Which Car Should I Use?

[pneumo]

I plan on doing my first open track session soon, and I wanted to get some feedback on which one of my DSM's would make a better track car.

My profile shows the mods for my Talon, which I've primarily built for drag race/ street use. Basically it has a 50 trim at 22 psi, FMIC, cams and full supporting mods.

My other DSM is a '90 Laser. Power mods include EVO 3 16G at 14 psi, full exhaust, 510cc injectors, stock IC, 2G MAF, SAFC. Other mods; big brakes, SS brake lines, Prokit springs, GR-2 shocks.

My problem is that the Laser is a lighter, tighter handling car, but the power can't compare to the Talon. The Talon's suspension and brakes feel squishy compared to the Laser. Tires aren't an issue since I can switch the good ones to either car. So I guess the question comes down to this; brakes and handling vs. power? Which one will be faster? I don't want to be the guy constantly giving wave-by's!

 

[Defiant]

My problem is that the Laser is a lighter, tighter handling car,

Probably not enough to make up for the power.

 

[Greg Collier]

Lighter-tighter, and good brakes is the better combo. There may only be one long straight on the track while the other 75% is made up of a variety of turns. I'll be racing at Fontana Rolex configuration and a 1000HP Viper will blow by me on the oval. He then has to slow to get in on the road course with his weight to HP ratio. My Laser, being so tight and nimble in turns I blow by him. Feeling confident in what your car will or will not do is more important then horsepower. I'ev seen Miata's tear up a track with a good driver.