naz,Apr 17 2005, 11:20 PM Wrote:using slalom mph to say one car handles better than another strikes me as being very similar to the hp/L type arguments that "ricers" use to "prove" that honda engines "oWn aLL"
if i tossed some big fat hoosiers on a camry i think there's a chance it would post a pretty high slalom mph
[right][snapback]102279[/snapback][/right]
Actually, not really. Camry is Japanese for "sedan made from wood" :D
Seriously, body structure, wheelbase, stance, and obviously suspension play major parts in the way a car handles. A properly equipped Focus will always outhandle the majority of its competition because of its native suspension characteristics, center-of-gravity, and weight.
The Focus was designed as a rally car, IIRC. The Camry was designed to go and get groceries. The Civic was designed to be mass-made like sandwich baggies. They all have their calling, and no matter what you do to what car one will always outperform the other. It's the nature of things because not everything is created equal.
A better example of purpose-built automobiles and a more level comparsion is the Camry vs. the Maxima, or even the Altima. I'd put the Altima against the Camry any day of the week, because the Altima would knock its block off. Different cars, different purposes.
It's why a Corvette "only" handles at .97-1.0G stock, but a Focus can get there fairly easily for a lot less of the cost... purpose-built. Corvettes pummel babies, Focuses handle sweetly.