Disclaimer: I am a WRX enthusiast.
Assuming they used the same driver at the same track in the same weather conditions for both cars, there is at least one major factor that can affect stock vehicle performance. Stock WRX's can have different boost levels for the turbo right from the factory, and thus performance does vary slightly from vehicle to vehicle. Of course, as with all turbo vehicles, the boost level can be manually set through an aftermarket manual boost controller ($50 USD).
(Slightly off topic: I remember also hearing that when F-14 were first produced, the only known titanium deposits were in Russia and the material had to be bought through a CIA front. Anybody know if this was actually true?)
If I remember correctly, I think it was actually the SR-71 Blackbird, not the F-14.
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Sounds like a pretty high risk factor for Hanta virus infection :P
Sandisk just announced their Extreme IV cards a couple days ago. They're going to be a little pricey for a while though... http://www.dpreview.com/news/0607/06071906sandiske xtremeiv.asp
Disclaimer: I am a WRX enthusiast. Assuming they used the same driver at the same track in the same weather conditions for both cars, there is at least one major factor that can affect stock vehicle performance. Stock WRX's can have different boost levels for the turbo right from the factory, and thus performance does vary slightly from vehicle to vehicle. Of course, as with all turbo vehicles, the boost level can be manually set through an aftermarket manual boost controller ($50 USD).