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From: fish@ihu1g.UUCP (Bob Fishell)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Drag Coefficients
Message-ID: <236@ihu1g.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 8-Mar-84 00:49:25 EST
Article-I.D.: ihu1g.236
Posted: Thu Mar  8 00:49:25 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 3-Mar-84 10:17:36 EST
References: <479@mprvaxa.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 17

(oo)
You'd fare better in net.physics, but drag coefficient is a function of
frontal area and the general aerodynamics of the structure.  My Physics is
*awfully* rusty, so I can't remember the math for it. In any case, I don't
think it's significant at speeds under 90mph, so I think that the figure is
hype, for the most part.  A lower drag coefficient might have a measurable
effect on gas milage, but probably not as much as weight and gearing.  I
would not choose a particular make of car on this basis unless I were going
to race it at Daytona.  You want figures? Try "frequency of repair" and
"annual maintenance expense."  This is about 10E+19 more important than an
esoteric spec like "drag coefficient."  Of course, then, it might relate
to the probability of being  harassed by homosexuals if you drive it through
certain parts of town.
-- 

                               Bob Fishell
                               ihnp4!ihu1g!fish