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[Z06] aerodynamics question

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Old Jun 9, 2004 | 02:54 AM
  #1  
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Default aerodynamics question

howdie, i was taking my black Z in for its first (FREE) oil change. when i pulled up i saw a gorgeous '96 Grand Sport. after it left a red '94 pulled up behind me and got me thinking: "which car is more aerodynamic , a C4 or a C5?" i heard that the C4's are more stable at top speeds(i've never had my car past 110). thanx abunch
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Old Jun 9, 2004 | 09:16 AM
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Default Re: aerodynamics question (jimmy2004)

Aerodynamic stability and aerodynamic drag are two seperate parameters.

The C5 has less 'CD' or coefficient of drag than the C4. Smaller CD is more/better.

Stability can change with velocity whereas CD is a constant.

I don't know which is more stable at a specified speed.




[Modified by VetNutJim, 8:17 AM 6/9/2004]
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Old Jun 9, 2004 | 09:34 AM
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Default Re: aerodynamics question (jimmy2004)

c5s have less drag, alot of that has to do with the bigger rear end on the c5. i've heard c4s r more stable at speed also, but i'm not positive. to me, the c4 looks like it would be more aero dynamic, but i guess it isnt.
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Old Jun 9, 2004 | 10:28 AM
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Default Re: aerodynamics question (jimmy2004)

It could be that the higher cd on the C4 is a result of additional downforce, which would make the c4 more stable at 140+, where downforce/ground effects really start to come into play. Haven't had the z06 up that fast, but the zr1 was rock solid at 130+.

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Old Jun 9, 2004 | 02:09 PM
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Default Re: aerodynamics question (Yibbutkeen)

I've had all of my Vette's ('96, '97, '02, '04) at 150+ and to be honest they all felt about the same. Planted!
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Old Jun 11, 2004 | 02:49 AM
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Default Re: aerodynamics question (Nat04Z06)

does anyone know which car is lower?
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Old Jun 14, 2004 | 02:20 PM
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Default Re: aerodynamics question (jimmy2004)

My neighbor and I have taken my C5 and his ZR1 over 160 mph several times and he agrees more than I that the C5 is more stable at higher speeds. Granted my C5 is lowered, has T1's; IAS shocks, and wider rubber all the way around; but his ZR1 is also sporting new treads and I believe has upgraded shocks. Can't remember which magazine I read, but it stated the C5 as being one of the most aerodynamic cars ever produced. My .02
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Old Jun 16, 2004 | 11:45 PM
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Default Re: aerodynamics question (jimmy2004)

Stock vs. stock, a C5 coupe is more aerodynamic than any C4, but can you believe that there's a version of the Lexus 430 4-door sedan with an even lower Cd than any vette? The Lexus 430 that lowers itself at speed is more slippery through the air than a vette, just amazing...
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 03:49 PM
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Default Re: aerodynamics question (The Batman)

Not to mention the new Toyota Prius which has a CD of .26

That is amazing...
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 06:35 PM
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Default Re: aerodynamics question (The Batman)

Stock vs. stock, a C5 coupe is more aerodynamic than any C4, but can you believe that there's a version of the Lexus 430 4-door sedan with an even lower Cd than any vette? The Lexus 430 that lowers itself at speed is more slippery through the air than a vette, just amazing...
Remember that Cd is just part of the equation. You have to take into account frontal area also when calculating drag. If you count the frontal area difference, the Lexus still exhibits more aero drag than a C5.
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