TL-evateYourRide

STILL TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT but I would like to get some others' feedback....

I went to visit my wife at work and as I was at the light to leave, I was in the outer left turn lane(LTL) along w/ a 2011 WRX in the inside LTL. I used to race shifter karts (125cc) so I decided to use a racing technique to get in front of this guy. Neither of us racing this time, I mildly started out and instead of following the curve I went straight out and cranked it left (as close to 90 degrees as possible) giving me a long straight run to complete the turn with less lateral speed and more forward speed through the turn...I then gunned it and got in front easily.

The next light was also a LTL for me of which this time I chose the inside and the WRX had the outside. Upon going green he gunned it this time and so did I. Upon both of us going straight (after completing the left turn) we both gunned it and he lagged for a split sec and then jumped ahead by roughly a car length (his rear bumper even with my front). I'm sitting there thinking I'm gonna lose but just for the heck of it, I decide to entertain a few more seconds of the race to see how bad he would beat me.....only he didn't. Keep in mind, I'm assuming that the WRX being turbocharged, 265 hp ( 270 on TL) , 244 lb-ft (233 on TL) of torque, weighing more than 250 lbs. less, and being a manual 5 speed would should be faster than my TL (also I am about 160 lbs and he looked about the same). I do not know the gear ratios but I would assume that the WRX is better designed for racing type driving.

After he jumped ahead I started to pull on him and I could see him look back at me in disbelief. I continued to pull on him, and with his eyebrows raised and mouth open, he continued to look over and back measuring the race, like he was waiting for his car to start pulling back. I got a nose ahead (2-3 ft) still pulling on him and quit because we were going 65-70 in a 35. He continued down the road at that speed and then flipped me off and quickly turned right at the next light. He nearly hit another car (haha). It like he was making a getaway so he wouldn't have to talk to me and bear the defeat.

This whole event seems like an enigma to me. I keep replaying in my mind how the events transpired trying to rationalize it but I can refute it beyond a reasonable doubt.....I do not think he quit early because I could hear his exhaust the whole time and it continued to increase in intensity the entire race except for during shifts (and he didn't miss any). Plus the way he was acting during and after did not come off as someone who let me win. I'm positive it was a WRX because the badges on the car plus I was at full throttle and there's no way he could jump ahead like he did if it was a regular impreza.

There is nothing special about my car other than a K&N filter (stock filter housing) however I did just change my oil yesterday so maybe he was due for some maintenance??? Also, I had my backpack (30lbs), computer bag (10lbs), sons carseat (15 lbs, my son was not in the car) and roughly 20 lbs of extra stuff in the car like his dvd player, ipad, clothes, shoes, toys, etc, not really anything in the trunk other than the spare tire. The WRX had his music on fairly loud playing Tupac and I could not hear any extra bass so I don't think he had a huge system in the trunk. NEEDLESS TO SAY I'M AT A LOSS FOR AN EXPLANATION.

Anyone care to comment?

turbo_oxide

All I have to say is: It's stupid and dangerous to race in a 35mph zone.

SatinSilverAV6

iTrader: (2)

Im thinking it was his lack of driving skill as they are much quicker than any 04-07 TL Auto. Even a TL 6spd would probably lose to a 2011 WRX MT with equal drivers. But fun none the less and you were able to take advantage of his lack of skill in a pretty quick ride. They are running high 13's stock from what I gather and trap in the low 100's. Good run! But be safe on the streets man.

Oh post this stuff in the racing and competition thread.

esco115

OP just for reference the TL don't have 270hp anymore due to the SAE rules... Its more like 258hp

anx1300c

iTrader: (2)

In reality, the TL never had 270 bhp. They were overrating before 2006.

Here's a possible explanation of what happened:

http://www.insideline.com/subaru/imp...and-video.html



5.3 sec 0-60 with traction control off.

6.8 sec 0-60 with traction control on.

ParaSurfer1979

Amen. What are you trying to prove on a 35mph zone. You two are ignorant fools that don't need to be driving. Damn I don't get some people. Wanna race him, swap numbers and meet up at the track and who ever looses has to suck when winners wee wee. That's how immature you two sound.

Vasher

This was a street race, not a night at the gay club.

Although, street racing in a 35 zone while in traffic is wreckless.

Sonnick

Sounds like driver error. Good kill though.

Stoianoff31

2011 wrx is faster. almost traded my TL in for one. they are quick. driver error imo

Dave_B

In stock form, the 2008-2012 WRX does 101-102mph in the 1/4 mile. If you launch it, it will do mid 13s. I'll let you guys know how it drives once mine shows up in a couple of weeks