I would think that the lighter weight M3 would have a little bit of an
advantage on an autox course because of the less weight and slightly more
advanced suspension. The weight difference offsets the power difference.
For a drag race start, a lower hp, lower weight car can keep up with a
higher hp, higher weight car given similar power/weight ratios; but, once
aerodynamics comes into play, horsepower and gearing are the limiting
factors, and a higher hp car has the advantage usually. My Miata buddy can
run neck and neck with me in 1st gear (as can I with many other fast cars),
but once I hit 2nd gear, the higher hp cars usually pull on me, and I leave
the lower hp cars.
Seems like lightweight is the weigh to go in autox (pardon the pun).
Brian
--
Brian Berryhill
http://www.angelfire.com/ms/brianberryhill/
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Winchell" <Jeff@Winchell.Com>
To: "Jeff Lloyd" <Jeff@cyberconceptz.com>; <autox@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2000 11:31 PM
Subject: Launch Performance (M3 vs Ponycar)
> > Same car in a soloII the drag race start should hinder the 6 cylinder M3
vs.
> > the same pony car..
>
> I agree that the ponycars have a higher power/weight ratio which all
> things being equal should mean quicker times till the first turn in a
> ProSolo. But apparently all things aren't equal.
>
|