Ah, the Vector W8. Designed within the Nineteen Seventies and at last constructed within the late Eighties, the mighty wedge nonetheless appears like one thing from the longer term over 30 years later. With 625 horsepower burbling behind the driving force, it is proper there with any variety of modern-day supercars when it comes to energy. And but, it may possibly’t beat a first-generation Dodge Viper in a drag race. Not in a quarter-mile, or a half-mile, or perhaps a rolling race.

This might be the primary time we have ever seen a Vector racing in any kind of venue, straight-line or in any other case. Mat Watson of Carwow fame had a chance to pit the exceedingly uncommon W8 in a drag race with a 1992 Dodge Viper because of a little bit of assist from the Petersen Automotive Museum, the place each automobiles spend their time. If you are a Vector fan who’s conversant in the phrase by no means drive your heroes, this video is likely to be a bit onerous to take.

The W8 went into manufacturing in 1989 with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V8. The automotive was supremely highly effective for its day, however it despatched that energy by way of a three-speed computerized transmission with roots to the front-wheel-drive Oldsmobile Toronado from the Sixties. We will not touch upon the reasoning behind that individual powertrain choice, however because the video demonstrates, it is not best for getting issues transferring in a well timed method.

That’s to not say the Vector is gradual. It runs the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds on this video, and again within the day, that is what you may anticipate from a Corvette. But the Viper does the identical dash in 12.2 seconds, and it clearly will get off the road faster. Switching to a rolling begin helps the Vector some, however three extensively spaced gears simply aren’t as favorable for acceleration as six. The solely saving grace for the W8 comes with a half-mile run, the place it lastly has an opportunity to stretch its legs. The Wiegert-designed wedge claws again some misplaced floor, however it’s nonetheless not sufficient to beat the Viper.

Hey, not less than it appears cool. And with solely 22 constructed, it’ll all the time be one of many world’s rarest supercars. We reckon it’d match finest as an around-town cruiser relatively than a observe star.