Light IS Right: PH Blog
Why kg, not hp or 0-62, is the first number you should look at on the spec sheet
All very on-message for a brand once again asserting a reputation for being a lightweight leader, even if the Elise's kerbweight has apparently grown by around a third in the 20 years since the original S1. Unfair to compare an older car with a new one carrying a bunch more tech and safety hardware? If the numbers are to be believed my mum's brand new MX-5 1.5 weighs just 50kg or so more than my own 1993 1.6 Eunos and I know which I'd rather have a crash in. Actually this particular example doesn't work because it wouldn't be the new one. I might survive the impact but it's doubtful I'd live to tell the tale!
We're rightly more sceptical about the numbers manufacturers quote after the whole emissions thing. And without putting each car on a set of scales they will always be playing the system by fair means or foul to publish the best kerbweight possible, be it listing the number AFTER weight-saving cost options like carbon seats or forged wheels have been taken into consideration. Or putting the heavy tech that achieves the performance numbers like dual-clutch transmissions, four-wheel steering systems or fancy locking diffs (potentially plus 20kg per box ticked) on the options sheet so they can quote a low 'standard' kerbweight. As well as expecting the customer to pay extra to get the full package. Yes Porsche, looking at you.
Fundamentally though I'll always look more favourably on the lighter car than the heavier one. Which is why I'd take a Golf GTI over an R any day, Clubsport or not. And am itching to drive a Focus RS back to back with front-wheel drive rivals like the Civic Type R or Megane 275 Cup-S. The Ford wins on attention seeking skidfoolery and on-paper firepower. And it's a hell of a machine. But compared with the Renault or Honda it's carrying an extra 200kg or so. That's a huge amount. Chassis set-up, damping and clever traction management and stability control mitigate. But whether you're factoring in wear to consumables or simply the kind of agility that really counts in 'the twisties' on road or track it's the most significant number for me when comparing these cars. Because - numbers be damned - through the seat of your pants a lighter car is always going to be more fun, more honest in its feedback and less reliant on an electronic smokescreen to deliver the wow factor.
In the supercar league I think McLaren needs to make more noise about the weight advantage it has over the Italian and German rivals. The issue is clouded by the different weight standards used by various manufacturers but if you add a driver and fluids to the quoted 1,313kg dry weight of a 570S it's still going to be at least 150kg lighter than an R8 or 911 Turbo, if not more. Without even driving the cars that number would be enough for me to put the McLaren in pole position, a comparison that extends to the next level up when you put a 650S against a Ferrari 488 GTB or Lamborghini Huracan.
Forget horsepower figures. Never mind the torque output or gizmo count. Don't even look at 0-62, lap times or top speeds. I think when it comes to comparing cars on stats alone the one suffixed 'kg' is the most important one to inform the fun and engagement you'll have at the wheel. On the understanding this sometimes requires a forensic examination of how the number has been reached in the first place to make sure you're comparing like with like...
Dan
Sometimes a heavier car has a much better suspension system, more rigid structure that provides stiffness and control, alloy wheel's that dont bend on potholes and have systems that provide safety and comfort.
Look how a nissan GTR defies physics! . i once had a 450 KG bike engined westfield that tried to take off after every pothole. Another 250Kg would have made it much better!
I know quite often a lighter car performs better, but you have to look a lot further into the design. The most important statistic is how it performs from a performance and longevitiy and features perspective. we are driving cars we expect to last and perform on crappy roads. If we were talking tenths on a racecar then thats a different matter.
That's why some of the older lighter cars with a lot less bhp are still fun to drive.
In the supercar arena McLaren lead the way with their carbon tub which gives stiffness and rigidity at a considerable weight saving that's why they feel like go karts in comparison to their equivalents from Italy.
Anyone wanting a spider simply has to buy a 650S IMHO for the carbon tub alone
Think you might have already told yourself you're wrong on this one Dan.
Sometimes a heavier car has a much better suspension system, more rigid structure that provides stiffness and control, alloy wheel's that dont bend on potholes and have systems that provide safety and comfort.
Look how a nissan GTR defies physics! . i once had a 450 KG bike engined westfield that tried to take off after every pothole. Another 250Kg would have made it much better!
I know quite often a lighter car performs better, but you have to look a lot further into the design. The most important statistic is how it performs from a performance and longevitiy and features perspective. we are driving cars we expect to last and perform on crappy roads. If we were talking tenths on a racecar then thats a different matter.
Think you might have already told yourself you're wrong on this one Dan.
Ta!
Dan
Anyone wanting a spider simply has to buy a 650S IMHO for the carbon tub alone
Sometimes a heavier car has a much better suspension system, more rigid structure that provides stiffness and control, alloy wheel's that dont bend on potholes and have systems that provide safety and comfort.
Look how a nissan GTR defies physics! . i once had a 450 KG bike engined westfield that tried to take off after every pothole. Another 250Kg would have made it much better!
I know quite often a lighter car performs better, but you have to look a lot further into the design. The most important statistic is how it performs from a performance and longevitiy and features perspective. we are driving cars we expect to last and perform on crappy roads. If we were talking tenths on a racecar then thats a different matter.
Lotus in particular handle rough roads and potholes incredibly well.
Most heavy (and tall cars/suvs) have highly compromised suspension as they attempt to control weight, high cog and owners' desire to corner fast without falling over. The result is not good, imo.
The Super Lap Scotland series has different classes based on power to weight, and is proving very successful with increaseing numbers every round. Interestingly, there is a McLaren 650S competing in the series, and it isn't even in the top class of cars.
Having said that.. I too would lean towards a light car over a heavy car.. if I have just two options and have to make a choice based on nothing but stats.
On a related note, when is the industry going to stop with all the nonsense and give us figures we can actually trust in, as it is now is just a joke.
Think you might have already told yourself you're wrong on this one Dan.
Ta!
Dan
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