In a message dated 10/10/00 9:07:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Emjaxfl@aol.com
writes:
<< Many years ago there was an excellent article on this topic. The wider
tire
with the lower aspect ratio actually has the same size footprint as the
narrow tire with a taller aspect ratio. Something about the Law of
Archemedes
and equilibrium of the forces involved. The key point is the shape of the
footprint. The wider tire will have a wider footprint and that will be able
to generate a larger slip angle before the limit of adhesion is reached.
Therefore, cornering forces will be greater than otherwise.
Should I put on my flame suit now? >>
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Nope. You are right. As long as the tire pressure is the same and the
sidewall is the same stiffness...the footprint will have the same area no
matter what width/aspect ratio.
This thread got pretty heated on the list about a year ago.
Allen Hefner
SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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