Quote:
Originally Posted by wellby
Most Bonneville cars are much heavier than you would think it helps plant the car along with the proper aerodynamics. Reducing weight helps acceleration but not overall top speed, even a little extra weight in the right place will help
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Exactly, weight is free downforce without drag penalty. Most salt flats cars are very heavy.
Terminal top speed is not determined by weight. In fact, weight has little to no effect at all on terminal top speed. Its greatest factor is acceleration (either longitudinal, or lateral)
Terminal top speed is most affected by aerodynamic drag and the power required to overcome that drag.