This was three very long (2 miles each) stretches of dual carriageway A road which were long and straight on a clear day with good visibility, officer, and were each divided by a roundabout which could not be driven over but subject to no cars coming from the right exit which could be seen easily well in advance - could be driven nearly straight over (straight over but straight over the curve with the roundabout being the apex).
So the first stretch the Porker and I were held up by a car in front - which moved out the way we were off and I nearly went into the back of it at first. Then neck and neck but easily so for me.
Much the same after the next roundabout and second stretch.
Third roundabout a slowed a little more - the handling is a little soft when compared to the Porker but the Merc still grips well albeit felt a bit choppy at the 480 newtrons I was doing - the Porker had the advantage out the other side but still neck and neck after 300 > 500 yds.
Given mine was last measured at 580 > 600 my guess is it wasn't a turbo as, as said, the Porker has quite a weight advantage.
Like you Charles, fast and light might be the next direction for me again once the budget allows!
I miss those days.
Perhaps not quite as close as you thought then?? ;-)
Lol.
I would answer with the following:
Firstly, "only a fool breaks the two second rule" said Alastair Stewart before he embedded himself into a hedge whilst pi55ed once upon a time. I made sure I was far enough back - the brakes on the Merc will be nothing like as good as those on the Porker - not to mention the huge weight advantage in their favour.
Secondly, I was looking far ahead of the Porker to ensure I didn't end up crashing into anything or "General Lee-ing" over a roundabout. See brake bit from 'firstly' section.
If you've got time to study the number plate of the car in front at anything more than a quick glance whilst travelling at 70mph plus so many megaflops above, you may not live to tell the tale!
Plus it took a while to get over the excitement endured by all.
The number of things I kill that think they are fast - makes a change to have a genuine challenge for once.