2.7Lturbo

wrong, the smallest of the 4 is aerodynamic drag check out the drag coefficient, one os the smallest for a production midsize sedan

Just Me

Without caveat you simply cannot say that as aero drag rises exponentially with speed. Most care as aero limited at top speed. I don't necessarily buy your argument. At 30 mph? Yea. At 80? probably not.

Note small aero coefficient (relative to others) does not mean small drag. It simply means a) less drag per unit area and b) still dependent on unit area - big cars move more air all else equal.

In any event, at best you're saying its #3 not #4 - i do believe F=MA dominates, and rolling drag, which is huge, is #2

Of course, rolling drag depends on tires, width, inflation, temperature, etc.

got numbers? I'm interested.

G

2.7Lturbo

Your also neglecting air density that will also effect drag.

you are correct in that size matters

bottom line the c5 a6 has a drag drag coefficient of .28... LOW by any standard especially for a car its size, yes i exaggerated on placing it fourth, but it in no way deserves to be first.

i dont have extensive wind tunnel testing available but i would love to see the drag vs drivetrain loss

Just Me

I didn't mean to imply any order at all.
Only that driveline drag is only 1/4 contributors

I know that fluid dynamics is not only complex, but occasionally fishy :-)

2.7Lturbo

haha its about as fishy as oil speculation on the stock market.... any one variable manipulation and you can change the outcome.


I still think that driveline drag would be the most however i have no way to prove that. i think rolling drag would be least and aero in the middle

Just Me

actually it was a (bad) joke about fluid - water ... fish.....