PD Cunningham article, fwd vs. rwd PART 2
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PD Cunningham article, fwd vs. rwd PART 2
Here is the continuation of the PD article I posted last week from theracsite.com
RealTime's Peter Cunningham on FWD Vs RWD - Part Two
When asked about FWD Acura's Vs RWD BMW's in wet conditions Peter did feel that the front-wheel drive configuration did have an advantage on a rain soaked track. This despite the drive Bill Auberlen put on driving a Turner BMW during that Saturday downpour at Lime Rock in 2001.
"Pierre Kleinubing led much of the race prior to being passed," explained Cunningham. "But what the TV program did not make clear to the audience was, Pierre was on slicks in the pouring down rain! Not to take anything away from Bill's drive, but I think it (Kleinubing's drive) was the most impressive display I've seen in some time! It was a very mature second place drive from an eventual three-time champion."
"But in a more general answer to the question, assuming all other things being equal (horsepower, weight, etc) the slipperier the conditions the more dramatic the difference will be," concluded Peter. "The order would be 4WD, FWD, rear-engine RWD and then front-engine RWD. Ask anyone who's been to an ice race!"
Yes PD, but what about tire wear? Don't the front-wheel drive cars chew up the tires faster?
"Yes, front-drive can be harder on the front tires, since they are being asked to do twice the work," agreed Cunningham. "So it goes back to the question about racing line. If you're taxing your FWD tires too much on the way out of the turn, it is only going to get worse as you proceed in this fashion. But if you're driving through the understeer in either kind of car, trouble is going to brew. I think a proficient FWD pilot can switch back to RWD, apply those techniques and become a better all around driver."
As he discussed last week, Peter feels that to drive a front-wheel drive car well you need to get the car setup and turned before the apex of a turn so that you can keep the front wheels as straight as possible on exit. This technique will allow for better traction and reduced tire abuse. Or at least that is my take on the process.
Cunningham didn't seem to think that the location of the drive wheels allowed for a more or less aggressive driving style. Based on the pass I saw Peter put on his RealTime teammate Pierre Kleinubing in Big Bend at Lime Rock last year the FWD Acura handles an aggressive driving style quite well.
When it comes down to Peter Cunningham's own preference he said, "On the track I would prefer rear wheel drive and on the street it doesn't matter. On a frozen lake or logging trail? If memory serves, I think I prefer four-wheel drive!"
Original article here
enjoy!
[Modified by defcon1Racing, 1:35 PM 1/15/2003]
RealTime's Peter Cunningham on FWD Vs RWD - Part Two
When asked about FWD Acura's Vs RWD BMW's in wet conditions Peter did feel that the front-wheel drive configuration did have an advantage on a rain soaked track. This despite the drive Bill Auberlen put on driving a Turner BMW during that Saturday downpour at Lime Rock in 2001.
"Pierre Kleinubing led much of the race prior to being passed," explained Cunningham. "But what the TV program did not make clear to the audience was, Pierre was on slicks in the pouring down rain! Not to take anything away from Bill's drive, but I think it (Kleinubing's drive) was the most impressive display I've seen in some time! It was a very mature second place drive from an eventual three-time champion."
"But in a more general answer to the question, assuming all other things being equal (horsepower, weight, etc) the slipperier the conditions the more dramatic the difference will be," concluded Peter. "The order would be 4WD, FWD, rear-engine RWD and then front-engine RWD. Ask anyone who's been to an ice race!"
Yes PD, but what about tire wear? Don't the front-wheel drive cars chew up the tires faster?
"Yes, front-drive can be harder on the front tires, since they are being asked to do twice the work," agreed Cunningham. "So it goes back to the question about racing line. If you're taxing your FWD tires too much on the way out of the turn, it is only going to get worse as you proceed in this fashion. But if you're driving through the understeer in either kind of car, trouble is going to brew. I think a proficient FWD pilot can switch back to RWD, apply those techniques and become a better all around driver."
As he discussed last week, Peter feels that to drive a front-wheel drive car well you need to get the car setup and turned before the apex of a turn so that you can keep the front wheels as straight as possible on exit. This technique will allow for better traction and reduced tire abuse. Or at least that is my take on the process.
Cunningham didn't seem to think that the location of the drive wheels allowed for a more or less aggressive driving style. Based on the pass I saw Peter put on his RealTime teammate Pierre Kleinubing in Big Bend at Lime Rock last year the FWD Acura handles an aggressive driving style quite well.
When it comes down to Peter Cunningham's own preference he said, "On the track I would prefer rear wheel drive and on the street it doesn't matter. On a frozen lake or logging trail? If memory serves, I think I prefer four-wheel drive!"
Original article here
enjoy!
[Modified by defcon1Racing, 1:35 PM 1/15/2003]
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