You've caught me in an analytical mood, and on a Friday to boot. Chris, I'm sure that it is measurably higher, but seriously doubt that it is *much* higher. I'd bet that the difference in aerodynamic drag is less than 10%; and aerodynamic drag is only one (admittedly, significant at highway speed) component of total resistance to forward motion. The sunroof design isn't shown on the handy chart that you link to. And Roger, comparing the driving characteristics of three different vans with different roof designs is not a legitimate way to evaluate the roof design. Driver's seat data might be minimally credible if all three roof designs were tested on the same chassis and under reasonable similar conditions. Anything less is simply anecdotal. Heck, I've driven the *same* diesel camper with 2-3 different 1.6D engines, with the exact same transmission and cargo load, that drove *very* differently. -- Michael Snow 1982 Westfalia 1.9TD http://slowmachine82.blogspot.com/
On Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 7:04 PM, Chris S <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote: > The front luggage rack creates a LOT of turbulence and drag. Yes, frontal > area is the same but with the rack the drag is much higher. > > http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/misterpolak/Misc%20VW%20nuttiness/windtests.jpg > |
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