Question re data and handling. I presume the slalom and skid pad measures in the rag are the objective measures of handling. Question- if you look at the viper/z06 numbers vs. S2k the American iron numbers are "better". Yet when you actually drive the cars the S2k "feels" much more precise in its handling ability while the big blocks, although spectacular, "feel" heavy and less precise. So subjectively, I would say the S2k handles better while he objective data says otherwise. Also, I drove a WRX and was "amazed" by the handling but if you look at the data the skid pad numbers are 0.89g, well below other sports cars. Again, the car "felt" like it handled as good or better than any other cars I tested.

What do these numbers mean in the daily driving experience?

thanks

 

I think what you mean is car limitations versus road feedback. I have driven all three of the cars you mention and there is no question that the Honda gives better road feel. The Viper and Vette have to be pushed harder to get the feedback. It also depends what Magazine you are viewing. The newest motortrend has the new Vette and Viper at 66.7 and 67.2 for the slalom. If you look in the back for specs, it has the Honda at 70.1. At the same time it also has better times for the vette and viper in the back for specs. You can't really believe anythings the mags say. Just know that we have one of the best handling cars in the world.

 

I'd suggest you not pay much attention to objective (skidpad, slalom, even 0-60 and 1/4's) measures as you've seem to have already concluded. "Objective" measures of handling do not equate to subjective or "real" (whatever that is) quality of handling.

Even the mags say time and again that these are just a small part of the equation and do not equate handling with these numbers. Yet newbies, and even many long-time enthusiasts, insist on reciting these numbers. They are used I suppose part out of tradition, part that we do want some kind of objective numbers. But the maximum grip a car can maintain on a steady-state smooth skidpad circle says more about the tire size and grip and suspension stiffness than it does about how a car handles transients, bumps, and how it communicates what it is doing. Slalom at least says more about transients, but not about how easy it is to do it. And I've always heard that front-wheel-drive has an advantage on slalom courses whereas most swear by RWD for handling superiority. And, of course, the numbers will vary with track surface and conditions. YMMV.

Bottom line. These numbers are for arguing handling over a beer, but not to be taken very seriously.

 

Well the biggest issue with these "objective" numbers like skidpad, braking, slalom, etc. is they are frequently skewed by tire choice above all else.

Put factory size Kuhmo Victoracers or something like S02's on *all* the vehicles and see how they compare and you will begin to get more meaningful results.

Then tweak the alignment and do it again.

Then tweak the tire pressures and do it again.

All of sudden, you might find the initial "winners" are no longer at the top of the pile!

 

I have a Corvette convertible, it is a big heavy car. Mine has the terrible Badyear run-flat tires on it. The handling in something steady-state like a skid pad is OK. The "tossible" factor is not that good. I could probably get good slalom tires by overcoming the non-tossible with all the HP and torque on tap. The newer Z06 cars have regular tires and a lot more grip (not to mention more HP). All have nice wide tires for lots of grip.

The Miata I used to have was much for tossible, and with Victor Racers (I drove the street and autox) it stuck like glue. Not enough power to overcome a mistake but you could for sure have a good time.

The S2000 is tossible like the Miata, but with a lot more power (if you keep the revs up). My guess on the skid pad number for the S2000 is tire choice (and width) and not a fault of the car. Usually, the slalom number tells you more. In some magazines the S2000 has a real fast speed - usually one of the best. For sure the best for the money.

I think if I get an S2000 I may get a set of VictorRacers for it. Should make it quite the hoot to drive. Not on a rainy day though. No grooves = hydroplaning big time.

Dennis

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by veejayy
[B]Question re data and handling. I presume the slalom and skid pad measures in the rag are the objective measures of handling. Question- if you look at the viper/z06 numbers vs. S2k the American iron numbers are "better". Yet when you actually drive the cars the S2k "feels" much more precise in its handling ability while the big blocks, although spectacular, "feel" heavy and less precise. So subjectively, I would say the S2k handles better while he objective data says otherwise. Also, I drove a WRX and was "amazed" by the handling but if you look at the data the skid pad numbers are 0.89g, well below other sports cars. Again, the car "felt" like it handled as good or better than any other cars I tested.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tripleblackS200
[B]I think what you mean is car limitations versus road feedback.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by FCGuy
[B]I'd suggest you not pay much attention to objective (skidpad, slalom, even 0-60 and 1/4's) measures as you've seem to have already concluded.