This is what's wrong with the AHFS.

[Michael Beard]

I'd say you're right. That being said: some combinations are better than others. Yes, a Corvette is more desirable than a wagon. BUT, you race the wagon because it's frickin' cool. While most guys want to go fast, there is still a great deal of vehicle selection that goes on because of the 'cool' factor. Otherwise, everyone would run one of a handful of the 'magic' combinations.

You can also take two identically prepared cars - same engine, body, and everything, and they may perform differently on the track.

I have no clue how good the combinations are compared universally with everything else, but some of the coolest Stockers on the planet are Ray Golanka's Q/SA Caddy and Tom Gould's stick Corvair!

NHRA factors body styles, but some people got mad when I suggested that fresh air systems were worth horsepower. I think a hoodscoop makes more of a difference than aerodynamics!