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Frank is Right

To: spritenut@Exit109.com, spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Frank is Right
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 04:06:43 EDT
Hi list,

Frank is right.  Anything written in any book or magazine feature needs to be 
checked against reality.  In this case you have to consider what a Spridget 
0-60mph time is all about.  Simple really it is a question of engine torque 
and vehicle weight and not least gearing.  Gearing is important because if 
one car can reach 60mph in 2nd gear by virtue of higher rpm capability or 
higher gearing it will be quicker to 60mph if the other gear has to shift 
into 3rd.  Noting back that acceleration is a function of engine torque to 
vehicle weight and observing that a gearbox is there to multiply torque you 
can see that a close ratio gearbox can make a big difference to vehicle 
acceleration (and if any of you guys and gals come to the UK and let me take 
you for a drive in my Sprite you will appreciate what a close ratio gearbox 
can do).  

So far what does all this mean?  Well acceleration to 60mph is not the whole 
truth you need to see readings at 5mph increments to get the real story to 
see which car accelerates the quickest.

Not least and seemingly overlooked in the specific instance here, is that the 
1500 Midget weighs in a lot heavier than the 1275 Spridget. How much, I don't 
know or care in this instance.  

As for the top speed of the 1500 Midget, well this has nothing to do with 
acceleration or torque but is a function of engine power and aerodynamics.  

Not least, manufacturers, magazines (the person who was going to buy my 
house) and others do, on occasion, tell LIES.

Daniel1312



In a message dated 23/09/00 05:03:25 GMT Daylight Time, spritenut@Exit109.com 
writes:

<< >   Midget Mk III, 1275cc, 65bhp@6000, 72ftlb/3000
 >   0-60mph in 14.6 sec, 95mph top speed
 > 
 >   Midget 1500, 1493cc, 55hp@5000rpm, 73ftlb/2750
 >   (different HP measure)
 >   0-60mph in 12.3 sec, 101mph top speed
 > 
 >   2.3 seconds advantage in 0-60, 6mph on the top
 > speed. Game, set, match, 1500.
 
 Yup, It must be true. It is written! Just like.... >>

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