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Choosing a tracking platform: Weight vs track width/wheelbase

Suspension Tuning & Optimization

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Discussion and questions related to the course Suspension Tuning & Optimization

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I have been tracking a BMW 1M for awhile, and recently purchased an F87 BMW M2 Competition. The 1M is a basic clubsport build (suspension, brakes, kinematics, basic lightening) and am thinking of converting it back to OEM, selling it, and tracking the M2 with the same type of build as on the 1M. The M2 is literally a few days new to me.

What platform would you pick to track? My 1M is 1430kg full tank of gas (no driver) while the M2 I think I can get to about 1550kg with the same type of build. The M2 is heavier but with more power and has a wider track width and longer wheelbase.

Which is the better platform under what type of conditions? As in, does it depend on the type of corners, how long the straights are etc? I would say my two local tracks are neither slow nor fast. It's just a mix of 2nd and 3rd gear corners. Out of the ~40 turns between the two tracks there is only one 4th gear corner and you'd have to be very good and the car would have to be very capable.

I also like fast touge driving. If you ever watch any of the Best Motoring videos in Japan from the Drift King, it's like that type of driving on those types of roads. Here's an example of our local touge driving: https://youtu.be/itaSbWyx5GA?si=uCJNUH2lQuRNw02b

It's not really a controlled comparison with only weight, wheelbase, track width changing. The newer BMWs are bigger and heavier, but handle better than older models due to design and technology improvements over time.

The 1M is certainly more unique in its time than the newer cars, and I'm sure you'll have plenty of fun with either one!

Fair enough - thanks for that.

If both cars have the electronics fully turned off, aren't both basically the same as far as suspension design? Front Macpherson, rear multilink and I'm guessing all the relative geometries (camber/toe curves, steering Ackerman, etc) are the same? Hmmm...

The newer M2C def has much more power potential, a much better engine, better cooling for both the engine and the brakes.

So yeah maybe I answered my own question...

Sounds good :)

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