Witnessing a modified classic sports car go head-to-head with a modern supercar in an underdog versus titan drag race is always exhilarating. Through modifications, even economical older vehicles can boast supercar-like acceleration at a fraction of the cost. While speed is just one aspect of a supercar, if speed is your sole pursuit, it can be achieved affordably. Recently, Driven Media showcased this reality by pitting a budget-modified Subaru WRX against a Lamborghini Murcielago.
Their allocated budget for enhancing the Subaru WRX hatchback was £15,000 ($18,153), and they secured the car for just £4,000. Following the purchase and resolution of numerous issues, they embarked on upgrading and fine-tuning the vehicle. The enhancements included a new clutch, coilovers, semi-slick tires, improved brakes, sturdier anti-roll bars, a weight reduction of 136 kg (300 pounds), and boosting its output to 304 horsepower. Overall, their total expenditure, encompassing the initial car cost, tallied up to about £9,000 – well below their budget.
A stock Lamborghini Murcielago churns out 572 horsepower and, in this instance, features a rapid-shifting paddle-shift gearbox, hence holding a noticeable power and speed edge. Given that both cars are all-wheel drive, neither had a significant grip advantage over the other. Nonetheless, being an older Lamborghini, handling the cold, damp track posed challenges, thereby impeding its performance significantly.
Although the Subaru proved somewhat challenging to handle, it exhibited better control than the Murcielago. The driver mentioned the car felt akin to a rally vehicle, effortlessly sliding through corners, which added to the fun factor. Furthermore, stripped off sound insulation for weight reduction, the Subaru appeared faster from the driver’s perspective.
Following the taxing drive in the Lamborghini around the track, the driver’s hands trembled with a blend of nervousness and excitement, portraying a thrilling yet slightly apprehensive experience. In contrast, the Subaru’s run seemed exhilarating yet safer, with the driver maintaining a cheerful demeanor throughout the lap. This sense of security bolstered the driver’s confidence, aiding in surpassing the previous lap time set in the more potent Lamborghini.
Driven Media’s modified Subaru emerges as a remarkable contender on the track, achieving this feat without fully exhausting their designated budget. This demonstration underscores the notion that simple modifications can transform even an aged, decrepit car into an equally, if not more enjoyable, driving experience than a six-figure supercar.
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