Skyline Weight Debate

[Primordial]

A lot of people mention the extra weight of the R34 and R33 over the R32.

How much real world difference does extra kilos make to the performance of a car? Obviously less weight means more speed and better handling.

So considering the R33 GTS-T is 3.7% heavier than the R32 GTS-T, would this mean that the R32 is exactly 3.7% faster than an R33? (obviously comparing cars with exactly the same tyres, suspension etc etc).

If this is the case, then 3.7% isn't much difference IMO - I think driver skill would 'outweigh' this small percentage when it comes to any type of competition, be it track or drag events!

Here are the KERBweights I've found for each model:

R32 GTS-T - 1320kg

R33 GTS-T - 1370kg

R34 GT-T - 1410kg

R32 GTR - 1480kg

R33 GTR - 1530kg

R34 GTR - 1540kg

What do you think?

Edited March 30, 2006 by Primordial

[sh@un]

You sure they are the 'dry' weights? I assumed that a BNR32 weighed 1480-90kg WITH fluids, as in- kerbweight.

[Primordial]

Yep you're right.. kerb weight not dry weight!

[ferni]

The R32 gtst has less power than the R33 gtst ....

[LANFOH]

You have to take into alot of other variables other than just weight for this to be a valid comparison. R33 gtsts have bigger engines than R32 gtsts and more thus more power etc Also the R34s Neo engine is quite different to the older RB25s.

[predator]

slightly different wheelbase.. way the power is delivered to the ground due to the chasis design, weight balance, different gearbox ratios, engine toruqe, even aerodynamics, etc.

It's silly to say "R33 weighs <this>" as well, as s1 and s2 are usually different, etc, etc.. I know series1 R32 (89/90) is about 40kg lighter than series 2 (91-92)

[Primordial]

Ok.. ill rephrase my initial question.. I just didnt want this to end up another series vs series thread!

How much difference does X amount of weight make in the REAL WORLD. People talk about the R33 as a 'boat' etc. But how much actual performance difference/benefit is there as a result - NOT including other factors of course.

Im not talking specific numbers, just your opinion of whether a small amount of weight makes a difference in the performance of a car

Edited March 30, 2006 by Primordial

[Bliksem]

..........NOT including other factors of course...........whether a small amount of weight makes a difference in the performance of a car

this can be reflected by the power to weight ratios

R32 = 8.25Kg/kW

R33 = 7.32Kg/kW

R34 = 6.84Kg/kW

[Sydneykid]

A lot of people mention the extra weight of the R34 and R33 over the R32.

How much real world difference does extra kilos make to the performance of a car? Obviously less weight means more speed and better handling.

So considering the R33 GTS-T is 3.7% heavier than the R32 GTS-T, would this mean that the R32 is exactly 3.7% faster than an R33? (obviously comparing cars with exactly the same tyres, suspension etc etc).

If this is the case, then 3.7% isn't much difference IMO - I think driver skill would 'outweigh' this small percentage when it comes to any type of competition, be it track or drag events!

Here are the KERBweights I've found for each model:

R32 GTS-T - 1320kg

R33 GTS-T - 1370kg

R34 GT-T - 1410kg

R32 GTR - 1480kg

R33 GTR - 1530kg

R34 GTR - 1540kg

What do you think?

1989/90 R32GTST's weigh 1265 kgs, no sunroof, no ABS

For the same reasons 1989/90 R32GTR's weigh less than 1991/93 R32GTR's

Using engine power to weight is simplistic, you need to take into account the relative transmission losses.

Weight affects more than acceleration, there is also braking and cornering to be considered if you are looking at circuit work. There is also the effect of where the extra weight is. The extra ~200 kgs carried by a GTR is mostly on the front wheels, that has a big effect on how they handle.

Take a look at the success ballast applied to certain forms of racing, 40 kgs will take you from the front to the back of the grid.

cheers

Edited March 30, 2006 by Sydneykid

[JnJ]

yeah im with primordial, y do they say that 33 is too heavy wen in fact a stronger engine helps out balance the weight. why call 33 a boat? wen the 34 is heavier?

[nizmo_freek]

My 1989 r32 gtst 4door auto,with sunroof and a full tank of gas in full street trim weighed 1390kg, so im guessing it would weigh about 1320-1330kg dry, anyone else weighed there car??

[gt-t_r34]

1989/90 R32GTST's weigh 1265 kgs, no sunroof, no ABS

i have abs!

and my r32 is 89'

[IOWNU]

yeah im with primordial, y do they say that 33 is too heavy wen in fact a stronger engine helps out balance the weight. why call 33 a boat? wen the 34 is heavier?

I think people say that because of the way they look, rather than how they go.

[kralster]

You've also gotta remember it's not all about the total weight it's about where it is. For example if anyone here has driven an old porsche 911 you will know what it's like with that huge amount of weight sitting behind the rear axle. It's like a pendulum and when the rear steps out it's very hard to catch. It also makes the front end very flighty and not seem as grounded. Compare that to a porsche boxer with agrubly the best place for an engine (midship) and you'll understand.

So if a car weighs more also think about where it carry's it's weight.