What you write is correct, but you might be confusing unsprung mass with rotating mass. Your argument applies to rotating mass, not unsprung mass. On a car, not all unsprung mass is rotating (brake caliper for example). Not all rotating mass is unsprung mass (crankshaft for example). I would guess that a A2 VW, a bit less than half of the unsprung mass is also rotating mass.
Jim PS How are the Graspics? I have a new set but have not driven to the snow with them yet. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2000 12:25:59 -0500 From: [email protected] Subject: Re: The beast revealed! Clayton, Exactly how could unsprung weight NOT affect acceleration? My physics is a little rusty, but I seem to remember a basic principle (and common sense) that says it takes more force to rotate a heavy object than it does to rotate a lighter object. I also seem to remember that it takes more force to rotate an object whose mass is concentrated towards its outer edge than it does to rotate one whose mass is concentrated towards its center. (i.e, a 20 lb 15" wheel is easier to rotate than a 20 lb 18" wheel due to the 18" wheel having more of its mass towards its outer edge.) Am I wrong here? -Brett. '90 GLi (Currently on 14" Teardrops/ Dunlop Graspic Snows, 15" Corrado Wheels/ Dunlop SP8000s in the summer) _____________ List Sponsor: http://www.netsville.com To remove yourself from this list, send mail to [email protected] with 'unsubscribe a2_16v' in the body of your message See us on the web at http://www.a2-16v.com Visit the 16V Homepage at http://www.gti16v.org
