Why are some clutches much heavier than others?

[Leicesterdave]

Had a 2006 A3 before the MINI and the clutch was as light as a feather. You'd expect a MINI to have a light clutch but it ain't!
Any particular reason?

[TheEnd]

sometimes it's down the the leverage and mechanics, but it also can be high clamping forces on a smaller clutch to allow more torque before slipping, with going to a bigger diameter

[Ry_B]

Why do some cars handle better than others?

[Ozzie Osmond]

1. Clamp load - how tight the clutch has to spring shut in order to handle the engine's torque.

2. Leverage - how much pedal travel is acceptable to actuate the clutch pressure plate through the required distance.

3. Cable or hydraulic - not a big deal in itself but depends on total system design.

[Leicesterdave]

I think I roughly got that, thanks!

[Big_Dog]

An omega spring makes a huge difference. I had one break on an old 911 and needed both feet for the clutch.

[Boosted LS1]

Ry_B said:

Why do some cars handle better than others?

Don't know, can you enlighten us?

[cottonfoo]

Big_Dog said:

An omega spring makes a huge difference. I had one break on an old 911 and needed both feet for the clutch.

Old 911s feel like they need both feet as it is

[hairykrishna]

The one on the 928 is very light, whereas on my Aero it's incredibly heavy and they handle similar power. I think the fact that it's basically two in line on the 928 reduces the clamping force required.