Handling - Factors that influence it!

[GTO]

Heres a list, that I think, includes all the factors that contribute to make a tight-handling car. Any additional?

1. LightWeight
2. Lower Center of gravity
3. 50:50 weight distribution
4. Taut and Rigid Chassis
5. Aerodynamics
6. Tyres
7. Brakes
8. Tight Suspension (Multi-Link, Active, Double wishbone...)
9. Traction Control + Electronics
10.ABS
11.Gearing
12.Rear-Wheel/AWD
13.Quick + Responsive Power Steering
14.Minimum Body cuts (coupes)
15.No Convertibles
16.Alloy Wheels / Unsprung weight
17.External conditions
18.Differentials (Limited Slip...)
19.Dimensions (Track, wheel base...)
20. Most Imp - The Driver!!!

GTO

[revharder]

- "better" engine
- strengthened engine and exhaust mountings (as these two vibrates most)
- tightened radiator and battery with straps (as these two can jump out of their respective places)
- brake-bias
- air-pressure in tyres
- engine protection sump-shield under engine
- roll-cage
- smaller and tougher petrol tank

[aZa]

My $ 0.2 to the above list

1. The Co-driver (whether she is a hottie)

2. Driver weight ?

3. Weather Dry or Wet

[Mpower]

Originally Posted by revharder

- tightened radiator and battery with straps (as these two can jump out of their respective places)

Battery maybe in a rally, not the radiatior

[revharder]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Battery maybe in a rally, not the radiatior

"may be" should not be the case.

it is better to tie up these parts too coz once they got out of their respective places then you are sure going to miss the podium!

radiators have a habit of popping out of its casing whenever it seems that such thing is impossible!

[hot_rod]

im guessing external factors like wind,road,etc..also effect handling
strut braces help a tonne!!

[SLK]

Originally Posted by aZa

My $ 0.2 to the above list

That 20 cents.. good contibution

More factors...

• Tyre Air pressure
• Engine mounting (front, middle, rear) (part of weight distribution)
• Does it matter whether the driver sits on a side or centre?

[revharder]

Originally Posted by SLK

Does it matter whether the driver sits on a side or centre?

no.

but if he sits in the middle, it'll give him two blindspots. on both A-pillars, if they does exist!

middle seating might be good for straight line racing, but might not be so good for twisties!

the weight balancing due to this middle or side seating is nothing to talk about. won't make any difference.

[nitrous]

12.Rear-Wheel

I thought RWD lose traction faster while accelerating at corners. Can someone correct me if i'm wrong?

[revharder]

Originally Posted by nitrous

I thought RWD lose traction faster while accelerating at corners. Can someone correct me if i'm wrong?

right.

but, if drifted properly, then that loss of traction acts as a much better way to direct the car in required direction.

thats why RWD cars are preferred world over in comparison to FWD.
AWD is an altogether different category!

[Exo]

I never understood this: how come the chassis makes such a diference? Like how does it matter if it bends 1mm?

[adya33]

Originally Posted by GTO

Heres a list, that I think, includes all the factors that contribute to make a tight-handling car. Any additional?

1. LightWeight
2. Lower Center of gravity
3. 50:50 weight distribution
4. Taut and Rigid Chassis
5. Aerodynamics
6. Tyres
7. Brakes
8. Tight Suspension (Multi-Link, Active, Double wishbone...)
9. Traction Control + Electronics
10.ABS
11.Gearing
12.Rear-Wheel/AWD
13.Quick + Responsive Power Steering
14.Minimum Body cuts (coupes)
15.No Convertibles
16.Alloy Wheels / Unsprung weight
17.External conditions
18.Differentials (Limited Slip...)
19.Dimensions (Track, wheel base...)
20. Most Imp - The Driver!!!

GTO

Agree with almost all items on the list.
I would add Power to Weight ratio to that however it can come under Lightweight.

But I am sorta confused.

By which way do items in this list affect handling? positive or negative ?
Although ABS is safety device & must on all cars I would say it is no-no for handling.

[Rayden]

Yes GTO, I think youve summed it all up.

But I never understand how some car manufactures consistently make great handling cars.

Probably R&D is one which has not been mentioned.

[Rehaan]

To add what i think is a rather major factor -

- Wheel alignment, toe-in/toe-out, camber, castor and balancing.

Originally Posted by revharder

but if he sits in the middle, it'll give him two blindspots. on both A-pillars, if they does exist!

...but his field of view before those pillars interfere is increased on the RHS and decreased on the LHS. (RHD car>center seating).

cya
R

[ghostrider4385]

Originally Posted by Rehaan

To add what i think is a rather major factor -

toe-in/toe-out,

R

Hey Rehaan. What do you mean by that?

And another thing, they say that a strut brace makes the car more rigid and less prone to flex during turns to make cornering (especially high-speed cornering) tighter. How EXACTLY does this flexing effect the car's handling on turns?

Godspeed,

Alok.