unsprung weight

Slartibartfas

Change wheelbase to track and that's right. Track is lateral width while wheelbase is longitudinal length.

Most of you are beating around the bush. The unsprung weight works exactly like totopo wrote for handling and is a linear relationship. 1 lb reduction in unsprung weight is 1 lb in regards to handling and wheel frequency.

However, the rotational inertia is very much a non-linear effect. 1 lb of rotational inertia is the equivalent to 10 lbs (or your favorite number from your favorite source) in regards to vehicle acceleration, whether it be forward (mash the gas), backwards (slam the brakes), or turning. Take ten pounds off each corner and it feels as if you've removed 400 pounds out of the car when you measure at the drag strip or race track.

Lighter wheels and brakes will make the car feel livlier but, from direct experience, the ride isn't as good. The heavier wheels force the tires to absorb small imperfections so the imperfections aren't as strongly transferred into the springs. Also, if you have a wheelspin problem, heavier wheels can help.

Like everything else in life, there are compromises to wrangle.

Sorry to practice necromancy but felt it worthwhile.

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2011 Journey Sport sedan 7AT | SPL front, SPC rear camber arms | ARK Grip cat-back |