I've never done any real test between vehicles, but I played 2 hours speed lap on Vineta K to make a certain lap time with Goteki. I made a perfect lap and near perfect lines to achieve it. Then I tried with Icaras and I've beaten my time with 5-6 mistakes in the 3rd lap. So, yeah, I think it makes difference if you choose a fast ship... I still prefer Goteki, though. Nothing can compare to the awesome handling and starting boost