when you do research about cars, acceleration is a fairly simple result to measure and compare; braking is not to too hard to measure and compare either

but how do you compare handling on paper?
personaly... I look at the Gs on the skidpad and slalom speeds
however handling measurements are done differently by different testers, so I'm a bit confused...

so what do you consider a handling parameter?

on a side note... the AP1 S got as high as .95Gs in some magazine tests (same as the Ferrari F355) I wonder if this is a comparable measure of "handling"

 

The only way to compare the handling of two cars in MY book, is to drive both of them.

Reading up in magazines doesn't hurt, but in the end it comes down to your personal preference.

 

handling can be very subjective. the skidpad #s are too dependent on tires.

 

 

#1 perforamance mod is getting decent tires (unless your car already comes with decent tires e.g. EVO)....should get shorter braking distances too assuming your brakes aren't the limiting factor.

 

The S2000 got 1.02g (I believe) in Automobile mag when they tested it with the Boxster, Z4, and 350Z roadster.

 

1.02Gs for the S? holy %^$%^*%$^*%*%&*

the C6 Z06 "only" does .98Gs
this is why these numbers are confusing...

 

I consider understeer as bad handling. When I do my research I read between the lines searching for comments relating to understeer limitations. IMO handling means the car is nimble, tossable, and would do well on a gymkana course. So I look for these highlights. The S2000 is a handling king in my book.

 

Skidpad measurement is steady state on a smooth surface, not what you normally encounter in real world driving.

Handling is a subjective measurement of a dynamic aspect of the car and will vary greatly depending upon road, speed, and driving style. Track behavior and street handling will vary.

A long test drive backed up with the opinions from seasoned drivers that have experience with the car is generally best you can do.

Although the S2000 produces pretty good objective numbers and with an experienced driver can excel at the track, it is not always easy to handle nor is it as enjoyable as others under some conditions.

 

most people look at a magazine and discuss numbers, which could be a good thing but they only go so far. the best way to see if a car handles it to take it racing on a road race course or an auto cross setup. that way you can really test its "limits." for me, its the "limits" of the car and not necessarily the "feel."