Quote:
Originally Posted by serialk11r
Nothing wrong, just not as good as aluminum :P
Seriously though, iron block S54 3.2L weighs more than the 4L S65 V8 (which also revs harder). Iron block Mazda B6 1.6L weighs more than a 2.5L 2AR-FE. Aluminum with composite liner or steel liner is the way to go if you want good performance.
|
How is iron inferior to aluminum? As far as I can tell, the only advantage aluminum has over iron is weight savings.
How much weight does the typical aluminum block save over the iron counterpart?
Quote:
Originally Posted by elhigh
The engines won't run without a lot of the control gear installed. I agree there's a boatload of safety features built into the chassis that add more weight than I think is fully necessary.
|
I'm inclined to agree, but then again I don't know how much the safety gear actually costs in terms of dollars or weight. For example, does VSA really add that much weight and complexity to a car that already has a computer and ABS?
Cars will inevitably become safer as the price of technology decreases and manufacturers find ways to implement it in ways that marginally impact weight. Building in a lane holding feature on a car that already has electric steering is a simple matter, for example. Mount a small, lightweight and energy efficient camera to the car, add a lane holding sub-routine to the cars computer, and now the vehicle can pilot itself.
This technology is exciting because it is the beginning of autonomous vehicles. I enjoy the act of driving as much as the next guy, but if we're considering the typical commute style of driving, I'd much prefer to have my car drive me while I focus on something more entertaining or productive.
(wow, just realized how off-topic I wander sometimes)