rkm@afinitc.UUCP (Randy More) (04/26/84)
What is performance, A lot of talk these days centers around "performance" cars, the new mustang SVO, etc. However when discussing such cars the first words used usually include Horsepower, Top speed, and quarter mile. I must protest these sorts of measurements. Although sheer power, and acceleration have their place (mostly on the bracket racing course) pereformance is a much more complex thing. Performance is really how well the car works under the conditions it was designed for, everyday driving. Example ------- My step-brother has a Firebird mustle car, and I have a Porsche 924. In a straight line there is no contest, but on any sort of curve he has to fight for control while I take the corner with ease. Whose car performs better?. I think a valid case could be made that his balance of high speed and acceleration + poor cornering is actually anti-performance. When I leave my garage each day and enter the fray, I want a car that can avoid blue-haired ladies in 76 eldorados (nf) with the flick of a wrist, getting to work, and knowing I would all along, *thats* performance. Randy More ..!ihnp4!afinitc!rkm