What makes a car able to take corners smoothly?
January 29th, 2009 | by admin |
aznpride78327 asked:
I’ve heard many times that American muscle cars are big, bulky, and are good only in a straight line. What aspects of the car (or what would you do) affects the car’s ability to go around corners well?
I’ve heard many times that American muscle cars are big, bulky, and are good only in a straight line. What aspects of the car (or what would you do) affects the car’s ability to go around corners well?
While we’re on the subject, what makes a car handle well? I understand that European cars are renowned for their handling. What, then, is the difference between American cars and European cars? Why such a difference in handling?
CAMI
2 Responses to “What makes a car able to take corners smoothly?”
By Harley G on Feb 1, 2009 | Reply
American cars tend to have soft suspension for comfort. European cars have stiffer suspension to make the car more ’sporty’ Stiffer suspension means less roll around corners.
All this links with stiffer anti-roll bars and a lower centre of gravity. European cars will appear to be much lower and smoother in terms of aerodynamic properties.
With many european sports cars, the engine is placed behind the driver but in front of the rear axle (mid engined….eg Ferrari 360) this gives a much better front to rear weight ratio….giving better balance and stability around corners. Sometimes the engine is found in the rear of the vehicle (eg Porsche 911). This gives good traction out of corners and under acceleration. The European cars also tend to have larger wheels with lower profile tyres….to limit deflection when cornering.
American manufactures tend to put big V8s into the Front of their vehicles combined with big body shapes and soft suspension. Sure the car is (relatively) powerful but will roll too much around corners.
By Dialect on Feb 1, 2009 | Reply
The current Ford Mustang doesn’t even have independant rear suspension…..seriously….wtf.
The Roush Mustang is a different matter.
One thing about European cars in North America….what are the Euro brands here? BMW, Merc, Audi, VW, Porsche, Jaguar, Bentley, Ferrari, Mini, Aston Martin, and Lotus….other than the VW, not cheap brands.
If they allowed Peugots, Alfa Romeo, and Fiats here, it might be a more level field.