Quote:
Originally Posted by Conissah
I could argue the opposite. If 2 cars do similar 1/4 mile times and trap about the same speed, and 1 is faster on a track with bends, would that mean it is a rougher and more uncomfortable ride and is less forgiving? .
|
Not always.
There are a ton of factors involved here, and 0-60, 1/4 mile, and lap times are not the end-all-be-all, as everything needs to be considered in factoring which car is better on or off the street.
Tires, dampers, weight of the vehicle, suspension design...etc all are factors that will affect lap time and comfort, and it isn't ALWAYS that the better performing parts will be harsher. For example, say the two hypothetical cars, one comes with run-flats, the other with traditional tires, IF the car that has the better lap times rides on traditional tires, that car will likely ride smoother on surface streets.
Or if the two cars being compared to are on two opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to price. Say they're both the same platform, while one car has high-end, well designed dampers. The dampers won't affect straight-line speed much, but it will give you better lap times. I'm not talking about tuning them to be stiffer, but a well design damper vs. a poorly designed cheap damper can be the difference in SECONDS per lap, yet ride SMOOTHER because it's capable of providing better compression characteristics at low AND high speed bump.
Also, difference in how the car delivers power can make a huge difference too. Say the two cars with the same 1/4 mile time, one does it with AWD and one does it in RWD, the RWD car can have an advantage on a twisty track AND still retain better ride qualities on the street.
Even if ALL things being equal, this hypothetical still has to factor into suspension tuning and geometry. A faster track car doesn't always mean a rougher ride or stiffer springs, although it's a higher likelihood.
It's not a given though.