Quote:
Originally Posted by Allch Chcar
Oh sure, just throw that all out there. Plenty of us aren't as sensitive about our weight as much as our HP.
You forgot to add the 2012 RX-8 which is 3100lbs and the BMW 128i/135i but I don't know how much those weigh.
Those cars are all light weights for their class. But they are all middleweights with the interior dimensions of a compact or subcompact.
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lol, I just constantly see people arguing weight and saying how "fat" the Genesis Coupe is. But when compared to other cars that are
similar in price, class, power it falls in as average when concerning weight. Simply put, the vehicles I listed (and the two you provided) are not in the same class as vehicles like the S2000, MX-5, FT-86 (et al), and say a Porsche Cayman.
Quote:
Originally Posted by spin9k
^ Actually the 2012 RX-8 is only 3065lbs 6-spd / 3111lbs auto - up from my 2004 model year @ 3029lbs 6-spd / 3053lbs auto
I'd say there are truly 3 weight groupings for sports cars discussed here - 3300-3600lbs 'heavy weight'; 2900-3300lbs 'mid weight' and finally 2500-2900lbs 'light weight'.
Anyone who shows up for track >3000lbs is doing pretty well weightwise. But if the GT86 is ~2600lbs, track setup could be easily 2500lbs or less with lightweight wheels, tires, rotors, exhaust, battery, no back seat, etc. That would be 200hp@a whole new level of fun.
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Just for the hell of it, so a Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec would be a mid weight while the base model 3.8 would be a heavy weight? What about sports cars over 3600 lbs? I'm not arguing, I'm just curious.
Just curious again, but I thought the 86 was more like ~2700lbs or am I just splitting hairs? But I do agree, 200bhp and ~2600lbs will be fun, but I think 340bhp and 3400lbs has the same appeal, to me anyways.
FWIW, I consider anything 3100-3500 lbs and average for a mid size sports coupe/hatch/sedan based on what you currently see on the market.
Keep in mind that to reduce weight, a manufacturer has to take a few things into account when designing a vehicle.
LIST A
The following options save weight but
decrease occupant comfort, performance, durability and safety:
- Reduce creature comforts like various electronics (power seats, cruise control, blue tooth, decent sound system, etc) or good seats, spare tire and equipment, and other things that make your life nice when driving long distances.
- Reduce overall safety be eliminating airbags, soft surfaces, crumple zones, safety reinforcement etc and other things that could prolong life in the event of an accident.
- Use cheaper, less durable materials designed to save weight rather than hold up to extreme forces (ie performance driving).
- Reduce engine size and performance options.
LIST B
The following options can save weight and
increase performance, driver comfort, durability and safety:
- Use high quality components for creature comforts. This could be from lightweight, compact electronic controls to lightweight seats that maintain comfort.
- Use stronger yet lighter materials designed for high performance, such as titanium, aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber. These materials can be used for body panels, suspension components or engine construction just to name a few.
- Spend more time engineering, testing, prototyping to find effective solutions to save weight while not sacrificing anything.
Now for the good part, the MAIN difference between list A and list B is...
You guessed it, COST! The question is, where does you car, the 86 or (to be on topic) the new Genesis Coupe fit in all these? This is where the boys are separated from the men, so to speak.
The Genesis Coupe was not put on a strict diet by its engineers.
It does not use high tech materials to save weight.
It DOES have many creature comforts and features to increase driver pleasure.
It DOES NOT sacrifice overall durability by using cheap components that cannot keep up with the marketed abilities of the car (ie performance, handling, etc), after all, that is its target market.
It DOES maintain excellent safety ratings and chassis rigidity.
This is reflected by the "you get what you pay for" factor. Same goes for a Lotus Exige, Porsche 911, or Nissan GTR. Those last examples totally out perform the GC in pretty much every way, but cost at least twice if not quadruple the asking price of even the Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT/Track. This is the same reason why a Chevy Sonic LTZ does not even come close to that same Genesis.
Here is the kicker for you anxious 86/BRZ owners, what would you rather sacrifice? Quality or your bank account? Because that what it is going to come down to. Myself? I would rather pay $33k (CND) and have a well engineered, lightweight car than a poorly engineered, lightweight, unsafe deathtrap selling for $22k (CND).
Sorry for my long posts. I just can't stand typing something and feeling like I missed something. At least I can give you guys something to read between news releases, photo bombs and other 86/BRZ goodies!
