Performance Testing Equipment, Missing Subaru and the Honda S660 [Ask Nathan]

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In this edition of Ask Nathan:

  • I need info on your testing equipment!
  • Subaru?
  • Do you know if the Honda S660 is coming to the USA?

AiM-Sports-Logo
Today’s first question comes from a viewer who wants our opinion on our testing equipment.

Q: Hey I love all your videos and reviews but I am interested in the equipment you use to get 0-60 times. I have seen yall use the aim solo timer as well as something that syncs up to a smart phone and I have even seen yall using the gtech pro fanatic a few times. Was in the market for getting one of these and would like your honest opinion on which one you think is more accurate. Im between the aim solo and gtech pro. I would also like to see a video review in the near future of the different types of equipment yall use if u could do that. I think that would be pretty cool.
Thanks very much and keep up the good work.

S.H.

 

A: Thanks for the email.

Some people suggest that the Gtech is more accurate, but I slightly favor the AIM Solo DL.

Here’s why:

  • In most of my comparative testing, it’s fairly accurate and consistent.
  • It’s easy to use and has an excellent display
  • It’s very rugged
  • It keeps a charge for a long time
  • There are a ton of settings for track, lap and performance times

Still, there are a few issues”

  • It’s fairly accurate
  • If you have a windshield with heating filaments (like the ones on Range Rovers) it won’t work properly
  • It’s pricey
  • It doesn’t have as many functions as some of the competition.

Hope that helps!

N
2015, subaru, outback, wagon, muddy, water, crossing, off-road

This next question comes from a fan who is hoping to see Subaru reviews from our team soon. Me too.

Q:Hi Nathan!

My name is N. and I am 14 years old, almost 15! I have loved cars since I was very little, and I really enjoy watching TFLcar. The expertise, humor, and clarity that you, Emme, Andre, Roman, and the whole team have is amazing! I really enjoy your reviews.

A few months back, my father became extremely obsessed with Subaru, especially the XV Crosstrek. Now we all admire Subarus and dream about getting one, but it isn’t possible right now. We are all tired of our Hondas and Acuras, but they seem to be part of our family’s “car heritage” and haven’t been disowned yet!!! 🙂 Now my dad really wants a 2015 Outback, but won’t be able to buy a car until probably sometime withing the next 2-5 years. So for now, we are stuck with our trusty family horse, a 2003 Acura MDX and our “vacation” car, a 2010 Honda Odyssey EX-L.

Anyway, to the point: our family really loves Subaru. I have watched many of TFLcar’s Subaru reviews, but the last one you have seems to be the one of the 2015 Outback on that Rocky Mountain trail! I know you guys scratched it there, and so now Subaru doesn’t want to give you more of their vehicles. Is there any way you will be able to review more subarus sometime in the near future? I know most of you enjoy Subarus and would like to review them too! 🙂

Thanks for your time,

-N. O.

A: Thanks for that great email Amigo!

Yes indeed, we all want to get back behind the wheel of a Subaru soon. These things take time. The good news is: we have a Subaru Public Relations representative living right here in Colorado! We’ll be seeing him soon and; hopefully, we’ll get back on the rotation before too long.

I think your father’s tastes are good. Any Acura MDX is a solid machine. It’s also a great vehicle to learn on. Subaru is seeing a lot of success with their XV and they will keep building them as long as people keep buying them. I think your pop still has time to make his decision.

Thanks again!

N

2015-Mugen-Honda-S660-roadster-JDM-spec-101-876x535

This last email comes from a fan who is chomping at the bit to get a Honda S660. It’s a slick little (overseas-only) sports car that has a mid-engine layout.

Q Hi Nathan. I want the Honda S660 so bad it hurts! I’m 17-years old and I have a busted-up 1991 Mercury Capri. The only car out there that’s not used that I would be willing to shell out real money for isn’t intended for my country! I’m so upset!

Please tell me, is there any way that Honda will bring the Honda S660 to the USA?

Help me man!

D.

Honda-S660-Mugen-3

A: You were reading my mind Dude!

For those of you who don’t know: the Honda S660 is a tiny roadster that has a turbocharged, three-cylinder engine stuffed behind the driver. The 40 cubic-inch (658 cc engine) makes 63 horsepower and 77 lb-feet of torque. The power is fed to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a CVT.

The Honda S660 was selling for the equivalent of $16,000 and it sold out quickly.

Word has it that the Honda S660 is a blast to drive and it’s a good sign of thing to come from Honda – overseas. As for the United States: there is a rumor that Honda will develop a beefier version for our shores. Mind you, this is just a rumor.

Still, if you look at the accolades and enthusiasm the new Mazda MX-5 Miata is generating; it would make sense to have something that gives consumers a cool alternative – right? The Honda S660 could fit that bill in an awesome way. Better still, with the body-weight of a fly and a better power-to-weight ratio than many sports cars, the Honda S660 has serious potential.

Fingers crossed my friend.

I’ll keep an eye on this one.

Promise.

N

Speaking of Honda…

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com


nathan adlen Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.