Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post

Crash · 01-31-2009, 05:14 PM

I did the math before in the other thread, but now I'll do it for 170MPH
(Again, assuming that the wind-speed is 0MPH!):

NOTE: I couldn't find the frontal surface area on the 370z, so I'm GUESSING it's around 1.9m^2. It could be less.

First figure out how much drag force there is:
F_drag = (Drag Coefficient) * (Frontal Area-meters) * (Volocity-Km/s)^2
170MPH = 75.99m/s
F_drag = 0.29 * 1.9 * 75.99^2 = 3181.74 N

Now we figure out the rolling resistance:
F_tire = (Vehicle Weight-Kg) * 9.8 * (drag_contribution)
F_tire = 1506 * 9.8 * 1.8% = 265.65 N

Now calculate how much power is needed to push against these forces:
P = F * V
P = 3447.39 * 89.42 = 308265.6138 Watts = 413HP

I double checked my math and it's right. I still think this is pretty high. Can someone find the REAL frontal area on the Z? I think that's making this number high.

01-31-2009, 05:14 PM	#11 (permalink)
Crash A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,853 Drives: 02 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 589	I did the math before in the other thread, but now I'll do it for 170MPH (Again, assuming that the wind-speed is 0MPH!): NOTE: I couldn't find the frontal surface area on the 370z, so I'm GUESSING it's around 1.9m^2. It could be less. First figure out how much drag force there is: F_drag = (Drag Coefficient) * (Frontal Area-meters) * (Volocity-Km/s)^2 170MPH = 75.99m/s F_drag = 0.29 * 1.9 * 75.99^2 = 3181.74 N Now we figure out the rolling resistance: F_tire = (Vehicle Weight-Kg) * 9.8 * (drag_contribution) F_tire = 1506 * 9.8 * 1.8% = 265.65 N Now calculate how much power is needed to push against these forces: P = F * V P = 3447.39 * 89.42 = 308265.6138 Watts = 413HP I double checked my math and it's right. I still think this is pretty high. Can someone find the REAL frontal area on the Z? I think that's making this number high. __________________ 2002 Corvette Z06 - Totaled 2003 Corvette Z06 50th Anniversary Last edited by Crash; 01-31-2009 at 05:18 PM.