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View Full Version : Skidpad Numbers - 'Roadholding'



TheMonkey
04-21-2007, 06:20 AM
Thumbing through a recent issue of Car & Driver, or something of the sorts. They did a comparison of 3 Euro sports sedans. I think it was Audi S6, BMW M5, & Mercedes AMG something or other.

One of the metrics was 'Roadholding' on a 300 ft skidpad. The Audi was the best with I think 0.87g, and the other 2 were 0.83g (BMW) & 0.82g (AMG). Anyhow, those numbers didn't mean much to me because I don't really know how to compare that notional number. A relative number is more meaningful.

So... a few pages later, they have a spread on the Acura MDX (the 'crossover' SUV). They do similar tests. The 'roadholding' test on a 300 ft skidpad was 0.84g.

What the heck? :screwy:

andrewb70
04-21-2007, 07:48 AM
Compare the slalom numbers. They will tell a different story.

Andrew

TheMonkey
04-21-2007, 08:43 AM
So what is the purpose of the skidpad #?

andrewb70
04-21-2007, 08:48 AM
So what is the purpose of the skidpad #?

To measure a cars ability to hold the road in a steady state turn.

Andrew