SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Best handing combination? Top/roll bar up or down?
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2003 SL55, 1999 Lexus LS400
Best handing combination? Top/roll bar up or down?
I'm wondering if any magazines or anyone else have done any handling tests with both the top up and down, and each time tested with the roll bar both up and down.
Maybe even drag tests to test 60' times to see if weight being right over the rear wheels when top is down will help any?
Is there a clear choice of combination for handling or drag racing?
Maybe even drag tests to test 60' times to see if weight being right over the rear wheels when top is down will help any?
Is there a clear choice of combination for handling or drag racing?
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2010 Taco
I think you are fighting against yourself. Obviously the lower all the weight is (CG), the better your handling will be, but when you consider aerodynamics for speed, then top up is probably better. These aren't really race cars, so my advice is to stop worrying about what's faster & just drive in mode that gives you the most pleasure. There are plenty of other cars that are faster, just enjoy the ride .
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2003 SL55, 1999 Lexus LS400
I think you are fighting against yourself. Obviously the lower all the weight is (CG), the better your handling will be, but when you consider aerodynamics for speed, then top up is probably better. These aren't really race cars, so my advice is to stop worrying about what's faster & just drive in mode that gives you the most pleasure. There are plenty of other cars that are faster, just enjoy the ride .
Also wondering if the roll bar has any effect on handling?
Last edited by Broker; 03-15-2011 at 06:46 PM.
#5
Top up rolled up windows gives you best performance.
But I agree with the "don't worry" post. If those questions are important to you then maybe the sl is not the car for you...
Btw, at the drag strip they will ask you to put the top anyway.
But I agree with the "don't worry" post. If those questions are important to you then maybe the sl is not the car for you...
Btw, at the drag strip they will ask you to put the top anyway.
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2003 SL55, 1999 Lexus LS400
Once again, I'll say that these questions aren't really that important to me. I realize that a convertible regardless of top up or down is not the best way to go about pure performance. I would have purchased a 996tt otherwise. Like I said, I was just wondering if there is much of a difference either way (regardless of aerodynamics)
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#8
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I swear I feel more body roll with the top down. It seems top down with the roof and rear window sitting over the drive wheels could add to traction and improve 60ft times. Problem is, I have not found a track that will let me try.
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SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I'm wondering if any magazines or anyone else have done any handling tests with both the top up and down, and each time tested with the roll bar both up and down.
Maybe even drag tests to test 60' times to see if weight being right over the rear wheels when top is down will help any?
Is there a clear choice of combination for handling or drag racing?
Maybe even drag tests to test 60' times to see if weight being right over the rear wheels when top is down will help any?
Is there a clear choice of combination for handling or drag racing?