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Old 03-27-2021, 07:15 PM   #16 (permalink)
Isaac Zachary
High Altitude Hybrid
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Gunnison, CO
Posts: 1,985

Avalon - '13 Toyota Avalon HV
90 day: 40.45 mpg (US)

Prius - '06 Toyota Prius
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JSH View Post
The optimal weight distribution for a RWD car is between 45/55 and 40/60 Front to Rear. Look at any purpose built race car where the chassis is a blank slate and that is what you will find. The rear bias helps with acceleration AND with braking. When you brake weight transfers to the front of the car with the extreme being 100% front. When you start with a rear weight bias the front axle isn't as overloaded under hard braking.

You also what weight concentrated between the axles for a low polar moment of inertia. That is why purpose built race cars a mid-engine.

Purpose built EVs have the benefit of having most of their weight centrally located and low in the chassis.
More weight on the rear axle is asking for trouble, especially with an inexperienced driver.

Yes, centrally concentrated weight will help. But more weight over a certain axle still causes it to have more inertia. More inertia over one axle than the other causes oversteer (when the rear is heaver) or understeer (when the front is heaver). More weight over the rear means that going a bit fast for a corner the rear will start to break traction first. If you know how to countersteer a little oversteer can actually help you turn corners faster. This is the idea behind drifting. But most drivers don't have the expertise to do that. Purpose built race cars in snow and ice with novice drivers is a recipe for disaster.
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