Cars.comparison: Cars.com Racecar vs. Consumer Cars

The cars that zip around NASCAR tracks might look a lot like the sedans you see in your neighbors' driveways, but under the skin they're anything but. While several mainstream automakers do field NASCAR cars, the ones they sell to us — even the sportiest and most ubiquitous of them — can't compare to what the pros drive. So what exactly are the differences between racecars and our cars? We pit the top production versions of the Chevy Monte Carlo and the Toyota Camry against the Cars.com racecar, a two-seat trainer that appeared in "Fast Cars & Superstars," of which Cars.com is a sponsor.

 = Category winner

The Contenders
Cars.com Racecar	2007 Toyota Camry XLE V-6	2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS V-8
Zoom	Zoom	Zoom
MSRP
$120,000	$28,020	$27,740
Power/torque* (hp/lbs.-ft.)
600/462	268/248	303/323
Top speed** (mph)
180	145 (electronically limited)	145 (est.)
Zero to 60 mph (sec.)***
3.5 to 4	6.8	6.0
Paint colors
Two-tone, black and purple, with a big Cars.com logo on the side.	Nine colors, but nothing to get excited about: blue, red, silver, black, white...	Two-tone schemes are offered, including black, red or blue body colors with silver ground effects.
Gas mileage (city/highway, mpg)
4	22/31	18/27
Engine noise
Who needs mufflers? With 600 hp and straight pipes, the Cars.com racecar can shatter windows, as well as your eardrums.	At idle, you'll hardly be able to tell the engine is running unless you look at the tachometer. The engine emits a refined howl under heavy acceleration.	V-8 noise had been missing from the Monte Carlo, but Chevrolet added some to the SS in 2006. Now it makes a pleasant rumble through its dual-exiting exhaust system.
Ride/handling
You only go left on most tracks, and it's going to be bumpy and noisy at 180 mph. This car is capable of sticking to the track at speeds most people wouldn't attempt; that self-preservation thing gets in the way.	Handling is predictable, and you'll find understeer at the limits.	Although the Monte Carlo is sportier than the Camry, it's still front-wheel drive. With a V-8 powering those front wheels, understeer and torque steer are bound to happen, and they happen often.
Comfort/roominess
Zoom The thinly padded racing seats have only one position. Don't worry, your passenger is more likely to be holding on for dear life than worrying about comfort.	Zoom The power leather seats are very comfortable, but not very supportive for racing. You're separated from your surroundings, as little noise from the outside world makes its way into the Camry.	Zoom The Monte Carlo SS has larger side bolsters than the Camry, but lacks side support on the bottom cushions to keep you planted in corners.
Ease of entry/exit
A lack of doors means you have to jump in, feet-first, through the window and try not to land on the gearshift. Flexibility is a plus.	No problems here; just climb in and out.	Though it rides a little low to the ground, the Monte Carlo is nowhere near as difficult to get into and out of as the Cars.com racecar.
Safety features
Full tube-frame chassis and roll cage with racing safety harness. Stability and traction control consist of your feet, hands and quick reaction time.	Antilock brakes, side-impact and side curtain airbags are standard, and the Camry can have an optional electronic stability system.	An electronic stability system isn't offered, but the SS trim level has standard antilock brakes. Side-impact airbags are optional.
Gauges
Only the essentials here, including engine rpm, oil pressure, electrical volts, temperature and fuel pressure. You won't need much else to go fast — not even a speedometer.	Standard gauges with white backlighting on a very modern dashboard and console layout.	The white-on-black gauges are inspired by those in racecars.
Passengers will ...
Hold on for their lives.	Sleep comfortably.	Cough on front-wheel-drive burnout smoke.

Next Step?

• Cars.com Racecar
  Compare the Cars.com Racecar for Yourself
• 2007 Toyota Camry
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• 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  Build your own |  Details & Reviews |  Search Used