Technical Questions On Cars

last SG · 2006-11-04T22:12:53+00:00

I thought torque convertor is to release the energy created by the turning engine so as to prevent the car from stalling?

buses_galore SG

Post all your questions on cars technical only here and whoever knows please reply.
Thank You!

ditzy SG

Why is it mostly only hatchbacks have rear windscreen wipers? Laughing

crispylips SG

Is it because normal cars have a trunk space to block out the exhaust smoke and dust from the road?

Why are automatic cars more expensive than manual?

ditzy SG

Because automatic gear boxes are more advanced, and have more clutches to replace. Laughing

buses_galore SG

I thin that automatic gearboxes are pieces of precision engineering and cost more to produce and also there is a torque converter.

Tayysj SG

auto gearbox where got clutch?

Herzog_Zwei SG

What are spark plugs for?

n0x SG

depending on what type of auto gear box Wink

n0x SG

to ignite ur fuel/air mixture

skid SG

http://www.familycar.com/Transmission.htm

Herzog_Zwei SG

I thought they call them igniters...Darn, still not used to the terminlogy.

skid SG

they may be called different things elsewhere...we say spark plugs in the USA.

ditzy SG

Clutches don't just refer to the damn pedals your feet steps on. Laughing

sir_boris SG

manual gearbox got clutch, and in auto gearbox, the equivalent is torque converter.

revotune SG

i am expert in herzog Zwei,

heard that it is the ancestor to RTS genre. lol

archie84 SG

Hi everybody ! I got two Qns to ask.

Firstly here is the list of type of engine configaration and the advantages and the disavantages. Can the expert and more information in there please ?

In line engine

Adv-
smooth
easy to service

Div-
high nose increase areodynamic drag

V engine

Adv-
?

Div-
?

Box engine

Adv-
lower centre of gravity
low nose good for aerodynamic

Div-
hard to service
expansive to make

Wankel Rotory engine

Adv-
light , smooth , compact

Div-
high exhaust emissions due to insufficient control of airflow
high heat lost

Secondly , since Rearwheel (FR) drive car is easier to steer why is it Frontwheel (FF) Drive car still widely use. Is it due to the cost and the complexity of the design or ease of car design.

Thanks guys !!!! Very Happy

n0x SG

what do u mean by that

FR cars have better weight distribution than FF cars and hence better handling.... and frm a launch start a FR will have the advantage over FF cos of the "squating stance" pushing down the rear wheels and thus more traction to the rear driven wheels.... but since we are juz commuting everyday, the diff is negligible...

and hence makers adopt a "why not" attitude and extensively use the FF layout even with higher end makes like audi saab volvo and vw...
reasons being lower manufacturing costs and doing away with propeller shaft and rear differential allows more rear space and bigger boot... and with the engine mounted tranversely in a FF the front passengers get more leg room...

of cos there are makers that swear by the FRl ayout like mercedes( excluding A class) bmw and lexus...

Herzog_Zwei SG

You means less wasted energy due to distance from engine to traction wheels?

n0x SG

erm no...
go and visualise how a car will look like if it were to launch at 6k rpm... and u will understand
a car will "squat" meaning the front will tip upwards and the rear will "sit down"

nightsky87 SG

accelerating force forward, action = reaction hence weight goes to the rear, rear end lower than front end.

since generally more downforce on tyre (in this case weight) = more traction, FR cars get advantage.