manufacturer 0-60 times

[mspiegle]

Does anyone know how most manufacturers compute 0-60 times? Do they actually run the cars in stock configuration? Or do they just compute a bunch of equations for how fast it *should* be?

[Stu]

I know BMW generally overestimates their advertised times, but I do not know about other mfg'ers. (ex. e30 318is, advertised 9.9...mags got mid-high 8's)

[mspiegle]

yeah, i definately believe that. i hopped in my friend's '99 m3 and after 2 runs was able to pull off a 5.6 (without much experience driving his car). I think he eventually got a 5.5 or so which is faster than BMW's quote IIRC. His car is BONE stock. Just got it like a couple months ago.