jcmseven
Veteran Member
A couple notes about the pickup truck shootout noted by Paul: having read this several times, it appears that the trucks tested are all very equal, particularly in diesel configurations. The acceleration numbers, both loaded and unloaded are virtually equal. I am not sure what the squat test really proves, especially when we look at the difference as a function of total height. I also do not see any of these trucks "squatting" enough to deleteriously affect the handling of the truck under load. The minute acceleration differences in the trucks relate largely to their sprung weight. The combined truck and trailer weight is uncorrected, as it should be to indicate a "real world" testing. But it can produce somewhat misleading results. We should consider, at least in my old street/drag racing days recollection, that 100 pounds of chassis weight equalled roughly 0.08 seconds in the quarter mile. This was in a smaller car with a lower curb weight. I cannot attest to whether this applies to 8000# pickups, but it may come close. One can correct for that and see what the acceleration numbers would be for vehicles of equal weight, assuming equal drivetrain friction and similar brick-like aerodynamics for each. (Irrespective of gearing, also). This finding would be exaggerated in any short steep hillclimb, also, by some factor beyond my physics knowledge (I might have been able to figure this at some time in my life--just not now). This gives a better assessment of how the powertrain handles the weight of not only the trailer, but the truck as well.
John M
John M
