Re: [DML] Re: DeLorean Handling

["Christopher Hawes" <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The Porsche issue of the similar layout to the DeLorean has always made me
curious and after a bit of research and help from a friend who is well
connected to the marque I found the following results.

The brand new Porsche 997 (has gone back to the round tail lamps again) has
the weight distribution of 63% at the rear and 37% at the front.  That's
exactly the same as the DeLorean.
The previous model, the 996 (Boxster headlamps) had 60% - 40% but did not
handle as well or involve the driver like the new model.  Suspension
technology is certainly a key factor.

The crucial element is the centre of gravity.  The Porsche has a flat six
and therefore a lower centre of gravity which obviously has a dramatic
effect on the handling.  Porsche has even considered the little things like
the car battery which is mounted centrally in the luggage compartment at the
front.

Having ridden in the new 911 (997) recently I found as the passenger I was
having the fun at 120mph plus in conditions where 90mph in the DeLorean
would feel just as engaging.

I also won a track day where I drove the Ferrari 360 Spyder, Noble M12 GTO
(twin turbo), Mercedes SL55 AMG, Lotus Exige and Dodge Viper RT/10.  The
Ferrari was a substitute for the Diablo SV which had a broken gearbox.  Sure
the explosive acceleration of some of the cars was electrifying, but the
quirkiness of my 23 year old DeLorean is still the car for me.  The Delorean
feels like a big, luxurious go kart, I love it!!!

I have the euro-spec performance set-up on my car and on a greasy surface I
can easily fish tale it from rest if desired.  So much so once that the rear
near side tail light fell out.  Another DeLorean behind me soon let me know.
That proved that you need 4 plus screws to maintain a fit.... that same unit
is now attached with the complete set of black stainless steel screws from
PJ Grady ....

Just my 2 pence

Chris H.
vin 5255

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Shepherd" <chrisau79@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2004 4:05 PM
Subject: Re: [DML] Re: DeLorean Handling


>
>
> I must disagree. Ever driven a Porsche?
> Living on the N Oregon coast I drive "twisties" all the time. Mine is the
Island twin turbo and I always accelerate through corners and have never had
a problem with the rear end breaking free. The Porsches I have owned would
go into a "drift" that was very controllable and for that matter so would
the Corvairs. My DeLoreans have only given me a problem once and that was on
the I405/I5 merge in CA where there was standing water that I couldn't see
because of the amount of rain at the time. Did a complete spin and continued
on my way. The car did sputter for a little while 'till the engine dried
out.
>
> David Teitelbaum <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>
>
> I have to agree with Mike. A rear weight bias is the worst case. Think
> of it as a pendulum. Once it starts swinging there is no way to stop
> it and the chance to correct is very small. Factor in the limited
> steering radius of the front wheels and you are very quickly past the
> point where you can catch and correct a spin. On top of that the rear
> will probably break loose without much warning so you don't know just
> where that edge of performance is without going over it. Now you might
> start to understand some of the inherent benefits of a front wheel
> drive car with a front engine over a rear wheel drive car with a rear
> engine. It will allow you to "power steer" through a spin. Changing
> the motor and increasing the weight in the rear will only cause things
> to get worse, not better. In fact the easier it is to spin the tires,
> the easier it will be to spin the car. Maybe a slightly underpowered
> Delorean was a safer Delorean! Of course there are many other
> variables, for instance the amount of fuel (weight) in the tank, the
> condition of the tires and road surface, temperature, etc.
> David Teitelbaum
> vin 10757
>






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