LotusTalk - The Lotus Cars Community - View Single Post

khamai · 12-01-2003, 02:24 PM

Randy,

I think we are basically in agreement here.

I was just trying to point out that mid-engine cars are likely to be more responsive due to the placement of the major component of weight (engine+tranny) at or near the CG. I wasn't trying to argue that mid-engine cars are more stable.

At the same time I totally agree with your explanation that a front engined car is inherently more stable. However a front or rear engine car is not as responsive. I think where we are getting confused is that the physics of stability is not the same as the physics of responsiveness.

Cool?
Kiyoshi

12-01-2003, 02:24 PM	#25 (permalink)
khamai Plain ol' Lotus-nut Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 3,562	Randy, I think we are basically in agreement here. I was just trying to point out that mid-engine cars are likely to be more responsive due to the placement of the major component of weight (engine+tranny) at or near the CG. I wasn't trying to argue that mid-engine cars are more stable. At the same time I totally agree with your explanation that a front engined car is inherently more stable. However a front or rear engine car is not as responsive. I think where we are getting confused is that the physics of stability is not the same as the physics of responsiveness. Cool? Kiyoshi