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| THE READ FOR SPEED by Ned Erkman |
| CHAPTER 2 |
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It is often considered that the performance potential for a high performance vehicle is primarily determined by engine power. Although horsepower and torque are key ingredients, the power of an engine is not the only requirement for improving vehicle performance. The acceleration rate of an engine also contributes to performance by producing a rapid rate of vehicle acceleration.
The engine acceleration rate is determined by the speed in which the crankshaft rotates. The faster the engine rotates or spins the crankshaft, the faster the vehicle will accelerate. Although engine power creates energy to turn the crankshaft, the acceleration rate is what determines how fast the crankshaft rotates. A faster rotation of the crankshaft helps to turn the drive train components faster, which then rotate the drive wheels faster, thereby creating quicker acceleration for a high performance vehicle.
To better understand the difference between power and acceleration, consider that a Diesel engine can produce a lot of power, but diesel engines are not used for high performance vehicles because they do not create rapid acceleration
Power alone is not enough to achieve superior performance. Power and acceleration are required for faster and quicker vehicle performance.
Ned Erkman
Author of The Read for Speed
Copyright © 2005 The Read For Speed. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without expressed written permission from the author
is strictly prohibited.
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