As both models have the exact same engine and related parts, as far as my research indicated, wouldn't it be better and cheaper to just buy the 300 HP version and find someone who could tune it and/or change the software to get the 400HP ..?

 

A tune and a software upgrade to add 100hp? LOL

 

Z1motorsports or was it speciality z who got the 300hp version and already hit 380whp?

 

I mean, with the same engine there can't be that much else other than maybe supporting components like exhaust, intake, tune, and maybe different gear ratios. Possibly a different turbo that can be swapped in?

 

Just found it after some googling:

"Regular 3.0t versions of the Q50 run 8.7 pounds of peak boost. However, the wick really gets turned up in Red Sport 400 models. They’re puffed up with 14.7 PSI, roughly 40 percent more.

Aside from the inclusion of turbine-speed sensors, there’s only one other difference between these engines. The 400-horsepower model features a second water pump in its cooling circuit to help keep induction temperatures in check. Other than this, these powerplants are identical, sharing the same block ... "

 

Honest question to the OP and anyone who's driven a red sport: Had you ever driven a moderately powerful car (+400whp) prior to driving a red sport? I ask because sometimes a car can seem quick if you haven't regularly driven a vehicle like that before. I'm wondering how people who are used to that kind of power view this car. Thanks!

 

^ interesting question. i'd say the RS400 felt on par with, say, a 335IS or lightly modded 335 from an acceleration point of view, both of which i drove. it was quicker than an S4 i've driven. a buddy's M4 was noticeably quicker even though it only has 25hp more. gearing and weight may be factors there.

as for cars with 400+ hp, it didn't seem as quick but that may because most of the 400+ hp cars i've driven were louder/brasher/rougher or lighter. R8, C7 vette, Viper, GTR were in a different league even though they were 4xx hp. but those are totally different segments compared to the entry-level luxury market. and anything with a 400+ hp NA V8 is a different drive for sure, even if the acceleration numbers are close.

i'd be curious to drive an MB C450 or some other entry luxury sedan with ~400 turbocharged hp.

 

I've driven 1200hp dragsters that run 4.5 in the 8th. I've driven over 180mph in a race car (the only reason I didn't go faster was the instructor). Yeah...it still felt fast to me for 3800 pounds and 400hp. Low end grunt...it was...truly impressive for me. Still too expensive...will wait for a lease dump.

 

the red sport has a different turbo

 

The redsport does not have a different turbo it has optical sensors that reads compressor wheel speed and increased boost pressure. A rough rule of thumb is about 10whp per 1lb increase in psi. Standard 3.0tt puts down about 310whp at 9psi. Redsport puts down about 360whp at roughly 14-15psi. The optical sensors are probably to help prevent boost spikes while they run the turbos at such a high speed. I also bet that on the redsport the psi tapers off toward redline and probably doesn't on the standard 3.0tt

 

that is a funny comment, especially since the RS falls flat on it's face after 5500 rpm.

 

Turbos are too small in the rs. They are perfect for the standard 3.0tt though due to not attempting to get 15psi at 7krpm out of a baby turbo

 

I also test drove the RS, it's quick, but that's about it.
Overall it's meh...especially with the lack of third pedal.
You can easily get used to 400HP+. When I got my M5, I thought it was very fast, it took a month to reduce this feeling to just enough HP.