Quote:
Originally Posted by Ocean's SI
I was just thinking about why Honda made the Civic and the SI 60 front 40 rear weigt distribution, while like BMW always touts how their app. 50 50 is so much better for handling and going thru the turns.
I understand that FWD all the weight is in the front, but I'm sure they could have gotten is closer than 60 40. Like the battery, some elec components, and whatever else could have went in the back...??
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Back to the actual topic...
60/40 is actually a good weight distribution for a fwd car. Most have more than 60% on the front wheels, as much as 65%. Honda could only do a couple of percent better, but it would result in a substantially more expensive and less practical car than a civic.
50/50--um yeah, ever see a fwd BMW? 50/50 just isn't goind to happen with fwd. Physical reality. And actually 45/55 is better for when you are really after performance and have some power to hook up, but you will be using a larger wheel/tire package in the rear (think race car). Many BMWs use larger wheels/tires in the rear even at the 50/50 level, but look at the porportions of the front vs. rear wheels on something like a F1 car to visualize what you'd actually prefer. In the end the exact F/R balance you desire will depend on the design of the car, the power level you are talking about, and the sort of circuit that you wish to optimize for.