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From: kitten@pertec.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: '84 Corvette, Ride too Rough?
Message-ID: <151@pertec.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 16-Jun-84 22:07:33 EDT
Article-I.D.: pertec.151
Posted: Sat Jun 16 22:07:33 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 22-Jun-84 05:43:49 EDT
References: <1191@qubix.UUCP>
Organization: Pertec Computer Corp., Irvine, CA
Lines: 28

I have to defend Peter on this one, Jeff.  Handling is made up of more
qualities than just cornering force.  It involves the suspension and
chassis, as well as the brakes (which have so far been neglected in this
discussion).  I read the article, too, and though I don't have it with
me, I recall the tests including skid pad, race track lap times, high
speed braking, and a subjective "twisty mountain road" test.  The first
three items were for the purpose of finding the cars' limits, whereas the
last was a more "what it's like to drive every day and live with" test.
"Handling" can be defined as a combination of cornering force, suspension
performance (returning the tire to the road ASAP without rebound), chassis
flexibility, steering control, and driver input/car output (read 'feel').
What Peter was trying to say was that if the suspension was transfering
shock (bumps) through the steering wheel and/or the chassis (therefore
to the driver's seat) excessively, and if chassis 'twitchiness' required
lots of driver input and attention, it can greatly detract from the FTD
(Fun To Drive) Quotiant.  It was by this very deduction that C & D decided
that the Camero Z28 out-handled the Corvette, the practicalness won out.
Driver fatigue is too much of a price to pay in the real world for the
majority of the fun-loving driving public.  You KNOW C & D LOVES the
Corvette, read the artical they had on it when it first came out.  They
even commended that...uh...OTHER car rag for making it their Car of the
Year (I subscribe to both 'rags', btw).

I know you love your cars, I can be just as obsessive (NOT a derogatory
comment  :-) ) about mine.  But don't take it so personally, okay?

kitten~