Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew Hill
The Corvette is significantly better aerodynamically as the frontal area on the Corvette is much smaller. Here's some info that I found a while back for 4th gen Camaro/Firebirds/C5 Corvettes:
1993-2002 Camaro/Firebird: Cd = 0.34, A = 22.0, CdA = 7.48
C5 Corvette: Cd = 0.29, A = 21.3, CdA = 6.18 (note the Z06 is higher)
A C5 is actually better than a Cobalt, and a third gen is actually better than a 4th gen. Obviously this is at stock ride height with stock wheels/tires, etc, so it would change some for a drag car. That being said, if you do the math, it's only a few hundredths difference.
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Not trying to start an argument, nevertheless, where did you get your data? Calculations do not replace actual wind tunnel results.
The data I posted is from from actual testing done for General Motors at my former employer's wind tunnel.
Although General Motors has its own wind tunnel, it was not available to the public or racing teams until 2009. Prior to 2009, GM contracted the wind tunnel testing with outside vendors.
This is the same wind tunnel were Warren Johnson tested his new Pro Stock Firebird late 1998 and ended changing the shape of the quarter panels and rake of the car.
When he showed up at Pomona in 1999, he had to redo the quarter panels with a hammer on his car after he was protested by others and eventually Rick Jones re-skinned the quarter panels to the likes of NHRA. It is the same wind tunnel were Warren learned first hand how much drag and horsepower penalty is on a hood scoop.