OT, E46 M3 convertible rigidity
#11
Originally Posted by NiN,Jul 5 2005, 01:50 PM
Convertibles are usually more stiff than their coupe/sedan counterparts which makes them more heavy as well
Unless you were trying to say that manufacturers try to stiffen up convertibles, and therefore have extra bracing added in the factory to make it more rigid. However, they are STILL less rigid than the corresponding coupes. You are, however, correct in saying that convertibles are heavier. That does not make them handle better, though.
As Autochannel.com explains : " A car's steel roof is a major source of structural rigidity; cutting it off requires the frame of the car to be reenforced." "With the top down most convertibles lose torsional rigidity, which is simply a vehicle body's resistance to twisting forces. A common analogy for torsional rigidity is a shoebox. With the lid on, a shoebox is not easy to twist or bend. With the lid off (like an open convertible), the shoebox tends to lose its rigidity."
For eg. on the Jag convertible, you can actually see the A pillars moving.
This doesn't apply to our car, of course. The S was created as a convertible from the start, and therefore is a very rigid vehicle.
#17
Originally Posted by oneboy2c,Jul 5 2005, 07:06 PM
It is still a very, very, did i stress very stiff car. A person would have to do some stupid things to lose control of that car.
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