06-06-2012, 03:26 AM
1) I am not an expert in automotive engineering, but it appears that a formula should normalize power and grip, not use them directly:
(HP/Weight) - This is a good predictor of acceleration. I assembled the attached chart while comparing different options for a DE car. I compared cars I have driven over the years against some available options and milestone racing cars. Although the devil is in the details, I was very surprised at the overall agreement.
(Grip/Weight) - I have no data on this, but I would think that a 235mm wide tire would have mucher higher absolute traction on a Mini than on an M5. -- But, how do you quantify "grip" between different tire compounds?
2) What about Aero? When I look at SCCA participants, some of them have billboard-sized airfoils on them.
(HP/Weight) - This is a good predictor of acceleration. I assembled the attached chart while comparing different options for a DE car. I compared cars I have driven over the years against some available options and milestone racing cars. Although the devil is in the details, I was very surprised at the overall agreement.
(Grip/Weight) - I have no data on this, but I would think that a 235mm wide tire would have mucher higher absolute traction on a Mini than on an M5. -- But, how do you quantify "grip" between different tire compounds?
2) What about Aero? When I look at SCCA participants, some of them have billboard-sized airfoils on them.
Joe Piernock, Paoli, PA
1972 914-3.2, 1974 Capri, 2013 GTI
1972 914-3.2, 1974 Capri, 2013 GTI