From what I've read, the track model is heavier than the performance model right?

so if they have the same engine specs and the performance model has the traction control... shouldn't the performance model be faster than the track?

sorry if this is a silly question.

d

 

More importantly, the track model's wheels weigh 34 pounds less (total) than the other models. 34 pounds of unsprung weight MORE than offsets 8 pounds of total weight.

 

It's generally thought that it takes 50lbs to make a difference in braking, acceleration and handling. 50lbs is therefore an unofficial unit of measure. It can aslo depend on where the weight is located. E.G. if it's over the nose of the car, it can easily lead to slower turn-in and more understeer.

Remember Newton's law: "Objectives in motion tend to stay in motion." Well, the heavier the car, the less willing it is to change direction such as going through a slalom. Suspension tuning and weight distribution can help, but, only to a point. But again, weight differences need to be a lot higher than 8lbs.

Incidentally, the Porsche 911 has a gas tank of 16.9 gallons while the Z has 20gals. So if you want an immediate saving of 18lbs, simply fill your tank to 16.9gal.

 

Since i see that ed is from canada i thought id mention that the performance model does not weigh less than the track model in canada. The performance model is the same as the touring 6 spd in the US.

 

That's a good question!

For the life of me, I still can't work out why the Z is so heavy. The new Mazda RX8 is going to be under 3000lbs with 4 doors and 4 seats. Even if you allow 100lbs for differences in engine weight, it still seems a mystery.

 

brembos are slightly larger, and the areo kit has to weigh like 8-10 pounds. Also don't forget the super secret more powerful engine in the track.

 

Here's some weight calcs (I'm generically saying the Z is 3200 lbs. for quick figures... oh yeah, I make no claim on the accuracy of my number punching either).

If you save...
10 lbs = 0.3% weight reduction
100 lbs = 3% weight reduction
500 lbs = 15% weight reduction
1000 lbs = 31% weight reduction

So in all fairness and taking some exp from my job... 2-5% tolerance is typically ignorable?

I'm not making assumptions such as light wheels = less rotational mass. Just talking about weight reduction in general...

Basically... if you're worried about 10-15 lbs here and there, take comfort in the fact that you're worrying about ~0.3% of the total car mass.