![]() 09/22/2015 at 10:07 • Filed to: handling, miata | ![]() | ![]() |
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Praises the ND, GT86 et al. on their adherence to traditional sporting values over statistics. Includes yet another interview with the ubiquitous, meticulous Dave Coleman.
![]() 09/22/2015 at 10:09 |
|
Overall grip’s just a number. Chassic dynamics are what matters. You can build a suspension/tire that will load up to 1G, but if it’s not dampened correctly then you won’t ever see it because the load exceeds that too quickly.
![]() 09/22/2015 at 10:16 |
|
Thanks for the link. Missed this
![]() 09/22/2015 at 10:34 |
|
I agree, to a point. My BRZ is an amazing handling car. But the Michelin Primacy HP “Prius” tires it comes with hold it back from its true capabilities. Rather than enjoy the car, I felt like it was handicapped.
But rather than put on whatever the grippiest track/autocross tire of the week happens to be, I put on Michelin Pilot Super Sports. They’re certainly more grippy, but being true street performance tires they still lose their grip gradually, and not as at high Gs as a track tire. Since 99% of my driving is on the street, I’m willing to give up that extra grip, especially when I’m mainly doing HPDE events these days and not competing anyway. I haven’t driven an ND yet, but my sideways ride with an ex- Jalopnik editor (he might have something to do with Road & Track these days) convinced me that the Miata still has the fun and tossability we love about it.
I also have to say that the Mustang EcoBoost I’ve been driving for the past week has this as well. It has the Performance Package, with 255/40/19 Pirelli P Zeros. They grip well and allow me to use the car to its full potential, but it’s also easy to break them loose when I feel like it. On gravel rally stages it’s a different story, but I’m still writing that one...