Highest-performance vehicle driven for perspective on 4Runner

[BlackDrake]

This poll seeks to find out what other vehicles you use as reference points when you judge the on-road handling of the 4Runner. Everyone has driven different vehicles and has very different backgrounds and experiences, from racing on a track to commuting.

I've been comparing people's comments on lifts and tires, but would like some context. When I read that X product provides Y level of handling, it usually is stated in a seat-of-the-pants style of evaluation. I understand that most folks on this forum, like me, probably don't have access to high-tech sensors and data acquisition devices to measure the finite differences between an E-load tire vs a C-load tire, or FJ springs vs a pre-load spacer, for example. It makes sense to give subjective analysis.

Evaluations are relative though. Once I started riding a sportbike, my perception of acceleration and performance changed drastically. Although the 4Runner has enough juice on demand for me, it can't do a power wheelie. On the other hand, if someone had only driven over-the-road tractor-trailers, they may find the 4Runner much quicker than anything they normally drive. I already have perspective on acceleration, so now I'm looking for perspective on on-road handling.

I'm wondering what is the highest-performance, best-handling vehicle you have driven. There may be debate about which category is "best", but please vote for the one that you feel delivered the best ON-ROAD performance. Off-road performance should be disregarded for this particular poll. If you've driven vehicles from several categories, please choose what you feel had the highest level of on-road handling performance.

I hope this makes sense, and thanks for your perspective and for participating! :thumb3:

 

[BlairB]

I feel that everyone here will say that they have driven "sports cars". I am comparing my 4Runner judgements to well over 100 cars driven. These range from lifted trucks to modern Ferrari's and include cars that were pulling over 1 G on the skid pad and were in the high 3's for 0-60. I have also been lucky enough to get a decent amount of track time in race cars (they were not blindingly fast, but well balanced, handled great and braked very well nonetheless).

My 4Runner is far from a sports car, with 5 inches of lift and 33.5 inch tires, so its handling could be a LITTLE better :lmao:

 

[BlackDrake]

I hear ya! But 4Runners gotta be pulling close to 1.0g, no? Haha! I wish. My experience so far is that it handles very well considering that it weighs over two tons and has a high center of gravity. When I read a sentence evaluating the handling after installing a lift that says something like, "it handles great!" I just don't know what that's compared to. Great for an SUV or great compared to a larger sample of vehicles? Plus, I thought it would be fun to see who has driven what around here. Think of it as a driving experience resume poll.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

I've driven alot of cars in auto x and scca events even my 4runner but if what your talking about in comparing handling I'd go for a car that you can have complete control over. No auto trans or at have one where you can select the right gear for each corner. have good braking thats right at the limit before lock up and have a good weight transfer shift for balance. I'd say that the 4th gen runner does VERY good for what it is, far better than a 3rd gen as it has a narrow track. mind you I have a LOT of body roll though each corner and the seats have no support whatso ever. The closest car that I've driven that I can compare it to is a old 3-series BMW. Now I wish there was a way to take the speed limiter off but thats a different story. I could go on...but most people buy these vehicles as off-road only, me I'll keep taking it to races and be looking good!

 

[SecretAgent]

on-road performance is my old 2005 zx-10r, 2.1 0-60.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

on-road performance is my old 2005 zx-10r, 2.1 0-60.

2004 Honda CBR 954RR

 

[VNT]

cbr1000rr and different models of Porsche's and a Corvette ZO6

 

[Will_4R]

I'll say this much: The 4Runner definitely handles way better than my parents 1986 Ford Tempo I used drive as a teen back in the late 90's. The Tempo leaned like crazy in turns and went nuts in quick manouvers.

 

[thetaxguy]

All I got to say is that it's more comfortable that riding the bus. :bigok:

 

[ALLEGRO]

I am an adrenaline-junkie.

Sport bikes, 5.0. Trans Am GT and now my Corvette. Lots of tires and even more fun. What a thrill !!!

But I have to say that I enjoy my 07 Limited as much as anything. The linear smoothness of the Lexus V8 and the overall build is top notch. I have owned more expensive vehicles, but the T4R is a great piece.

 

[kcnewf]

My souped up 1964 VW bug with 260 40R 15 inch BFGs handled only a little better than my 08' runner!:guitar3:

 

[Gstick]

My Honda CBR 1100XX "Blackbird", has the most performance without a doubt. My Kenworth W 900 with a Cummins ISX 600 has the most "torque" positively. My 2010' SR5 has the smoothest ride of any 4x4 that I have ever owned. I am very well pleased with it so far.

 

[Mark86]

My parents had a 2005 X5 4.4i that handled like nothing else I have ever driven I used to take corners with that car like crazy!!!!!!

My brother has a 2007 MDX that handles like a sports car. It does not have the best acceleration, but it corners like a BMW.

 

[JBgotM]

Many modified sports cars, driving in track events, tons of auto-x, etc.

I suppose the highest hp car was a '08 STI that puts down 420awhp, but turning is more important than power.

I have run the 4Runner through the dragon (US-129) for fun and thought it was very well composed, but I was on fairly new good highway tires (not offroad tires that squirm).

 

[02SE]

Turbo Hayabusa that was producing 590 rwhp (maximum ever produced with that particular combo was 615 rwhp, on VP Import fuel) when I took it for a spin at Bonneville in 2004. It held the SCTA/BNI record in it's class at 247 mph with another guy riding, for several years.

 

[KellyJ]

I voted regular car, as I'm relating to when I used to drive a 2002 BMW M5. Black on tan. All stock and a 6-speed, I don't think I have driven a more communicative car. Amazing road feel, super smooth manual, vivacious V8, flawless interior layout and, of course, curb appeal (the least of my concerns - I don't buy vehicles to be flashy, I buy them for the driving experience). One day I'll buy another one I think.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Turbo Hayabusa that was producing 590 rwhp (maximum ever produced with that particular combo was 615 rwhp, on VP Import fuel) when I took it for a spin at Bonneville in 2004. It held the SCTA/BNI record in it's class at 247 mph with another guy riding, for several years.

:wow2: :bigok: Freakin' sweeeeeet! Ok, pilot geeks chime in: 1lb of thrust at 325KTAS=1HP. Unless we have some Fighter guys I think 02SE has us beat in the "lbs of machine/hp" realm. I've been at 1.6-1.7lbs of machine/hp but that's it. Assuming 02SE was riding at 800lbs (bike and rider) that's crazy:bigok: