10-29-2007, 09:26 AM | #45 |
Lieutenant
147
Rep 571
Posts |
the point of these top gear tests (especially 30-50mph) is NOT to demonstrate the best acceleration figures for racing purposes. it obviously doesn't make sense to "race" in 6th gear lugging around in ~1000 rpm. these figures are published to show the engine's flexibility in relation to its gearing. more specifically, it shows the engine's low end power.
like someone else said, 0-60mph is mostly dependent on traction and a pro launch (something most drivers are not capable of or willing to do). 5-60mph is a better and more realistic acceleration estimation for real world driving. taking that a step further, 30-50mph in top gear will make an engine's low end torque really apparent. cars that have reasonably quick 0-60mph or 1/4 mile figures but have peaky power bands (no torque) like the honda s2000 or the mazda rx8 will get destroyed in these types of tests. on the flip side, supercars that were geared to hit top speeds of nearly 200mph will have a tough time trying to match top gear acceleration numbers of a "lowly" m3. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|