weight watcher

February 7th, 2006

Who when ordering a car debates about whether to get a sunroof or Xenon lights?

I do, if only because both options add weight in the worst possible places…

Xenon units are heavier than their halogen counterparts, increasing a car’s polar moment and making the weight distribution more front biased – both reduce turn-in response. This is why they’re deleted from max-performance versions of performance cars such as the Mitsubishi EVO.

Adding a sunroof increases weight due to the glass panel, motor, etc. This raises the center of gravity which is always a bad thing unless you increase the track by a factor of 6 as well. This is why Subaru for example now makes its sunroof cartridges out of aluminum.

Consider both these things – and if possible try the car you’re considering with and without – if you’re ordering a car for the way it handles.

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