glenm@mako.UUCP (Glen McCluskey) (06/07/84)
Does anyone know a good way to measure the ability of a car to pass quickly, climb hills, carry heavy loads, etc? Obviously such criteria as horsepower, displacement, 0-60 figures, and the like can be used, but these don't really answer the question. Such factors as aerodynamic design, weight, etc. are not considered. I am attempting to determine the likely differences between a 1984 Tercel and a 1974 Valiant 318 V8. The latter has an engine 3X the size, yet I am sure its performance is not 3X as much. What about doing something like taking the ratio of the weight of the car to the horsepower?