#pulsar VZ-R N1-VERSION II

[hirocimacruiser]

■Civic Type R VS. Pulsar VZ-R・NI Ver.II

What is the difference between the two?

=TEXT /Monobu Takehira

The Pulsar V Z-R N1 version II debuted as the most powerful NA 1.6L.

In this class, we cannot forget the Civic Type R. Its high potential and pure sports qualities have been featured many times in our tests.

Not only races, but rallies,

the Civic Type R is a big hit

His abilities are widely acknowledged by everyone.

So what are the differences between these two cars, which one is more attractive, and which one is worth buying? I think this sums up the points of interest to readers.

Pulsar VZ-R NI Dirt track and gymkhana A cars (numbered categories)

Version II (hereinafter referred to as N-version)

and Civic Type R (hereinafter referred to as Type R.

The base models of the N1and Type R are the Pulsar VZ-R and Civic SIR, respectively. It's easy to compare the two cars, but the N1 version and Type R are completely different.

First of all, the engine is noteworthy, but the N-version is superior in both performance and excitement. Compared to the N-version with 200ps/18.5kgm, the Type R has a record of 185/16.3kgm. There is a clear difference in the specs, but the same can be said about the physical sensation when driving.

However, the Type R engine is no joke. It is full of racing know-how, and with special specifications, it has the potential to easily exceed 200ps if you sacrifice a little drivability. The high-revving power that easily exceeds 8000 rpm, VTEC is activated and the excitement of the sound and the sudden change in sound are just the thing to get excited about. However, the N-version is still superior to the Type R, which is impressive. However, when it comes to the completeness and sportiness of a sports model, the Type R is the winner. The N-version certainly has a lot of tuning, but it doesn't have as much work done on the body and chassis as the Type R.

In addition, the Type R is equipped with a cross transmission, quick shift, strengthened brakes, a helical LSD, and power steering tuning, all of which improve the driving performance.

The position of the brake pedal and accelerator pedal have been improved to make heel-and-toe easier.

This shows just how much the Type R is a model that focuses on driving. In fact, when comparing the two models, the difference is clear. The steering, brakes and shift controls have a very direct feel, and the suspension on the highly rigid body also shows excellent road contact. It may be a cliché, but the driving experience of the Type R is truly one of "being one with the car." The direct feel and linear driving experience provide high driving pleasure.

The best engine is definitely N-type, but the Type R is better in terms of driving perfection and sportiness. However, if the N-version is polished in the same way as the Type R, it will be a great sports car.

He has the qualities to be a great leader.

In conclusion, the Type R is more attractive. The deciding factor is that it is about 700,000 yen cheaper than the N-version. What's more, it's also nice that it's not a limited production. If the N-version establishes mass production technology for the engine it should be cheaper.

There is a difference of about 700,000 yen in price, but the Civic comes with options such as air conditioning, power windows, and mirrors (177,000 yen). The Pulsar comes with air conditioning as standard equipment, and a set of sunroof, power windows, etc. costs 130,000 yen.

Pulsar VZ-R 2,698,000 yen II

CThere is a difference of about 700,000 yen in price, but the Civic comes with options such as air conditioning, power windows, and mirrors (177,000 yen). The Pulsar comes with air conditioning as standard equipment, and a set of sunroof, power windows, etc. costs 130,000 yen.

Pulsar VZ-R 2,698,000 yen II

Civic Type R 1,998,000 yenivic Type R 1,998,000 yen

PIC CAPTIONS

Pulsar VZ-R N1 Ver. II

Compared to the previous N1, the car's height has been lowered by 15 mm and the tire size has been changed, resulting in a significant improvement in driving performance. The car also features seats with the same shape as the GT-R.

civic type r

Although it is not as powerful as the N1 Version II, it still delivers 185ps. The revs and power feel are comparable to the Pulsar. Fully equipped with Recaro and other features, it's under 2 million yen!

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Nissan Pulsar VZ-R N1 Ver.II

The joy of only 300 units

The roar of 200hp returns!

TEXT/Takehira Motonobu

Photo by Yoshiyuki Okusumi

The signal of revival rises!

Do you remember the debut of the Pulsar VZ-R with a super hot engine, the VZ-R NI? We reported on the circuit impressions in this magazine, and we were all excited by the powerful engine. Unfortunately, the sale was limited to a total of 200 units, including the model that competed in the N-Race. But just when you were reminiscing and wondering, "What happened to that amazing Pulsar?", the even more evolved VZ-R N1-Version II has been debuted. This is exciting, isn't it?

Now,

How is the second edition going?

Has it changed?

From what I remember from my test drive a year ago, the engine was great, but the chassis was not well-tuned and the suspension had the hardness you'd expect from a hot model.

The production is also not that great.

However, Version II has been significantly improved with more emphasis on the chassis and sports equipment. It is a full-fledged sports model that lets you enjoy the 200ps to the fullest.

The engine is untouched this time. Hmm? Not convinced? Look at the specs again.

200ps/7800 rpm, 18.5kgm/7600rpm. NA 1.6L. This is amazing.

One word: Of course, it has the best specs in its class. That's why there's no need to do anything more.

It is not easy to achieve such high power. The base model is the SR16VE.

Generates 175ps/16.5kgm. However, the only thing the NII specification shares is the cylinder block.

The intake and exhaust systems and cylinder head are new designs, and every last detail has been meticulously worked on. Naturally, many parts are done by hand, which is also the reason why it cannot be mass-produced. Incidentally, the chassis springs and dampers have been significantly strengthened, the diameter of the front and rear stabilizers has been increased, the front of the car has been lowered, and the tires have been increased in size from the previous NI's 195/55R15 to 205/50VR15. Other changes include the fitment of a special strut tower bar and the adoption of lightweight aluminum wheels that have been increased in size from 6.0" to 6.5J. The body has also been lightened slightly.

But still, this engine is amazing. For a while after starting to drive, I forgot about the improved chassis and was immersed in the engine.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The more you rev it, the more the power grows, which is truly stimulating. The highlight is from just over 7000 rpm, where the secondary fuel injector kicks in, to the top end. The engine roars even more loudly, and the acceleration G-forces increase even more. The 8000 rpm redline is just for show. Rev limiter

When you rev it up, it will exceed 8500 RPM. The power, feel, and sound are all things you would expect from a top-class sports engine. At the same time, the drivability is also OK, so there's nothing to complain about.

If you pay attention to the feet,

Compared to the previous NI model, it showed a clear performance improvement. The roll rigidity is significantly higher (smaller roll), no dive, and little squat. In other words, the body movement is less, and the handling is sharper.

That's why it happened.

At the same time, cornering grip has also improved. This is due to the larger tires and the tire characteristics

The suspension is designed to bring out the best in the engine performance.

On the other hand

So, the suspension is really good.

It doesn't feel too stiff. The seats are quite firm, but they have a fairly mild feel to them. I felt that I wouldn't feel uncomfortable even when driving on public roads.

I was also impressed by the high stability, which showed no signs of instability even when I pushed the circuit with all my might. There was no sign of the tail sliding out at all. This was due to the high performance of the Pulsar's rear multi-link beam suspension.

Driving has improved significantly

The lap times were also much faster. It can be said that the car now has a suspension that is worthy of a full-fledged sports model. The atmosphere inside the car has also been completely transformed.

The steering wheel is wrapped in genuine Momo leather

Not only has the seats become a special mono-form bucket type with the same shape as the R33 GT-R, but the seats and door trim are made of a special orange fabric to create a special mood. The cockpit has been transformed into one that really gets you in the mood.

Because it is a circuit test drive,

We had some requests, such as more traction, a lack of stopping power, and a lack of steering rigidity, but when we drove it on the winding roads of Hakone, it was a thrill.

However, this version II will also be discontinued after a limited production run of 300 units, including the N1-race model. So, what should we do?

PIC CAPTIONS

The large rear spoiler shows off the car's performance. The muffler is made by Fujitsubo.

Adopts GT-R bucket seats!

The bucket seats are decorated with striking orange cloth. I thought I'd seen them somewhere before, and it turns out they're the same seats used in the GT-R! Not only are they effective, they also put you in the right mood.

Equipped with Momo genuine leather steering wheel.

The door trim cloth is also exclusive to the NI Version II.