Weight Distribution
05-17-2001, 09:07 AM
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Weight Distribution
Sup guys, i was looking at the bmw website and noticed that the weight distribution of bmw's are pretty much 50/50 while the audis have more weight distributed to the front than the back... was wondering what the significance of that was? Is the 3 series safer than the a4? Yes i'm a newbie
05-17-2001, 09:13 AM
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One prime reason for the A4 being nose-heavy is its engine is in front of the front axle...
...while the 3-series' sits rearward of the axle. In theory, there might be more crumple room in the A4 because of this.
05-17-2001, 09:20 AM
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50/50 primarily affects handling
That's why performance car manufacturers often mention it to tout their car's handling prowess.
Notice how many sports cars (and racecars) through the ages have been mid-engined? Better balance.
As for your safety concerns, both Audi and BMW make extremely safe cars. Either way, you'll be in good hands provided you don't have a tendency to run into things. If so, you should consider a Big SUV.
Notice how many sports cars (and racecars) through the ages have been mid-engined? Better balance.
As for your safety concerns, both Audi and BMW make extremely safe cars. Either way, you'll be in good hands provided you don't have a tendency to run into things. If so, you should consider a Big SUV.
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05-17-2001, 10:45 AM
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A4 is a fairly safe car
Here is a link to the injury rates. The A4 is listed in the small car section :-) while the BMW-3 is in the luxury section (see second link).
Keep in mind though that these numbers are heavily affected by driver demographics. Also, I don't miles/year is factored in. How many miles do you think owners of Ford Crown Victorias drive every year? Hint: many of them are senior citizens. I bet the injury rate would look horrible if it was per miles driven. Also, small cars are probably not as bad as the numbers indicate. Their average drivers are younger, so they tend to be more inexperienced and more willing to take risks.<ul><li><a href="http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ictl/ictl_4dr.htm">http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ictl/ictl_4dr.htm</a</li></ul>
Keep in mind though that these numbers are heavily affected by driver demographics. Also, I don't miles/year is factored in. How many miles do you think owners of Ford Crown Victorias drive every year? Hint: many of them are senior citizens. I bet the injury rate would look horrible if it was per miles driven. Also, small cars are probably not as bad as the numbers indicate. Their average drivers are younger, so they tend to be more inexperienced and more willing to take risks.<ul><li><a href="http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ictl/ictl_4dr.htm">http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ictl/ictl_4dr.htm</a</li></ul>