Performance

We already said it, vehicle performance is measured by its acceleration.

Lateral acceleration is often used as a performance «yardstick». For braking, we usually use the «100-0 km/h» distance. For acceleration, we usually use the time from the «¼-mile» or the «0-100 km/h». All of these measurements depends solely on the acceleration capability of the vehicle.

The tire friction coefficient will be the most important factor affecting maximum acceleration in any direction. The stickier, the better.

Once that is set, some basic vehicle dimensions and configurations will limit what you can get out of the tires. No matter what type of suspension, brakes, engine or transmission you will use.

By introducing some aerodynamic downforce (or negative lift), you can extend those limits, even eliminate them.

At high speed, the maximum longitudinal acceleration is usually limited by the amount of power available at the wheels, no matter what type of engine or transmission is used.