Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihu1g.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!ihnp4!ihu1g!fish 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