>> Say, here's another thorny thought. I have 2 cars: they are the
>> same dimentionally (length, width, height, wheelbase etc) They have
>> infinite-grip tires. They have the same power/weight ratios,
>> and the weight distribution is the same. One weighs 1000lbs more than
the
>> other. Which car is faster, or are they tied?
> I think I see where you're going, but you're not specifying
> enough variables. There's engine power vs. rpm, fdr, gear ratios
> in 1st, 2nd, and (possibly) 3rd, and tire rolling circumference.
Both engine power curves are flat, at whatever makes for equal power/weight
ratios. Both cars are geared/tired to have the same thrust/weight ratios,
and the shift points are the same.
> And, of course, the infinite-grip assumption is unrealistic.
Of course, but we're not testing tires here.
I'm trying to understand how much effect weight really has on performance.
Is weight just "power", spelled differently, or does it play other roles?
Obviously, there's an inertia element, but if I have infinate-grip tires,
does inertia really matter? Is "small" more important than "light" in an
autocross setting?
DG
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