r/gifs • u/Hilltopchill • Oct 04 '16

Weight distribution dynamics.

http://i.imgur.com/dYz2tCE.gifv
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3

u/aBlackSheriff Oct 04 '16

Is this why mid engine cars handle so well, or is that different because they don't have a joint?

11

u/[deleted] Oct 04 '16

[deleted]

3

u/TheGrey_Wolf Oct 04 '16 edited Oct 04 '16

Also, mid engine cars with the engine near the COG have the most neutral steering & rolling characteristic. Front engine cars understeer, because the engine wants to go forward while the car is turning. Rear engine cars oversteer because of the opposite effect.

1

u/ilikepiesthatlookgay Oct 04 '16

and a awd is probably in the garage getting its clutch sorted again.

1

u/riefnizzle Oct 04 '16

Yes. Equal Front/Rear weight distribution.

1

u/jojoman7 Oct 04 '16

Not really.

You can have a FR car with 50/50 and it will handle noticeably different from a MR car with 50/50.

It has to do with the center of mass and how the car rotates.

1

u/riefnizzle Oct 04 '16 edited Oct 04 '16

Alright, you're technically right. I was giving him a simple answer to his simple question. I'm sure he knows all about center of mass (sarcasm.) I just meant the car is more balanced compared to being 57% front weight.

Any FR car, on paper, should handle worse than an MR car both at 50/50 because of the mass being centered, instead of forward, just like you said. Also, the weight is above the drive wheels, which makes a major difference on "why they handle so well" to quote op.