Why 100hp per liter is a poor comparision
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Saratoga Spgs, NY 12866 NY
Why 100hp per liter is a poor comparision
Rated horsepower per liter is sometimes used to show that the Corvette engines a low tech when compared to small, multi-valve engines, especially in the 2 to 3 liter size. I happen to see this as :bs and I wrote a short artical for our club news letter on the subject. I have provided a link if you're interested. It is a couple pages long. http://www.adirondackcorvettes.com/pump.htm
[Modified by Terry Humiston, 1:12 PM 3/21/2003]
[Modified by Terry Humiston, 1:12 PM 3/21/2003]
Safety Car
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From: Insert Wittty Comment here
Re: Why 100hp per liter is a poor comparision (MRCoupe2002)
Good article. And very intersting. Can you expand upon that by looking at turbo charged applications which seesm to be the path that most imports go to to make big HP numbers....
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Re: Why 100hp per liter is a poor comparision (Terry Humiston)
Interesting article. I am going to have to spend some more time really digesting it.
To me, the big issue is: Why should you care how many hp/liter you get? The key issues for automobile engine performance for most people are:
Peak horsepower
Broad torque curve
Fuel Efficiency
Weight
Reliability/durability
Looking at the "low tech" Vette engine versus the "high tech" Honda S2000, engine, I think we'd agree the Vette wins hands down. An LS1 produces waaaay more peak horsepower, and has a much broader torque curve (if you've driven an S2000, you know it is a slug below 7000 rpm). The Vette gets better gas mileage according to the EPA numbers (I believe a six speed Vette is rated at 19/28 while the S2000 is 19/26, or something close). Finally, while the LS1 probably weighs more than the S2000 motor, the overall car weight is probably very close (I admit, I don't have weight figures for the Honda). As for reliability/durability, I have no hard facts, but the higher revving S2000 is probably going to be subject to more wear over time, reducing durability.
Just my thoughts....
To me, the big issue is: Why should you care how many hp/liter you get? The key issues for automobile engine performance for most people are:
Peak horsepower
Broad torque curve
Fuel Efficiency
Weight
Reliability/durability
Looking at the "low tech" Vette engine versus the "high tech" Honda S2000, engine, I think we'd agree the Vette wins hands down. An LS1 produces waaaay more peak horsepower, and has a much broader torque curve (if you've driven an S2000, you know it is a slug below 7000 rpm). The Vette gets better gas mileage according to the EPA numbers (I believe a six speed Vette is rated at 19/28 while the S2000 is 19/26, or something close). Finally, while the LS1 probably weighs more than the S2000 motor, the overall car weight is probably very close (I admit, I don't have weight figures for the Honda). As for reliability/durability, I have no hard facts, but the higher revving S2000 is probably going to be subject to more wear over time, reducing durability.
Just my thoughts....
