten that happened when the R34 was first introduced at the Nurburgring and Porsche ended up playing catch up as usual, and lets remember that that is still the case on the same circuit with the new GTR (standard model of course, not like the porky special that still couldn't measure up). I rest my case.

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