Question about weight vs traction

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Saf1

Saf1

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SafffOneee
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Saf4
I have some conflicting points on this:

1. Less weight = less inertia
2. Less weight = less force upon wheels

Is there a formula that'll work out the minimum weight or the "sweet spot" between weight and traction? I know that lighter cars get better acceleration but "Heavier cars can put their power down"?

Ofcourse, this is disregarding factors such as aerodynamics.
 
Weight doesn't matter all that much for traction. Think in terms of mass to weight ratio. Mass is how much stuff you need to accelerate. Weight is proportional to how much force you can generate.

A step above that, it depends on tires. The grip vs normal force curve is not linear and has a peak.
 
And let's not forget the can of worms better known as dynamic weight shifts under force..
 
Leonidae@MFT
Yet some heavier, less powerful cars accelerate faster than lighter, more powerful cars. Funny that, really.. :sly:
Click to expand...
Really?





*going on the internet to order 100kg of lead and put in the trunk boot of my car*


:D
 
Last edited:
RDF97
You need a combination of both.
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Leonidae@MFT
Yet some heavier, less powerful cars accelerate faster than lighter, more powerful cars. Funny that, really.. :sly:
Click to expand...

The only good weight is aerodynamic (until we can control gravity directly). More mass = bad all the time, unless you don't want a sporty/fast car.

Strictly speaking weight is good. Mass is bad, and they are different.
 
Weight in the right area can be beneficial, especially at the rear or high powered rwd cars. Case in point, 1,000 rwhp cars strapped onto a dyno with the additional weight of people sitting in the trunk space.
 

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