Impressions SRT Trk Pk vs TA

[KickAsp]

Hey guys,

For what it's worth I thought I would give my impression. I have a 2013 SRT with Trk Pk and recently picked
Up black #32 TA. My initial impressions between the two:

First I must say after driving the TA for a while, it reinforces what a formidable car the base SRT Trk Pk is.
The TA suspension on street mode is more compliant and livable than SRT suspension. SRT suspension
Is excellent but seems very, very similar in stiffness, rigidity and compliance to TA in track/race mode. Very
hard to tell the difference and I've pushed both cars pretty hard.

Brakes are def a little better on TA ( as expected). Def more bite and grip. Trk Pk brakes are very good, TA
brakes are excellent. Def can go a little deeper into turns with TA brakes, and I suspect this may have contributed to Randy P's improved time at Laguna more than other changes in the cars.

Power seems identical to me, despite the viper mechanic at the dealer telling me otherwise. Mechanic said
Dodge guarantees min 640 hp on the TA, but he recently attended some technical sessions with the TA's and
they were putting out close to or just over 700 hp on dyno. Seems hard to believe. Cars feel essentially the same, SRT says they are the same, and if it were true why would SRT/dodge not take advantage on this fact and advertise it to push sales.

Ballistic seats on TA are more comfortable than leather in SRT. The leather SRT seats seem firmer despite more mi on it, and TA seats seem a little wider across back and shoulders. Prob because they are softer they have a little more give.

I have the upgraded 18 speaker stereo in SRT and it is sig better than 12 speaker system in TA.

In summary two things impressed and surprised me:

TA is a very comfortable street car in "street" mode, despite being most track focused in race mode.
SRT Trk Pk is a very capable car, other than min improved brakes it is very hard to tell the diff between the two when pushing them hard. The TA may separate itself out more as I get more seat time, but those are my initial impressions.

[mnc2886]

I'm glad you posted this. I never thought there would be a comparison to read on this. On the extra HP, there is no difference. Believe me, no car manufacturer would be producing a certified engine at a different than published HP. The EPA would have their heads. As far as dyno's, I haven't seen any dyno runs not done by SRT that show any more HP than a Gen IV, but that's not surprising considering the gearing is more aggressive.

I wonder how the TA compares to the GTS suspension?

[FLATOUT]

Having a TA and coming from an ACR (current track pack brakes), I can tell you the braking performance is exactly as you disrcribed. Thanks for the write up!

[KickAsp]

I'm glad you posted this. I never thought there would be a comparison to read on this. On the extra HP, there is no difference. Believe me, no car manufacturer would be producing a certified engine at a different than published HP. The EPA would have their heads. As far as dyno's, I haven't seen any dyno runs not done by SRT that show any more HP than a Gen IV, but that's not surprising considering the gearing is more aggressive.

I wonder how the TA compares to the GTS suspension?

I don't own a GTS but a buddy let me drive his. In comfort mode even a little more compliant/softer than TA on street mode. Def the most comfortable Gen V on the street. Track mode is similar to SRT and TA but I would say just a little less stiff.

[Nine Ball]

Good comparison, results are as expected. As for the TA brakes, even SRT has never made any claims about them being better at stopping, compared to the Track Pack brakes. They only mentioned that the larger front calipers were there to dissipate heat better, enabling them to last longer on a long session of racing, before fading. I've not seen any TA braking stats to suggest otherwise, they both stop about the same distance. On a longer, faster track, you would likely see the added benefit of the brake caliper sizing. A simple pad swap would likely create more difference in stopping. Anyone know if the pad compound on the two cars is the same? Probably are.

Good to know that the Street Mode rides softer than the SRT base suspension. That makes the TA the best all-around commuter and racecar, period.

[FLATOUT]

Calipers are the same size, rotors and pads are larger. You can tell an immediate difference in initial bite. Car performed better in the braking zones at MSR than my ACR did.

[Bruce H.]

Thanks for your impressions, KickAsp. It's clear that all models optioned for the track are great performers. I hope you enjoy them on track relentlessly! I'm headed back there on Wednesday to see if a a couple more seconds get shaved off.

TA brake compound is different as well from at least 2 different respected sources, and the pads are larger for a 15% greater swept area. I'm not sure that 60-0 testing would demonstrate braking differences that are aimed at race track endurance performance for either the TP or TA systems. I've even seen a range of 60-0 mph reported from 94 to 105 feet just for the TA, IIRC.

Interesting about the TA's suspension compliance comparing well, and I can believe that because, honestly, the TA's ride quality was major surprise #1 for me, and seat comfort major relief #1! Incredible handling was a given!

Bruce