Quote:
Originally Posted by Harey
Toyota, Subaru and others say that more power would ruin the twins. With the below caveats I dont understand this??
- additional power/torque stays mostly linear (ignoring torque dip)
- additional power does not add weight (or perhaps very little and that little weight is counterbalanced at the rear of the car)
- additional power is OEM engineered (not wanting to discuss the reliability of aftermarket modifications)
I understand it was not the goal of the car, but I dont understand why it would ruin the car. Yes a turbo with a big rush of torque or a big heavy engine would ruin the handling agreed. But if the additional power/torque remains linear and there is minimal extra weight I dont see how it would ruin the car?
Im not saying necessarily that the twins should have come with more power (separate discussion) I am just questioning the statement that the car would be ruined. Is there something I am missing?
|
Your caveat of "additional power does not add weight" is not feasible. Additional power will add weight (wider tyres, bigger brakes, larger driveshaft, larger radiator, bigger exhaust, bigger intake, etc). To maintain the balance of the car, even more weight will be added: bigger fuel tank (more power usually means greater fuel consumption), larger spare wheel, beefing up suspension, etc.
Fuel consumption will go up, as well as the cost and sales price.
Conclusion: any significant power increase will increase weight, cost, and fuel consumption.
It may not ruin the Toybaru, per se, but it will change the original concept of the vehicle: light, efficient, cheap, and fantastic handling.
Instead, we should think of the Toybaru as a 'semi-kit car'. It is cheap but only about 90% complete. Although technically the end-user can drive the car as is, it is really meant to be 'furnished' by the end-user according to his exact requirement. The power-hungry can readily add more power without breaking the bank or reliability. Others may add more refinement (more sound insulation, better ride, etc). The permutation of different mod packages is almost endless, to suit every taste.
Last, but not least. Faster does not always require more power. Reducing weight by 100lb will also make the car faster and handle better at the same time.