Are we ever going to see weight go down with new cars?
04-17-2003, 09:42 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Are we ever going to see weight go down with new cars?
How much weight has the M3 gained in the past 15 years?
How about the Accord (er, Honda Legend?).
E55 AMG is weighing 4200 lbs.
Thunderbird is 3800 lbs OMG.
We have reached a point where HP is limitless (400+ HP is no big deal).
When are we going to see a M3 closer to 3000 lbs?
How about the Accord (er, Honda Legend?).
E55 AMG is weighing 4200 lbs.
Thunderbird is 3800 lbs OMG.
We have reached a point where HP is limitless (400+ HP is no big deal).
When are we going to see a M3 closer to 3000 lbs?
04-17-2003, 10:03 AM
#2
I'd love for manufacturers to look at weight reduction as opposed to just adding horsepower, as reducing weight improves all facets of performance, not just straight line acceleration. However, all the amenities (safety and luxury) that drivers have come to expect have a major weight penalty - larger interiors, better stereos, power everything, countless airbags, etc. And, at the end of the day, horsepower is cheap, while weight reduction isn't.
04-17-2003, 02:20 PM
#4
Registered User
Good question. In the latest Car and Drive the E46 M3 is listed as a lightweight compared to the new S4. Imagine that. Porsche has done a semi decent job of keeping the weight down on the basic 911 but a few options can still get it into the 3100 lb area. Even 360 Modenas are +3000lbs. I'm afraid for the - supposed- next S2000.
As the cars get heavier, reviewers and buyers fail to notice since everything they drive is porky, then 3300 lbs starts to seem light and nimble.
Next to the S, my E36 M3 now seems ridiculously overweight. To be honest though, at speed that weight is reassuring, as the car feels more planted through fast sweepers. How many people 'really' go looking for and enjoy driving twisties - that's where light cars rule.
We're doomed
As the cars get heavier, reviewers and buyers fail to notice since everything they drive is porky, then 3300 lbs starts to seem light and nimble.
Next to the S, my E36 M3 now seems ridiculously overweight. To be honest though, at speed that weight is reassuring, as the car feels more planted through fast sweepers. How many people 'really' go looking for and enjoy driving twisties - that's where light cars rule.
We're doomed
04-17-2003, 03:46 PM
#5
Registered User
[QUOTE]Originally posted by WestSideBilly
[B]I'd love for manufacturers to look at weight reduction as opposed to just adding horsepower, as reducing weight improves all facets of performance, not just straight line acceleration.
[B]I'd love for manufacturers to look at weight reduction as opposed to just adding horsepower, as reducing weight improves all facets of performance, not just straight line acceleration.
04-17-2003, 05:26 PM
#7
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There are light-weight technology that can be used in future automobiles to help keep the weight down but for now its still relatively expensive to put into cars(except for some).
West SideBilly said it best "all the amenities (safety and luxury) that drivers have come to expect have a major weight penalty".
Isnt there a M3 CSL coming....for BMW.
Very good question indeed.
As for now, Lotus Elise is one of the better cars coming here in the US, HP-to-weight ratio is unbelievable. Back to basics sportscar.
West SideBilly said it best "all the amenities (safety and luxury) that drivers have come to expect have a major weight penalty".
Isnt there a M3 CSL coming....for BMW.
Very good question indeed.
As for now, Lotus Elise is one of the better cars coming here in the US, HP-to-weight ratio is unbelievable. Back to basics sportscar.
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04-17-2003, 05:59 PM
#8
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I hate to focus on the "bad" examples, but....
"Volkswagen claims W12-powered Phaetons will go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is not bad considering the car weighs 5101 pounds. VW engineers used aluminum for the doors, hood and trunk to keep the car
"Volkswagen claims W12-powered Phaetons will go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is not bad considering the car weighs 5101 pounds. VW engineers used aluminum for the doors, hood and trunk to keep the car
04-17-2003, 06:45 PM
#10
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by rai
[B]I hate to focus on the "bad" examples, but....
"Volkswagen claims W12-powered Phaetons will go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is not bad considering the car weighs 5101 pounds. VW engineers used aluminum for the doors, hood and trunk to keep the car
[B]I hate to focus on the "bad" examples, but....
"Volkswagen claims W12-powered Phaetons will go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is not bad considering the car weighs 5101 pounds. VW engineers used aluminum for the doors, hood and trunk to keep the car