The S2000 primarily won because of the guy driving it (see how other S2000's
did). However, if you look at the S2K's torque curve it is fairly flat (though
with a low peak value), with a step point in the VTEC switchover. The long
powerband (lots of area under the torque curve) allows for higher ratio gearing
for better torque multiplication at the ground, while running out of 2nd gear
at approx the same speeds as other cars in the class.
The S2K's 1st gear is relatively long, which gives it that torqueless feel off
the line. The trick to being exceptionally fast in an S2000 is staying in 2nd
gear and on VTEC as much as possible. This was easily done on the Nationals
South course where the S2000 dominated. However the North course was slower
and more technical, where I expected the S2000 to have problems. Of course,
Gary still did very well, probably due to the fact the car is pretty light
(2700 lbs) and the whole driver thing again.
The gearing difference between the S2K and my MR2 meant I was in 2nd and 3rd on
the South course and the S2K never shifted. I'd attribute alot of the S2K's
success to the fact it's somewhat like a Miata, not necessarily the fastest on
paper, but light weight and excellent dyanmics can go a long way.
-Andy
--- James Creasy <jcre@pacbell.net> wrote:
> http://www.vettenet.org/torquehp.html
>
> i found this to be an excellent description of torque and horsepower in
> cars.
>
> what i took away from the article is that torque is what works if you cant
> be in the right gear for high revs. since we dont shift much in autocross
> and rarely hit the power peak, mid range torque should rule the roost.
>
> so how did a torqueless S2000 win A-stock at nationals this year? i imagine
> because the redline is so high that it doesnt have to shift and lower the
> effective torque. it doesnt pull harder, but it pulls LONGER. so it ran
> the course in 1st, vs. andy's MR-2 in 2nd and so had more effective torque?
>
> -james c
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