Insane speed in german cars... slightly OT, had to share...

[Rabbit16v@attbi.com (Rabbit16v)]

I would say that weight has quite a bit to do with it.  Put that 450hp motor
into a Freightliner and I don't think you'll be hitting 100mph!  As far as
the gearing, etc. I realize that hp and drag are the biggest two factors but
weight does have it's place also.  Another thing is that even though vipers,
corvettes, ferraris, etc etc. don't show factory numbers of 190 to 200mph,
don't think that they never get there!  I would say that with a little
tweaking (especially on the U.S. cars) that it could be achieved.  How much
difference does a turbo make on our little motors?  sometimes 100% increase
in hp?  More?  Don't you think they have aftermarket kits for some of the
world's super cars?  Plus, I would say that 350hp to 450hp is the norm for a
super car.  Also, if gearing is to be taken into consideration, the amount
of time getting to the speed does add to the speed of the car until it hits
it's aerodynamic wall.  Look at Nascars and their gearing.  200mph + is
achievable with their setups but it takes a few laps to get up to that speed
so time is a factor and always has been.  That's why they race for top
speeds at Bonneville--very long and flat.  Where do you get this stuff
anyway--weight and time have nothing (or virtually nothing) to do with top
speed??  That's why race cars are light weight and gearing is so important.
HTH!!

Dave

Brando-
(how do I remove the background??)
Weight has virtually nothing to do with top speed..only horsepower and drag
count in this equation.
That also leaves out gear ratio to the extent that you can be under-geared
and be rpm-limited, but gearing up (lower numerically) doesn't not assure
more top speed. Once optimum gearing is found (based on hp and drag), going
up on the gear slows the car down.
 Top speed is top speed; the definition is "maximum speed achievable".
Having 30 minutes to get there does not add to a car's maximum speed
achievable. (and we are debating the issue of a car's...any car's...top
speed here, right?  I want to make sure we are both talking about the same
thing )
Peace.

Larry
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Brandon Smith
  To: L F ; SCIROCCO-LIST
  Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 9:00 PM
  Subject: Re: Insane speed in german cars... slightly OT, had to share...


  power to weight ratio and gear ratios make up for some of that.  Plus the
sight didn't say how long it took to get to that speed.  I could have taken
them 10 minutes to get up that high for all we know.

  -Brando

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: L F
    Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 8:16 PM
    To: Rabbit16v; Scirocco List
    Subject: Re: Insane speed in german cars... slightly OT, had to share...

    The new Viper makes 500hp.
    It's top speed is 190mph (est).
    You are saying a MK4 makes at least 500hp?
    I dunno', I'm asking.

    Larry


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