View Single Post
Old 05-25-2009, 07:34 AM   #7 (permalink)
lunarhighway
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: belgium
Posts: 663

vectra a - '95 Opel Vectra GLS
90 day: 37.51 mpg (US)
Thanks: 14
Thanked 61 Times in 44 Posts
the opel calibra had a similar sunroof, the problem with sunroofs is that they take up headroom, especially when you want a roofline that starts slopeing down behind the driver, but still allows for rear passenger headroom (also like the calibra coupe wich was a full 4 seater not a 2+2) so you can eigher raise the roof and increase drag all the time even on vehicles without the sunroof (wich i assume is not standard as on most cars) . or you have the sunroof opening externally wich increases drag when open, but allows for a much lower roofline when closed... since its probably more comfortable anyway to run the airco and close the roof at highway speeds, the overall impact on aero of this setup will be far less than a permanent raised roof on all models. so if you want an opening sunroof, considdering aero this is the best option.
  Reply With Quote