Quote:
Originally Posted by whatmaycome14
Are there other variables that I'm not considering?
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Lift
F1 cars intentionally use additional aerodynamic drag in order to produce negative lift .. ie keep the car pressed firmly down against the road .. In that case reduced aerodynamic drag would reduce the aerodynamic down force they normally design into the the vehicle .. soo they have to compromise between desire for less wind resistance to move forward against ... vs .. also the desire for more down force pressing the car against the road.
(plus everything everyone else already said as well)
As they say ... use the right tool for the job .. sometimes .. in some contexts .. intentionally designed increased aerodynamic drag can be a net performance benefit .. but it isn't always so in all contexts.
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Also for 'other variables' ... is there any 'cost' to reducing the aerodynamic drag ?... like increasing the weight , etc .. That will depend on the method used to reduce the aerodynamic drag .. A boat tail will add weight for example ... + & - ... if more + it's a net benefit.