What has contributed most to cars getting faster?

"djmt1" (djmt1) 01/24/2015 at 10:08 • Filed to: None

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Been watching those AutoExpress drag races again because I need something to do while my Peri Peri Chicken is being delivered and it got me thinking is power really the reason why cars have got so much faster or is it something else?

I reckon that the improvements in gearboxes is the biggest contributor personally mainly because if you watch old Top Gear or Fifth Gear the most common complaint was about the gearbox.

Also, wow those Lambo Fanbois are real salty.

MultiplaOrgasms > djmt1 01/24/2015 at 10:13

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The everything. Tires and Suspension are probably the biggest factors, but in general everything from engines, transmissions and materials and so on.

E. Julius > djmt1 01/24/2015 at 10:23

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I was originally writing up a nice long post seconding whoever said suspension and tires, but I think the real answer is computers. Not just in the cars, where they've allowed for the advanced and highly effective gearboxes you mentioned, or the complex electronic fuel injection that allows for the massive power outputs that are still usable across the rev range, but most importantly in the design process.

The reason we've been able to make such huge advances in all areas of car design, manufacturing, and materials, is that engineers can work much more accurately and effectively thanks to all sorts of computer engineering tools.

Tipo Stradale Fever > djmt1 01/24/2015 at 10:24

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Bragging rights.

Nibby > djmt1 01/24/2015 at 10:26

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The sun.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > djmt1 01/24/2015 at 10:30

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Fuel injection. If you look at cars before and after the transition from carbs you'll see a massive spike in average hp/l.

KirkyV > djmt1 01/24/2015 at 10:33

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Words cannot express the anger/jealousy I'm experiencing in response to the revelation that you can have Peri Peri delivered to your house, river man.

djmt1 > KirkyV 01/24/2015 at 10:42

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Considering I'm one of three postcodes in London that can't get Pizza Hut delivered I deserve something nice.

DoYouEvenShift > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 01/24/2015 at 10:54

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You got the first part right, FI.

I do hate the hp/l argument though.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > DoYouEvenShift 01/24/2015 at 19:06

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All I know is that at the same time our Wrangler was available with a carbed 4.2 I-6, and a TBI 2.4 I-4. The I-4 made ~10hp more than the I-6.